3 min read
Design is in Jennifer Hunter’s DNA. What begins as a hobby for most started as a birthright for her, growing up on jobsites and learning from her grandfather, a prominent builder in Washington, D.C. Weekend mornings were spent wandering through half-finished homes and absorbing the quiet rhythm of construction. “I lived for those Sundays,” she says. “I often say I fell in love with interior design by osmosis.”
It was there, among studs, blueprints, and her grandfather’s quiet tutelage, that the first seeds of Hunter’s design sensibility were planted. While the stage was certainly set for her future career, the defining moment for Hunter began with a chance encounter with the iconic Albert Hadley while she was in middle school.
Full of the kind of gumption and fearlessness that only adolescents have—and enamored with what she calls Hadley’s “quiet authority”—Hunter sketched a piece of furniture on a napkin before passing it off to Hadley. To her surprise, he loved it—so much so that the piece was eventually produced by Schneller. “That was the spark for me,” she says. “Where I understood that design could start as an idea and then become something real.”
That kismet encounter fueled her first through architecture school at The University of Texas at Austin, then in summer internships with Hadley, and later, a master’s degree in American fine and decorative art from Sotheby's Institute of Art—a move she calls the “missing tool in my toolbox.”
After a meaningful stint under Harry Heissmann (another Hadley protégé), Hunter ventured out on her own, founding her New York City-based firm, Jennifer Hunter Design, in 2019 with a traditional yet modern point of view and appreciation for trust. “It was my clients who took the earliest and most meaningful chance on me,” she adds. “Before there was a large portfolio or a long track record, there were individuals and families who trusted my vision and allowed me to shape their homes in deeply personal ways. That kind of trust is everything in this field. Their belief in me created the momentum that allowed my business to grow, and I am forever grateful.”
Get to Know Jennifer
House Beautiful: What materials, palettes, or details are you drawn to again and again?
Jennifer Hunter: I’m consistently drawn to traditional materials, vibrant palettes, and layered patterns. I love the warmth and timelessness of classic woods and fabrics, unexpected color combinations, and the personality that layered patterns bring to a space. Together, they create interiors that feel both traditional and fresh.
HB: What’s one setback that ultimately made your work stronger?
JH: One of the most important lessons came from realizing that not every project (or client) is the right fit. Early on, it was hard to turn anything away—I felt I needed to prove myself, say yes to every opportunity, and please every client. Over time, I learned that alignment matters. When the vision, values, and level of trust aren’t fully shared, the process can become strained, and the work inevitably reflects that.
HB: What do you think the industry gets wrong about “good design”?
JH: I think the industry sometimes misses that “good design” isn’t just about chasing trends, it’s about understanding the rules first. True design mastery comes from knowing the fundamentals of scale and proportion so that when you bend or reinterpret them, it feels intentional and effortless rather than arbitrary.
HB: What do clients hire you for that they can’t get anywhere else?
JH: Clients hire me for my attention to detail, not just in the design itself, but in every layer behind the scenes. From curated interiors to the organization, communication, and systems that run my office, I ensure that every element is thoughtful and intentional. That level of care, both front and back of house, is what sets my work apart.
HB: What does “home” mean in 2026?
JH: In 2026, “home” means a deeply personal space that reflects individuality. It’s a place where every detail tells a story about who you are and how you live. Homes are becoming more than just functional spaces, and the best ones feel unique, layered, and intentional, celebrating the personality of the people who inhabit them.
