About the Company
At Black Banyan Designs, our mission is to create immersive outdoor environments that honor the rhythms of nature and the stories of those who inhabit them. We blend artistry, ecology, and craftsmanship to design spaces that are not only beautiful, but alive. Inspired by the banyan tree’s symbolism of connection and rootedness, Winfield leads a team of licensed professionals who specialize in:
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Custom water features with integrated biological systems
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High-end outdoor living spaces tailored to Florida’s climate
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Immersive 3D design renderings for visualizing the final experience
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Sustainable, Florida-friendly landscaping that honors native ecosystems
Each project is a collaboration between client, environment, and imagination.
About the Owner
Winfield Lentz is the founder and creative director of Black Banyan Designs, a Fort Myers-based studio dedicated to crafting immersive outdoor living environments. With over three decades of experience in landscape design, culinary arts, and botanical craftsmanship, Winfield brings a rare fusion of disciplines to every project transforming outdoor spaces into soulful, story-rich sanctuaries.
From sculptural koi ponds and biologically integrated water features to bespoke patios and native plant installations, Winfield’s work is rooted in a philosophy of harmony between nature, structure, and the human spirit.
In 2025, Winfield was a featured exhibitor at the Creative Bonsai Exhibit during the Bonsai Societies of Florida Convention, where his living sculpture explored traditional kotoba asobi through form and texture. His work was later featured in the book Creative Bonsai Exhibit: The Bonsai Societies of Florida 2025 Art Installation.
He is also internationally recognized for his research and reconstructions of natural plant dyes used in 13th–16th century textiles. His work has been featured in lecture and conservation studies at the university level, where his expertise in historical botanical processes continues to inform both academic and artistic communities.
Winfield is a respected speaker and educator. He has presented for the UF/IFAS Extension Program, offering insights into water features and their biological systems, with a focus on ecological balance and sustainability. He has been a guest speaker for the American Culinary Federation, addressing food allergies and sensitivities, a topic close to his heart from his years in the culinary field. He 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.
His creative work has been featured in print and online with the News-Press highlighting his culinary philosophy and approach. As a trained vocalist, Winfield has performed in some of Europe’s most iconic sacred spaces, including Notre-Dame de Paris, bringing his love of music to awe-inspiring venues. His original origami has been exhibited in Japan, reflecting his lifelong passion for precision, form, and storytelling through structure. His costume designs have also appeared on national television, featured on America’s Got Talent, showcasing his flair for theatrical expression and visual impact.
