Thirty Under 30: Ella Kirsch

By NKBA Staff

Ella Kirsch began her kitchen and bath career at just 19 years old, joining Richmond, VA-based design build firm Lane Homes & Remodeling as a Design Assistant manning the front desk. She proved her work ethic to her superiors while also strategically using her spare time to pursue additional training in AutoCAD and Interior Design. Within two years, Ella was promoted to Architectural Designer and Draftsman — drafting and designing almost $1.6 million in projects in her first year with 100% construction completion. What else would you expect from someone who says the word “intuitive” best describes her?

Perhaps that’s because at age 22 she actually has years of experience in the industry. “My father is a general contractor and my mother is a designer, so I grew up in showrooms and stone yards,” Ella explains. “It started as a summer job as a design assistant, running samples and taking notes in design meetings, and it felt like second nature for me. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the industry the way I did, but I don’t regret it one bit!”

In 2024, Ella was invited to attend NKBA’s Women 2 Women leadership and mentoring conference in San Antonio, TX and in 2026 she will become Program Chair for NKBA’s Virginia State chapter — all at an age when many people are still trying to figure out their career path. Her ability to think outside the box, paired with her proficiency in Chief Architect Design and Mattersport Scanning, as well as in project estimation and cabinet design, has made her a valuable member of the Lane Homes & Design team.

Trained as a painter, Ella lived for a while in London and studied Art History, allowing her to appreciate architectural styles spanning centuries — a key asset when renovating historic homes in the Richmond area. As a result, her attention to detail in design renderings is highly astute, ensuring they are as lifelike as possible and reflect her client’s lifestyle.

As for her own design preferences, Ella says she gravitates towards very intricate designs, especially Georgian, Art Nouveau, and Gothic. “I love the artistry and attention to detail that defines the periods,” she says. “I don’t typically get to incorporate these into my projects, but if I ever get to do my own house it would look like something out of a different century.” 

When she’s not busy drafting and designing, Ella loves to paint, knit, bake, and spoil her beloved Golden Retriever, Birdie Jane. Currently single “and not mad about it at the moment,” Ella says that running her own art business on top of her 9-to-5 job keeps her pretty busy. She does, however, make time for travel and this past summer visited Italy’s Cinque Terre region. “It was so full of history and culture,” she says. “I have never been anywhere like it and I can’t wait to go back.”