Meet Jennifer Gardner

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer Gardner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer below.

Jennifer , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I began my professional journey in early childhood education, where I discovered a surprising passion—not just for teaching, but for transforming the classroom environment. I loved rearranging the space to create flexible, engaging settings that supported how children learn and grow. That experience sparked something in me: a fascination with how the built environment can shape our behavior and well-being.

When it came time for graduate school, a friend casually suggested I explore design school. One campus visit later, I was completely hooked. I knew interior design was my next chapter. The creative spark, the problem-solving, the ability to improve people’s lives through space—it all clicked. I loved every minute of design school, and that love has only deepened throughout my career.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At its core, my work is about transformation—not just of spaces, but of how people feel in their homes. I’m an interior designer with over two decades of experience helping homeowners navigate the wild, wonderful world of renovations. Through my firm, Jennifer Gardner Design, I work closely with clients to turn overwhelming home projects into organized, beautiful realities. My work goes far beyond surface-level style (though yes, I love a good throw pillow)—it’s about crafting environments that support real life, real families, and real joy.

What lights me up the most? It’s that “a-ha” moment when a client walks into their newly renovated space and feels seen, heard, and at home. That magic happens when design is rooted in both empathy and expertise, and that’s what I bring to every project.

Beyond full-service design, I also run Renovation Blueprint—my online platform that teaches homeowners how to plan, organize, and manage their own renovation projects. It’s renovation education with a side of encouragement (and just the right amount of tough love when needed). I created it because not everyone can hire a full-service designer, but everyone deserves to feel confident and in control of their renovation journey.

And yes—there are some exciting things cooking! I’m launching a new online course designed to walk homeowners through every stage of a renovation, from dreaming to demo to the final “ta-da.” There’ll be video lessons, planning tools, live coaching, and an amazing community to cheer you on. Whether you’re tackling a kitchen update or a full home overhaul, this course is designed to be your renovation GPS.

At the end of the day, my goal is to take the overwhelm out of home renovation and replace it with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a little fun. Because if you’re not laughing at least once during a reno, are you even renovating?

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, there are three key pillars that have shaped my journey as both a designer and a business owner: strong communication, building trusted partnerships with trade experts and vendors, and creating streamlined systems that keep projects running like a well-oiled (and beautifully designed) machine.

First up: communication. Whether I’m walking a client through their kitchen layout or coordinating timelines with contractors, clear and empathetic communication is everything. It builds trust, prevents misunderstandings, and keeps the project moving forward. For anyone starting out, I’d say this: practice listening as much as you speak. Learn to translate design ideas into language your client understands, and don’t shy away from honest conversations—especially when things go sideways (because in renovation, they will occasionally go sideways).

Second: lean on your experts. You don’t need to know how to plumb a sink or fabricate cabinetry—but you do need to know who does, and how to collaborate with them respectfully. Some of my best project outcomes have come from listening to a seasoned contractor’s perspective or working closely with a vendor to customize a solution. Surround yourself with a team you trust, and treat them like gold. Good relationships in this industry are worth their weight in marble countertops.

And finally: systems are your secret weapon. Gorgeous design means nothing if your process is chaos. From initial consultations to install day, having clear systems and workflows makes the experience better for everyone—your clients, your team, and most importantly, you. Take the time to build templates, checklists, timelines, and tools that you can rely on. It may feel tedious at first, but it will save your sanity (and your margins) down the road.

If you’re early in your journey, my advice is to treat each project as both a creative endeavor and a business opportunity. Keep refining your skills, yes—but also build your support network, get organized, and never underestimate the power of a well-worded email.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we are always eager to connect with homeowners who are preparing to embark on a renovation journey. At Jennifer Gardner Design, our mission is to empower homeowners with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to successfully plan, organize, and manage their renovation projects—whether they’re working with a full design team or taking the lead themselves.

If you’re in the early stages of your renovation, or even just thinking about what’s next for your home, I invite you to visit our website and explore the Renovation Blueprint blog. There, we share expert advice, step-by-step planning resources, and guidance designed to help you navigate your project with clarity and ease.

You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know when we launch new online courses, release free downloadable resources, and share timely renovation tips. It’s a great way to stay informed and inspired throughout your renovation process—and beyond.

To learn more and get started, visit https://www.jennifergardnerdesign.com/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jennifergardnerdesign.com/
• Instagram: jennifergardnerdesign
• Other: Our second instagram launches next week!

  renovationblueprint

  Houzz:
  https://www.houzz.com/pro/jgardnerdesign/jennifer-gardner-design

Image Credits

Emily Keeney
Alex Crook
Shelly Borga