Haruko Takeichi is an interior designer in Southern California, originally from Japan. After graduating from an all-female arts college, she moved to the U.S. upon marriage in 1968. In 1980, she entered the Sogetsu school of ikebana under Okinaka Synyo. Takeichi received the first-degree grandmaster qualification for the Sogetsu style in 1989 and began teaching in Santa Ana and Los Angeles. In 2007, she received the Special Award for Overseas Instructor from Sogetsu headquarters. She holds the highest rank of "Rigi" in ikebana. Takeichi currently also works as an interior designer. As a member of the Sogetsu Los Angeles Branch, she participated in the Living Flowers: Ikebana and Contemporary Art exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles from June 15 through September 7, 2008. This collection features various past arrangements by Haruko Takeichi. To learn more about Takeichi, please read the interview available in both English and Japanese: >> No art form is more creative than Sōgetsu