City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Designing Spaces That Inspire

Richmond's Virginia Design Group Elevates Your Space with Timeless Designs

Jennifer Duncan's journey to becoming a successful interior renovation designer was not a straightforward one. Initially, she had dreams of studying political science and working in government. However, while working at a gift store with a design studio, she discovered her natural talent for colors and patterns. The designers in the studio recognized her expertise, and over time, Jennifer started spending more and more time in the design studio. Before she knew it, she had spent twelve years working in a field she had never imagined herself to be in.

Jennifer stumbled upon her passion for interior design "quite by accident," but since then, she has become highly successful, holding a Certified Kitchen Designer (CKD) designation from the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). In 2018, she started Virginia Design Group while still working for another company. Starting her own business was a challenging task, but Jennifer was determined to make it a success. Virginia Design Group’s ultimate goal is to exceed clients’ expectations by providing final projects that are above and beyond what they hoped for. 

As the founder of VDG, Jennifer excels at planning everything out and ensuring her design plan will work by getting the approval of her skilled team. But it is project coordinator Maria Herber who comes in and makes it all happen. Maria is responsible for ordering all the materials and scheduling everything so their team of licensed, skilled tradesmen can go in and do the rest. Jennifer strives to have all the selections finalized before projects go under contract so homeowners don't have to worry about things like picking out light fixtures the day before they are installed. The more her team can plan in advance the project, the smoother the installation process is for the client.

While VDG specializes in renovating kitchens and bathrooms, they also redesign functional spaces like closets, mudrooms, and home offices. They work closely with their clients to understand their unique needs and create usable spaces that adapt to their changing lifestyles. Jennifer believes that educating her customers about fair pricing, the consequences of cutting corners, and the value of renovating with long-lasting materials is important. By providing her expertise, Jennifer fills the gap where most renovation companies do not offer such services for outside contractors.

In addition to her valued clients, Jennifer is committed to supporting the design community. She has served as a Virginia State and National Board of Directors board member for NKBA. Most recently, she has served and continues to serve on the Central Virginia PRO (Professional Remodelers Organization) board and the Executive Leadership Board of PRO Inc. "I named [my company] Virginia Design Group because I intend to bring all different types of designers together," Jennifer says. "The long-term goal is to have a community of artists and design professionals who can cover the gamut of design services."

VDG has been the proud recipient of the Contractor of the Year award every year since 2014, except for 2020, when the pandemic posed significant challenges. Constantly looking for new and innovative ways to solve functional issues, VDG is a company you can trust to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need a small remodeling job or a large-scale renovation project, they have the experience and proficiency to get the job done right.

To learn more about Jennifer Duncan and Virginia Design Group, you can visit: vadesign.group

"I named [my company] Virginia Design Group because I intend to bring all different types of designers together. The long-term goal is to have a community of artists and design professionals who can cover the gamut of design services." - Jennifer Duncan

"Jennifer believes that educating her customers about fair pricing, the consequences of cutting corners, and the value of renovating with long-lasting materials is important."

Businesses featured in this article