Passion to

build the best.

Building homes since 1975.

Shelter was founded in 1975, and is owned by John Diven, known as JD. JD graduated from the University of Virginia and has lived in Charlottesville for over fifty years.  

From the early days when we began with small remodeling jobs until today, Shelter has concentrated on unique residential construction. Along the way we have built and renovated many of the area’s most significant homes. Some of these homes are listed in the Virginia Landmarks Register and date from the time of Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe. Recipient of awards for contemporary architecture and energy efficient design, Shelter has built homes on top of the Blue Ridge Mountains and by the banks of our streams and lakes.
Our Services

We work with our clients to build homes which create memorable places and moments in a child’s, a guest’s and a family’s life. We perform full-scale new construction of homes, estates, & pools. We also perform renovations and additions, including historic restoration. 

For 50 years Shelter has brought remarkable enthusiasm for the building process to the construction of fine homes. We bring a tradition of caring for the environment, our long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, and our belief that design and workmanship deeply affect the quality of family life. 

  • Our Clients have the freedom to work with the architect of their choice, removing barriers of in-house design and enabling truly unique projects. Our team specializes in studying plans obsessively, determining the right methods, and assembling the right people to build even the most complex & state-of-the-art homes. We are adept problem-solvers trusted by architects to build standout architectural achievements.

  • Shelter has been honored to restore several of Central Virginia’s most important historic residences & estates, several on the Virginia and National Historic Registers. Shelter builders have a deep appreciation for historic architecture & methods and the keen attention to detail required for restoration work.

  • Shelter performs renovations and additions of various sizes. We can recommend an architect or draftsperson if needed, and can apply the type of creative project planning required when making changes to an existing structure. Our team has vast experiential knowledge to ask the right questions out front and prepare for the unknowns, in order to make your renovation or addition a success.

OUR TEAM

  • Allan Hatcher

    PROJECT MANAGER

  • Bill Carswell

    ESTIMATOR

  • Bill Johnson

    FIELD SUPERVISOR

  • BrianFaison

    SUPERINTENDENT

  • Chris Bradshaw

    ESTIMATOR

  • Chris Curcio

    SUPERINTENDENT

  • David Tyson

    CARPENTER

  • Devin Bigler

    SUPERINTENDENT

  • Doug Koutek

    SUPERVISOR

  • Emma Short

    CARPENTER'S HELPER

  • Erich Dass

    PROJECT MANAGER

  • Greg Benish

    SUPERINTENDENT

  • Jason Tinnell

    SUPERINTENDENT

  • John Diven

    PRESIDENT

  • Kim Beckwith

    AP & AR COORDINATOR

  • Laina Hanchak

    OFFICE MANAGER

  • Mike Roberts

    SUPERINTENDENT

  • Rose Zavada

    PROJECT MANAGER / ESTIMATOR

  • Tim Mucherino

    CARPENTER

  • Tim Symington

    CARPENTER

  • Tyler Baird

    CARPENTER'S HELPER

  • Wendell Bingler

    CREW LEADER

TESTIMONIALS FROM CLIENTS

  • “Anyone who has built or renovated, or talked to anyone who has, knows that project management—getting the right people and supplies on the job in the right order, and managing the complexity of communication among everyone, is a key to success. Shelter’s project managers—some of the best in the business—make the process work smoothly.”

  • “… Inevitably Allan already had everything we could find on his punch list. He was so good it became a challenge for us to find something he had not already picked up on…When changes came up, he was always accommodating. He was not afraid to speak up if he thought we were making a mistake, for which we were most grateful. Allan made our experience a pleasure. If we were to build again, we would look for him no matter where we were.”

  • “Brian, as site supervisor, allowed us to enjoy the building of our dream house without any nightmares.”

  • “The people Shelter uses certainly know their jobs and, on top of that, they are inordinately pleasant to work with.”

  • “Things will always go wrong in complex construction. What I appreciated about Shelter was how everyone was able to hold up the problem in full view for scrutiny, without wasting time blaming anyone. That let everyone dig in and come up with creative solutions.”

  • “With the unique character of Shelter’s homes, it is inevitable that problem solving is among the most challenging responsibilities of the Shelter staff. The ability to find elegant yet practical and cost-effective solutions is Shelter’s greatest asset.” 

TESTIMONIALS FROM ARCHITECTS

  • "I always love working with Shelter – their passion for the craft of building is evident in every project!”

    - Joseph Chambers, AIA | Dalgliesh Gilpin Paxton Architects

     

  • “I am happy to recommend JD and the Shelter team. I have worked with them for decades. Their truly incredible experience, professionalism and willingness to help in any situation makes them more than great builders.”

