Today we’d like to introduce you to Winfield Lentz.
Hi Winfield, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have always enjoyed natural spaces from the verdant Appalachian Mountains to the tropical cenotes of the Caribbean and Mexico. Most of my free time was spent hiking and canoeing areas not accessible by roads. The tranquility afforded by such spaces transcends the spirit and cleanses the soul. When I moved to Florida, I found myself surrounded by a kind of natural beauty so completely unique, I knew I had found my home. Shortly after my relocation, I began creating small outdoor spaces, installing backyard retreats from everyday life. I applied my background in biology to create balanced aquatic ecosystems and learned stonework from a gentleman trained by a legacy of Colonial Williamsburg. I was a guest speaker for the UF/IFAS Master Gardener program on water gardening and aquatic ecosystems. I continued to expand my knowledge into pools taking classes on hydrodynamics and design, incorporating both traditional and natural bio pools (chlorine and salt free). My designs then reached further into outdoor kitchens and larger scale luxury projects. I have had some amazing clients over the years both local and international celebrities, industry leaders, and friends of the environment. I have designed zoo quality sanctuaries, and restoration projects for coastal regions damaged by storms. When I opened Black Banyan Designs, I wanted to take my lifetime of knowledge and give it a “white glove” approach. I work directly with the homeowner to assess their needs and create a natural space that blends with their aesthetic whether it is an Old Florida style cottage or a luxury tropical villa. I have a dedicated team of CAD designers to create accurate, to scale plans, and vibrant 3D walkthroughs to help visualize the space. The designer you work with becomes your project manager, assuring the design is not only completed to plan, but also to spirit. Your designer is always your primary point of contact, directing a carefully curated team of licensed and insured contractors that are top in their craft.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Business is rarely a smooth road, however each challenge affords a chance to learn and become better. When the housing market crashed in 2008 I found my business had existed in too specialized a niche to survive the downturn and closed my doors. I took that time to work and design for others, expanding my knowledge and skills into all aspects of outdoor living, learning what works best and perfecting the art of balancing beauty and practicality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have always been a collector of knowledge and an executor of art, taking what I have learned and sharing with others. In 2025, I was a featured exhibitor at the Creative Bonsai Exhibit during the Bonsai Societies of Florida Convention, where my living sculpture explored traditional kotoba asobi through form and texture. My work was later featured in the book Creative Bonsai Exhibit: The Bonsai Societies of Florida 2025 Art Installation. I am also internationally recognized for my research and reconstructions of natural plant dyes used in 13th–16th century textiles. My research has been featured in lecture and conservation studies at the university level, where my expertise in historical botanical processes continues to inform both academic and artistic communities. I have presented for the UF/IFAS Extension Program, offering insights into water features and their biological systems, with a focus on ecological balance and sustainability. I have been a guest speaker for the American Culinary Federation, addressing food allergies and sensitivities, a topic close to my heart from my years in the culinary field. I have also collaborated with local cardiologists to develop a third party tested and verified heart-healthy “Jump Start” menu, combining nutrition science with flavorful, accessible meals. I have performed in some of Europe’s most iconic sacred spaces, including Notre-Dame de Paris, bringing my love of music to awe-inspiring venues. My original origami has been exhibited in Japan, reflecting my lifelong passion for precision, form, and storytelling through structure. My costume designs have also appeared on national television, featured on America’s Got Talent, showcasing my flair for theatrical expression and visual impact.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am a firm believer that if someone tells you that they are the best at everything, they probably are not good at anything. I have spent many years developing a diverse skill set, making sure I understand the basics of so I can properly communicate thoughts and ideas. In my business, I select contractors that are the best at what they do, and rely on their years of experience to execute my vision.
This collaborative spirit extends to the homeowner as well. The initial consultation is a chance to get to know the homeowner as well as the space to be designed. All of my clients have homework for their project. Though I can get a good feeling of their aesthetic by their furnishings and home decor, I always ask for an inspiration photo, something they saw on vacation, or even simply something that they would not want within 1 mile of their space. Some homeowners know exactly what they want, but their photo choice helps me know what they are looking for, even if they are not sure themselves. When the final design is presented, it is an optimal blending of the homeowner’s spirit, practical budget, and buildable design.
Pricing:
- Curb Appeal Updates From $10,000
- Full Home Landscaping From $50,000
- Luxury Pools From $150,000
- Resort Style Outdoor Living From $250,000
- Immersive 3D Designs From $4,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackbanyan.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackbanyandesigns
