Originally from Thailand, Pradit Kan studied floral design in the US, Bankok, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong before taking ownership of and existing Capitol Hill shop and re-christening it Kan Flowers and Orchids ten months ago. The shop, on 12th and Union, specializes in potted orchids and flower arrangements. CHS stopped by to speak with him about his lifelong fascination with flowers (even those found in QFC floral departments) the unique appeal of orchids, and his favorite Capitol Hill restaurants. Pradit offered a look at the neighborhood through the aesthetic lens of a floral designer.

Have your designs changed since moving to Capitol Hill?

Yes, definitely. My signature style is contemporary and modern. It’s perfect for this neighborhood, which is very young, fresh, urban and middle-class. I’d say my floral designs have been influenced by this lifestyle.

Which neighborhood businesses have you received orders from so far? An orchid would look striking on the bar at Pony.

We get orders from all over town—customers can call or walk in. There are a lot of walk-ins from Capitol Hill, mostly people buying flowers as gifts.

Do you recall particular experiences from your childhood in Thailand that spurred your interest in flowers?

Wild orchids grew in the trees everywhere. They were so beautiful and unique. They were so many different textures and colors—there was always something new to look at.

Do you wince when you see tacky flower arrangements in the floral departments of grocery stores? Like those food dye-colored flowers that look like Lisa Frank stickers?

I love flowers, no matter what, though I wish grocery store designs could be more modern and diverse. Grocery stores provide something convenient that anyone can afford, and that doesn’t bother me at all. People should do something good for themselves.

Why do you think people are so captivated by orchids?

They are exotic and unusual. There are more than 25 species, some of which are rare. They are all different colors and some of them smell really good.  Also they can bloom for over a month, the plants live a long time, and anyone can afford one. Orchids are delicate, sophisticated flowers, not like tulips. Although in my country, tulips are more valuable than orchids. People like what they can’t have.

Are there flowers you would never include in a display, such as the 20 foot high, meat-scented “rotting corpse plant?”

I don’t think so—there are some flowers that stink, but I like them all, in different ways. I use beautiful flowers of excellent quality that go with my aesthetic. I guess you won’t see any chrysanthemums. I just want people to see the variety of flowers available—I love them all.

As someone who has spent a long time developing a unique aesthetic, are there places in the neighborhood you find especially visually interesting?

I like to look at window displays in clothing stores, to see the clothing displayed neatly. Also there are so many great restaurants here, like Barrio and La Spiga. I like the cartoons in the windows of Cupcake Royale—they’re cute and fun. I like Trace Lofts. I love clean, contemporary architecture.

What are your plans for Kan over the next year?

We’re trying to advertise more. Our entrance is set back from the street, so we’re going to get a new sign to encourage more walk-ins. We’re also going to get a cooler for the flower arrangements.