Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jenny Murphy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jenny, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege of working on was the renovation of a historic Victorian home in Denver. The house had incredible bones, so much charm and character, but it had been through decades of piecemeal updates that stripped away much of its original spirit. The clients came to me wanting not only to modernize the home for their young family, but also to honor and restore its history.

For me, this project was meaningful because it brought together everything I care most about in design: respecting architectural heritage, creating spaces that feel deeply personal, and guiding clients through the full journey—architecture, construction, and furnishings—so that the end result truly feels like their home. We worked room by room to bring back original details, layering in modern refinements and furnishings that reflected the family’s personality and lifestyle.

The backstory was that the family initially felt overwhelmed by the scope and didn’t know where to begin. Being able to walk alongside them—bringing clarity, vision, and excitement back into the process—was so rewarding. When we finished, they told me they finally felt like their home told their story and that it was a place where they could see themselves growing for years to come.

It’s projects like that one that remind me why I do what I do. They’re not just about beautiful spaces; they’re about connection, storytelling, and creating a home that holds a family’s life with intention.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Jenny Murphy, founder and principal designer of J. Reiko Design + Co., a full-service interior architecture and design studio based in Fort Collins, Colorado. I grew up in Montrose, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the San Juan Mountains, which sparked my love of nature, craft, and spaces that tell a story. That early influence—paired with my background in both design and construction, ultimately led me to create a studio that blends the art of design with the technical precision of building.

At J. Reiko Design + Co., we specialize in high-end residential interior architecture and design, with a focus on historic home renovations, new construction, and transformative remodels. Our services span from space planning and interior architecture to construction management and full furnishings procurement. We approach every project holistically—balancing architecture, interiors, and lifestyle—so our clients feel not only that their homes look beautiful, but that they genuinely live well in them.

The problems we solve often center around helping clients bring clarity and cohesion to what can feel like an overwhelming process. Whether it’s restoring the original charm of a Victorian, refining a Mid-Century Modern split-level, or designing a Japandi-inspired new build, our goal is to honor the architectural character while infusing modern livability and personality. We act as both vision keepers and project managers, bridging the gap between clients, contractors, and trades to ensure the design intent carries all the way through construction.

What sets us apart is our commitment to our three brand pillars: Holistic, Storied, and Impactful.

Holistic means we consider how a home supports wellness, flow, and daily rhythms, not just aesthetics.

Storied reflects our belief that design should honor both the history of a space and the personal story of those who live in it.

Impactful guides us to create work that elevates not only a home, but the lives of the people inside it, for years to come.

I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built, with clients who entrust us with their homes, and with the talented trades and collaborators who help us bring each vision to life. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see a family settle into a home we’ve designed and feel that it finally reflects who they are and how they want to live.

For anyone new to us, I’d want them to know that our studio is about much more than “making things pretty.” We believe in creating meaningful, lasting spaces that align with people’s values and lifestyles—homes that feel authentic, timeless, and deeply personal. At the end of the day, our work is about storytelling, connection, and the art of living well.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is a deep belief that our homes shape the way we live, connect, and thrive. My goal has always been to create spaces that are more than just beautiful—they should tell a story, reflect the people who live in them, and support their daily rhythms in meaningful ways.

My mission is guided by three pillars that I return to in every project: Holistic, Storied, and Impactful.

Holistic: approaching design with a full-picture lens that considers not only how a home looks, but how it feels and functions.

Storied: weaving together the history of a home and the unique narrative of the people within it.

Impactful: ensuring the work we do leaves a lasting impression, elevating lives through thoughtful and timeless design.

What drives me creatively is the chance to blend architecture and artistry with human experience. Each project is a canvas where history, modernity, and personal meaning intersect. I’m inspired by the original character of a home—whether it’s a Victorian, a Tudor, or a Mid-Century gem—and equally by the lives unfolding inside it.

Ultimately, my greatest goal is to help people live well in spaces that feel authentic, timeless, and deeply personal. If our work allows someone to walk into their home and immediately feel a sense of calm, belonging, and inspiration, then I know we’ve done our job.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After working for over a decade within design/build firms, I reached a point where I felt the pull to make a personal pivot. While that experience gave me a strong foundation in construction, project management, and the technical side of design, I found myself craving more space for creativity and for the kind of storytelling that design can bring to a home.

I wanted the ability to guide clients not just through the architecture and construction phases, but all the way to the finish line…with furnishings, styling, and those final details that truly make a house feel like a home. I also recognized that to stay inspired myself, I needed the freedom to take on projects that resonated with me personally—projects where the architecture, the people, and the potential to create something truly meaningful aligned.

That’s what led me to start J. Reiko Design + Co. It was both a leap and a calling: to create a studio where the client experience is deeply personal, where design is both refined and livable, and where every project is chosen with intention. That pivot gave me the chance to merge the structure of my design/build background with the creativity and holistic approach I had been craving, and it’s been the most rewarding decision of my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jreiko.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jreikodesignandco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jreikodesignandco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-murphy-92614048

Image Credits

Sierra Ann Photography