Southwest Austin firm works to transform plants into living walls, gifts, works of art

She grew up in Northern California where she and her family went on camping trips, and she grew to love nature. She moved to Austin as a teenager and worked for area botanical design firms before deciding it was finally time to launch her own venture, she said. Capanelli started Articulture in her home in 2009, creating designs that incorporated succulents, air plants, cacti and flowers.

“My creativity and love for nature came together,” she said.

Designs start at $15 for small arrangements. Articulture also offers decor for events such as weddings. The business offers delivery all over Austin as well as shipping to clients throughout the U.S., she said.

“Plant lovers are attracted to our approach, but I think [our customer is] anyone who wants something different and something maybe a little fun and whimsical,” she said.

Sometime in 2017, Capanelli hopes to offer movie nights and a supper club in the garden behind the Articulture studio, she said.

The business also aims to expand in the future, she said, adding she is looking toward Central Austin for a potential second boutique location.

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[caption id="attachment_185329" align="alignright" width="220"] One of Capanelli’s specialties is living walls, which are large-scale installations of plants that cover a wall and give the appearance of it being alive.[/caption]

Living walls

One of Capanelli’s specialties is living walls, which are large-scale installations of plants that cover a wall and give the appearance of it being alive.

Articulture’s living walls and other installations can be found throughout the city of Austin, such as at the moss wall at the Whole Foods Market location in The Domain. Articulture can give instructions on how to care for the plants or have staff service the works.

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Keeping it green

The Manchaca boutique is energy-efficient and currently collects 1,500 gallons of rainwater that is used for upkeep of plants, principal and design director Monique Capanelli said. The company is planning to expand that to 5,000 gallons and add solar panels in 2017.

Articulture is also a zero-waste facility, which means in everyday operations as well as events, it must reuse, recycle and compost 100 percent of waste produced.

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Events and classes

Articulture Designs hosts classes, such as yoga, and rents the venue out for parties and events, including weddings.

• Oct. 15: Craft Cocktails in the Garden: Attendees can learn about fine spirits, craft cocktails, local plants and creative mixology from food and drink expert Claudia Alarcon. 4:30-6:30 p.m. $35
• Oct. 20: Plant a Pumpkin: Visitors can create a twist on Halloween decorations with a one-of-a-kind pumpkin planter. Materials, refreshment and design and technique guidance are included. 7-8:30 p.m. $65
• Nov. 19: Make a Mini Living Wall: Class participants make miniature living walls featuring a variety of plants. 3:30 p.m. $55 and up