What Rivanna Designs Is All About
Rivanna Designs is a unique player in the wood and wood products industry, specializing in original awards and recognition pieces that are as beautiful as they are eco-friendly. Since 2001, this Virginia-based company has been crafting elegant, planet-friendly alternatives to traditional trophies and plaques—all designed and made right here in the USA. Their commitment? To create meaningful recognition products that don’t cost the Earth, literally. Every piece is carefully made at their Central Virginia facilities, blending artistry with sustainability.
The Main Benefit: Sustainability Meets Quality
What really sets Rivanna apart? It’s their deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, combined with top-notch craftsmanship. Here are some key facts that highlight their impact:
- Lead time on artisan glass pieces is 4-6 weeks—so order early!
- FSC® chain-of-custody certification (FSC-C019049) maintained since before their first shipment in 2002
- One of Virginia’s first Benefit Corporations since 2011, also a Certified B Corp with multiple recertifications, most recently in 2025
- Named a Best for the World B Corp twelve times since 2014
- Production centralized on a single campus to ensure quality, transparency, and timely delivery
- Focus on creating stable, green jobs for refugees and immigrants, with living wages and flexible schedules
A Mission Rooted in Opportunity
Rivanna Designs isn’t just about making awards; it’s about making a difference. The company’s mission started with a clear purpose: to create stable, green jobs for newcomers rebuilding their lives in the community. Partnering with the International Rescue Committee, they built a workplace accessible by public transit, offering living wages, English-language training, and flexible schedules. Two decades later, many former refugees and immigrants still play a vital role in shaping both the products and the culture at Rivanna. It’s a mission that goes beyond business—it’s about community and opportunity.
Planet-Friendly by Design
Long before their first shipment left the shop in 2002, Rivanna secured FSC® chain-of-custody certification, a testament to their commitment to responsible forestry. For over twenty years, they’ve maintained this certification, ensuring that every piece of wood used is sourced responsibly. Their early efforts earned them an FSC® Leadership Award, recognizing their pioneering role in introducing certified wood into recognition products. This isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a promise to keep raising the bar for sustainability in the industry.
Keeping It In-House for Quality and Control
One of the reasons Rivanna can uphold such high environmental and social standards is that they own the entire production process. From the woodshop to the finishing room, glass-etching studio, and fulfillment center, everything happens on their central campus. This close coordination protects quality, keeps timelines on track, and shields customers from tariff surprises or overseas shipping delays. Their designers work remotely, and the master glass artist crafts pieces just a few miles away—keeping every step close, transparent, and easy to manage.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to Rivanna Designs
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating stable, green jobs with living wages and training opportunities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Using FSC® certified wood and sustainable materials
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Committing to reducing environmental footprints and deepening climate commitments
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Supporting responsible forestry practices globally
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Collaborating with organizations like the International Rescue Committee and B Corp community
Looking Ahead: A Promise for the Future
Guided by gratitude and a simple promise, Rivanna Designs is focused on caring for the people they employ, the partners who trust them, and the planet everyone shares. Every award they craft is more than just a trophy—it’s a small act of optimism, a reminder that recognition can build community and protect the Earth at the same time. Moving forward, they plan to keep opening doors to meaningful work, deepen their climate commitments, and explore new materials that leave the lightest possible footprint. None of this happens in isolation—it’s a journey shared with customers, suppliers, and fellow B Corps who believe in better ways to celebrate excellence.
