Jennifer Butler Interior Design in the Making

Through the years, Jennifer Butler Interior Design has matured from concept to respected designer.  For a glimpse into our past, and our ongoing story as we venture forward, we invite you to celebrate with us by reflecting on our successes and cheering us onward.

BUILDING FOUNDATIONS | 1993-2002

1993 The College Years: Jennifer graduates from Kendall College of Art & Design. Post-graduate, entry-level work aids Jennifer in finding her area of interest, passion and talent. 

1994 Early Foundations in France: Jennifer spends a year in Tours, France working for design agency, RCP Global. With this internship, she graduates from Grand Valley State University. RCP principal and highly respected, Regine Charvet-Pello, models for and teaches Jennifer about the ethic of reciprocity.  This golden rule, that people are people and all ought be treated considerately regardless of heritage and circumstances, influences Jennifer and the foundations and values fundamental in building her career.

Skiing in the French Pyrenees with friends from the University of Pottiers. (1994)

1996 Exploratory Period: Back in the mitten state, Jennifer enjoys a markedly varied and demanding work experience.  Jennifer begins in a commercial setting designing and managing projects from churches to schools.  Moving onward, Jennifer excels in high-end residential interior architecture and design. Adding to her mix of design experience, resulting in a highly creative period for Jennifer, she begins conducting presentations, dabbling in graphic design, signage design, architectural layouts, exterior facades, and more! Jennifer spends these exploratory years learning what she didn't know and putting them into practice.

BRIGHT BEGINNINGS | 2003 - 2007

2003 Jennifer Butler Interior Design Opens for Business: With encouragement from her colleagues, and with her broad and collective experience, Jennifer naturally and confidently decided to start her own interior design business. From her modest beginnings, Jennifer quickly launched into overtime working on a couple major gut and remodel residential projects in Harbor Springs. In her early work, she began building valuable relationships with clients, builders, architects and engineers that Jennifer still enjoys working with ten years later. 

Harbor Springs, Michigan - Vanity at Residence (2004, left) - Corridor at Cottage (2004, right)

2006 Strong Starts: Word quickly spread and Jennifer Butler Interior Design found a solid niche designing both residential and commercial interiors in the greater Grand Rapids area. Jennifer also broadened her reach working out of state in New Mexico for an educational fitness center in Rehoboth with AMDG Architects and Rockford Construction. 

Grand Rapids Residence - Spring Parade of Homes (2006, left) Rehoboth Christian School - Rehoboth, New Mexico (2007, right)

DEEPENING ROOTS | 2008 - 2012

2008 Positive Change: Following a robust beginning, Jennifer Butler Interior Design found opportunity to diversify by engaging in a range of project types and sizes.  By spreading her reach, Jennifer was able to create balance and consistancy in an evolving marketplace. At this time, Jennifer sets up shop at The Home Studio in Cascade where she begins designing interiors in several commercial, educational and wellness environments across the country. This period for Jennifer is also highlighted by her growing family with the joy of the birth of dear daughter, Reese.

Pentwater Cottage - Pentwater, Michigan (2008)

2009 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design: This year, as the United Nations recognizes Grand Rapids as the first city in the U.S. as a Regional Centre for Sustainable Development, Jennifer earns her designation as a LEED Accredited Professional. This credential denotes Jennifer's intentional commitment and expertise in designing environmentally responsible environments.

2010 Establishing Home: Jennifer, with her husband, Todd, and toddler, Reese, plant roots in their new home in Cascade. Jennifer Butler Interior Design moves from The Home Studio to Jennifer's Cascade office.

Grand Rapids Public School Creston Student Cafe - Grand Rapids, Michigan (2011)

FACING FORWARD | 2013 - 

2013 Building the JBID Family: Steady business gradually picks up, resulting in Jennifer Butler Interior Design's growing family.  Amy Vande Streek joined Jennifer at the end of 2012, followed by Heather Lingbeek in winter 2013, and filling out with Chelsea Stafford that fall for JBID's largest team yet! Jennifer's love for building relationships along with her joy of partnering and coaching combine for a vibrant and collaborative team of talented designers. Naturally, the office undergoes minor renovations and updating to accomodate our new family!

Jennifer (right) and Amy (left) at NeoCon - Chicago, Illinois (2012)