Team work makes the dream work. John C. Maxwell
Denise Bouknight, Owner & Designer
Denise brings creativity and passion for her work with experience in the floral and holiday industry with over 35 years in the business. She has earned numerous awards, including "Best Project" for Interior Plantscape Magazine. In 2011, Denise made the move to open her own company, By Design, starting in the basement of her home in Lexington. Since then, By Design has grown and served clients all over the southeast. She is inspired by nature, color, and her walk with the Lord.
If you can't find her at the design table or behind her computer, she's probably cooking up recipes, playing with her granddaughters, or shark tooth hunting on the beach with her husband of 37 years!
Gayle Crapps, Designer & Operations Manager
Gayle has worked with Denise for over 20 years, bringing a strong work ethic and positive morale. After working with local floral and craft companies during college, Gayle opened her own business, Wedding Works, in Leesville, SC. In 1999, Gayle was presented the opportunity to work in the commercial holiday industry with Denise. They have been a great team ever since! Gayle accredits By Design's successfulness to the collaboration and relationships built within the team.
With teenage boys, she is always on the go! Fishing, hunting and camping with her husband and three boys are her favorite family pastimes. During her down time, Gayle sews, cross-stitches, and scrapbooks.
Madison Wagner, Wedding & Event Manager/Designer
Madison brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a wealth of energy to By Design and is excited to work with our brides! Madison graduated from USC and married her handsome hubby, Charles, in 2012. She is slightly obsessed with weddings and flowers and will live vicariously through each wedding she helps plan. She often gives flowers personalities, and appreciates the uniqueness of God's creations. She loves to meet new people and be surrounded by florals, but her favorite aspect of the job is learning from her mom, Denise.
In Madison's spare time she likes exploring the streets of NYC, wandering in the yard with her girls to forage treasures, trying new cheese varieties during jazz nights in the kitchen ,and hosting her family and friends with her husband and daughters.
Jennifer Plourde, Sales & Design Consultant/Designer
Jennifer has worked in the interior foliage and holiday design industry for over 25 years, with 30 years in sales. She is a recipient of numerous “Best Project” awards from Interiorscape Magazine & I-Plant for interior plantscape and holiday décor designs. Her designs have been nationally recognized and has been featured in industry magazines and manufacturer's advertisements. Jennifer has a degree from Clemson University and is currently elected as a community board member for East Link Academy, a local Chinese Immersion charter school. She serves on an advisory council for a national women's clothing store. Jennifer has volunteered her time with local PTSAs in fundraising roles and served four years as the chapter administrator of IFMA. Her favorite mantra is, "There's never a traffic jam on the extra mile!"
Jennifer is married to her college sweetheart and has two daughters attending Clemson University. She enjoys planning for and traveling to foreign destinations with her family. As a family they have traveled to six of the continents, and Jennifer has circumnavigated the world!
With over 30 years of senior-level business experience, Lisa is excited to bring a new perspective to a truly customer focused business. Since retiring in 2017 she has been fully immersed in commercial floral design. She is passionate about beginning with the concepts and bringing that vision to fruition. Lisa is enthusiastic about working with expert designers and has found this “joy job” to be fulfilling and exciting.
In her free time, Lisa enjoys cycling with her husband, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and working on her latest creative project. Lisa is passionately active in the women’s ministry at her church and looks forward to the journey ahead!
Lisa Rivers, Sales & Design Consultant/Designer
Michelle Miller, Wedding & Events Coordinator/Designer
Michelle joined our team as a wedding and event coordinator. She has a certificate in event planning alongside career experience in catering, nonprofit event planning, and working in the art department for film and video production. Michelle always brings her attention to detail and creative passion to the table and enjoys the creative process.
When she is not dreaming up and designing events, she enjoys time with her two beautiful daughters and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and volunteering with local nonprofits.
April comes to the design table with a great eye for detail as well as a talent for making visions a reality. She is inspired by vibrant color especially her favorite color, purple. April loves camping with her two Calebs and renovating her vintage dollhouse. She has a great sense of humor and is always ready to share a laugh. Her stories of Henry, the Light Sussux rooster, and Briggs, the 25lb bunny, will keep you entertained for hours!
April Fulwood, Wedding & Events Coordinator/Designer
Katie Norman, Administrative Assistant, PA, & Designer
Katie joined the By Design team because of her deep love for Christmas. She is always excited to talk about Christmas...even in July! When she is not dreaming about a wintry wonderland, she is ready to celebrate and serve each bride to make their dream day come to life. Katie is devoted to her faith and family. She loves chasing adventures and making new traditions with her husband and three kids.
Scrooge, Mascot & Christmas Fanatic
Scrooge joined the By Design team by surprise! He is native to Greenville, and he has quickly nestled into the team's hearts. Scrooge has been elected as the 'Best Dressed' in the office since 2019 due to his dapper bow-ties. His favorite hobbies are fine dining and ride alongs. It is his personal goal to travel throughout the state spreading holiday cheer. Keep an eye out for him! Snap a selfie and tag him on Instagram if you see him!
By Design is certified with the Department of Transportation Disadvantage Business Enterprise, as well as the South Carolina Minority Enterprise.