James’s professional career in floral, interior plant, and landscape design began in Palm Beach, Florida. James began work at age twenty with an interior plant maintenance and design firm, quickly building a dedicated clientele base. Eager to broaden his horizons in the landscape design and installation field, James started J.McBride Landscape Design in 1990, serving country club residents and coastal estates for twelve years. James’s next venture brought him to the Atlanta, Georgia area in 2003 where he teamed up with a business partner to open Botanical Compositions at Lake Oconee. Here James focused on high-end floral and interior design, container and specialty gardens, imported antiques from France, and custom lighting created by a local Atlanta artist. The business and its owners gained wide recognition for their work: James was published in Veranda Magazine in 2005 and in Southern Distinction and Southern Living in 2006.

James finally made his way back to the Northeast in 2006, first landing in Camden, Maine. But James soon fell in love with Portland, and moved to the city in late 2007, ready to take on his next great venture.

James and his business partner opened Compositions in Spring 2009 as a European-style florist and home accents store. Fueled by James’s decades of experience and stunning floral designs, the shop flourished as the city embraced James’s broad range of designs including traditional, European, and simple elegance. Compositions quickly became sought-after for weddings in the greater Portland area and in several large metro areas across the country. James is dedicated to his clientele of local residents, and works to give back to the community by donating his time and talent to local charities, events, inns, and magazines.

Compositions is a beautiful design studio and gallery that features floral compositions, jewelry, gifts, and installations. The shop is filled with the warmth and sophistication of our experienced and knowledgeable designers ready to help you translate your vision into elegant floral designs and décor. Our urban and upscale location on Free Street in historic downtown Portland, Maine showcases the highest quality, freshest flowers for our signature arrangements, while our striking selection of custom jewelry and accessory designs complements our shop’s focus on the inspirational beauty of nature.

Combining floral expertise, jewelry design, and home accents with a staff of passionate and talented professionals, Compositions offers one-stop shopping for any occasion.

Biography of:
James McBride
Floral Designer

Compositions Floral Designer James McBride has distinguished himself through his extensive experience and his sensitivity to design and aesthetic. From everyday elegance to unforgettable events, James’s designs have garnered Compositions praise in Portland and beyond as he shares his passion and skill with his clientele.

Raised in a small farm community in upstate New York, James’s appreciation of the beauty of nature began at an early age. James quickly discovered his natural talent for landscape and floral design, gathering plant material from local fields to make floral arrangements for his mother and tending to the many gardens around his home.