Every other year, a Richmond home is transformed into a showcase of creativity, where talented designers reimagine each room with their unique vision. Like a symphony, every space contributes its own distinct note, coming together to create a harmonious whole.
Running from April 14 to May 10, the 2026 Richmond Symphony League Designer Show House continued this tradition while celebrating its 20-year milestone.
Established in 1984, the biennial event reflects the shared artistry at the heart of both design and music. The Show House directly sustains Richmond Symphony League’s work in supporting the Richmond Symphony through fundraising, education, community involvement and volunteer-sourcing — ensuring the organization can continue to nurture musicians and inspire the community through the power of music.
A local showcase
Finding the house is always the first challenging step.
This year, the chosen property was Foundry Manor, a 1987-built, custom-designed home overlooking the James River in Richmond’s historic Bellona Arsenal neighborhood.
With 8,000 total square feet, five bedrooms, six bathrooms, outdoor patio spaces and 25 acres of land, the home offered the perfect canvas for 26 Virginia interior and exterior design professionals. Each designer had one month to transform their space.
“We have nationally known designers right here in Richmond, and we’re lucky that those people come and donate their time and energy to us,” said Jill Hoover, designer show house chair.
In addition to the designer’s time, the show house relies on thousands of RSL volunteer hours.
“I was there almost every day,” Hoover said. “It was like a full-time job.”
While a tremendous amount of work goes into bringing the Show House to life, the platform it provides for the Richmond Symphony League, local designers, artists and small businesses makes it all worthwhile.
“Not only is it good for the symphony, but it’s also really great for the design community,” said Allene Cahill, designer liaison chair. “It spotlights what’s great about Richmond in more than one way.”
Credit: Allyse Pulliam, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Businesses like Crossroads Art Center and Bond Millen Gallery collaborated with designers and showcased pieces of local artists’ work in the home, expanding the exposure this event creates for the community.
Proceeds are still being calculated, but the house attracted approximately 6,000 to 8,000 attendees over the four-week event, consistent with previous years. The last designer show house raised a record-breaking $350,000.
An immersive experience for the community
Attendees left feeling inspired and more open to the possibilities of design. Designers typically were in attendance, offering a chance to discuss the space and learn more about the designer’s intent and story.
Unlike a client project, how the space is transformed is left entirely to the designer — providing an opportunity to show off their creativity and expertise to a wide swath of the community.
“I’ve had designers tell me that they got business,” Cahill said. “People come up to them and say, ‘Listen, we saw you in the Designer Show House four years ago, and we just love what you did.’”
Designers are selected through an application process, bringing a wide range of styles and perspectives to the project. Additionally, the event creates a strong network of designers.
“It presents a great opportunity for emerging designers who just want to get their name out there,” Hoover said. “And more experienced designers really look out for them…so, I think they all develop tremendous friendships with each other. That’s really gratifying for us.”
How to support the Richmond Symphony League
Events like this help cultivate a dedicated volunteer member base and raise funds to support the operations of the Richmond Symphony.
Outside of the show house, RSL conducts fundraisers like Champagne & Chocolates, which is a four-part mini concert series that takes place in private homes for a fee. It also organizes a volunteer network for symphony youth projects, like Discovery Concerts.
The Richmond Symphony League is a membership-based nonprofit organization made up of approximately 175 members who share a passion for music, community and supporting the arts. Membership dues directly contribute to the League’s annual financial support of the Richmond Symphony. In addition to advancing the Symphony’s mission, members benefit from meaningful social connections, exclusive events, special access to Symphony programming and opportunities to champion the arts throughout the region.
Planning for the fall 2027 designer show house has already begun.
For more information and ways to get involved, visit https://www.designerhouserva.com/.
