Virginia State Chapter

2020-2021 New Officer Introduction

1768 days ago
Sarah Pierce

As we start the 2020 - 2021 term, we would like to welcome our new chapter officers! 

President - Ebony Stephenson, CAPS

Ebony is a nationally recognized and award-winning Kitchen and Bath Designer.  She is the owner of Designs by Ebony (DBE) in Newport News, VA where she specializes in residential remodeling and drafting in the Hampton Roads area. Stephenson is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and an alumni of Virginia Tech.

Ebony has received many national awards and recognition including:

  • National Kitchen and Bath Association 30 Under 30
  • Professional Remodeler 40 Under 40
  • Kitchen and Bath Design News Top 50 Innovator
  • NKBA 30 Under 30 Mentor
  • K+BB Magazine Editorial Advisory Board Member
  • Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine Webinar Panelist (Aging in Place)
  • Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine (KBB Collective) Contributing Writer
  • Virginia Tech Residential Environments and Design Industry Board Member

Membership Chair - Jennifer Duncan, CKD

Jennifer is the lead designer and founder of Virginia Design Group. She has been a Certified Kitchen Designer since 2006. She enjoys the intricacies of kitchen and bath design and how each project is unique.  She has held numerous positions on the NKBAVA State Board including Academic Relations, Programs, President, and Membership Chair.

After working in interior design and renovation design for almost 20 years, Jennifer ventured out to work independantly under the business name of Jennifer Duncan CKD LLC.  The company quickly grew and Jennifer needed assistance, so she decided to bring on a talented staff of designers, carpenters, and support management which began opperating as Virginia Design Group in 2020.  As the group expands into interior design, floral design, architectural design, and beyond, Jennifer plans for Virginia Design Group to become "The Source for All Thing Design".

When she is not designing, you’ll find Jennifer hiking in the mountains, going on winery tours, kayaking, gardening or spending time with her two dogs.

Communications Chair - Sarah Pierce, AKBD

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Residential Environments and Design from the NKBA-accredited program at Virginia Tech, earned an AKBD certification in 2017 and is currently pursuing CKBD certification. She has also been recognized as part of the NKBA's Thirty Under 30, Class of 2020.

Sarah joined the award-winning design/build firm, Lane Homes and Remodeling, in 2018 as a draftsperson and designer. She is proficient in both Chief Architect Design and 2020 Design, allowing her to help clients visualize their dream home. She excels in making photorealistic renderings that can be used in virtual reality headsets so the clients can envision what it will be like to stand in their new space.

In addition to her NKBA membership, she is a member of the Richmond Women in Design chapter of the AIA. When she’s not busy designing dreams, she’s helping them come true through volunteer work with the local chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Programs Chair - Clare Yeadon, AKBD

Clare grew up in Central Florida, and began work in the industry in 1986 with her father, an architect and builder of custom homes.  He taught her to revere the art of design for human flourishing, while instilling a strong, entrepreneurial work ethic of service to others. From the time she was 14 years old, they would walk through new homes in all stages of the build process. Each new home and each individual client offering new insights, and fascinating challenges.

With a network of support from industry pros, her team launched Designs By Clare, Inc. in 2019. Her mission is to teach keen awareness of design principles, a fundamental focus on spatial functions & room requirements, and superior attention to the needs of each individual.

Clare is also a practicing E-RYT yoga instructor and practitioner of meditation. She incorporates balance and simplicity into every day of life, and into every design.

She lives in Midlothian with her partner and two dogs they collectively call 'the kids'. With two amazing children grown up and attending college (each studying a variation of design for their chosen careers).