    - Bethany Puopolo, Architect 

     

  • “I have worked with Shelter on numerous projects over the last decade and hope to continue. Their expertise and honesty are top notch, and they are very easy to work with. JD always keeps the whole range of aspects of a project in mind – from feasibility to budget, quality and the best design solution. They have earned and maintain the name ‘master builders’.”

    - David Day, Architect 

     

     

  • “Shelter Associates was chosen from the submittal of four proposals, not because their fee percentage was lower, but in evaluating the fee along with all other proposal information, they seemed to provide the best overall package for the owner. From the start of their involvement, through the completion of the job, Shelter proved themselves over and over again. Having worked with a wide variety of residential and commercial contractors in the past, I am convinced that Shelter is one of the finest.” 

PROJECT LIST
RESTORATIONS

Airslie Farm | Tim & Carolyn Foreman | Keswick | DGP Architects  

Enniscorthy | Peter & Joyce Bertone | Esmont | DGP Architects  

Esmont Farm | Jan Karon | Esmont | DGP Architects 

Blue Run Farm | David Gibson | Orange Co. | DGP Architects 

RESIDENTIAL RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS

Abell | Samuel Abell | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Calkins | Kara & Joseph Calkins | Stony Point | Michael Stoneking Architect 

Casteen | John & Betsy Casteen | Keswick | Shelter Associates  

Ernest | Albert & Donna Ernest | Farmington | Jack Reinhart Architect  

Forward | Hugh & Fiona Forward | Ivy | Betty Driskill Architect  

Hanes | Robin Hanes | Woolen Mills | Roger Birle, AIA of DGP Architects  

Hatton Grange Cabin | Rupert & Kaki de Vink | Scottsville | Adams Sutphin Architect 

Hertz Carlucci | Mitchell Hertz & Ann Carlucci | Park St. | Karen Turner of KTK Design  

Highland Orchard | Jennifer Gilliland | Albemarle Co. | Bethany Puopolo Architect  

Hindermann Benhame | Terry Hindermann & Kassie Benhame | Fry’s Spring 

Johnson | Robert & Heidi Johnson | Downtown | Allan Hatcher 

Lawler | Nick & Natasha Lawler | Rugby Rd. | Bethany Puopolo  

McKinney | Jane McKinney | Greene Co. | Shelter Associates  

McNeely | Carter & Wick McNeely | Albemarle Co. | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Merrie Mill Farm | Guy & Elizabeth Pelly | Keswick | DGP Architects  

Milton | Gregory Brown & Kristi Gavalier | Milton | Candace Smith Architect  

Morrow | Rick & Prince Morrow | Albemarle Co. | Tim Mohr of Shelter Associates 

Moss-Friedberg | Charlotte Moss & Barry Friedberg | Farmington | D. Stanley Dixon Architect  

Noland | Walker & Maggie Noland | Ednam | Karen Turner of KTK Design   

Old Woodville Farm | Laird & Ross Gough | Esmont | Roger Birle, AIA of DGP Architects  

Ramsey | Robert & Patricia Ramsey | Rugby Barracks | Bethany Puopolo | Karen Turner of KTK Design  

Ripper | Christopher Ripper | Albemarle Co. | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Roundhill Farm | David & Ellen Leitch | Albemarle Co. | DGP Architects  

Schenck | Matthew & Kamilla Schenck | Bellair | David Day Architect  

Shelton Mill Farm | Robert & Kristen Harper | Crozet | Bethany Puopolo Architect   

Tally Ho Farm | Tim Foreman | DGP Architects  

Thomson | Clay & Emma Thomson | Farmington | Bethany Puopolo  

Veckman | Lanie & Matthew Veckman | Hilltop Rd | Karen Turner of KTK Design 

Webb | Alison & Bernard Webb | Ivy | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Williams | Catherine Williams | Ivy | Karen Turner of KTK Design  

Williams | Kara Williams | Ivy | DGP Architects 

Willow Marsh Farm | Rachel Vere Nicoll | Orange Co. | Betty Driskill Architect 

POOLS & POOL HOUSES

Frolick Farm | Aubrey Phillips | Keswick  | Michael Stoneking Architect  

Geismar | Michael & Ellen Geismar | Ivy | DGP Architects 

Harris | Peter & Dana Harris | Ivy | Robert Gray Architect | Anne Pray Landscape Architect 

Lane | Anna Lane | Stony Point | John Diven  

Milton | Gregory Brown & Kristi Gavalier | Milton | Candace Smith Architect  

Old Woodville Farm | Laird & Ross Gough | Esmont | DGP Architects  

Ramsey | Robert & Patricia Ramsey | Rugby Barracks | DGP Architects 

Thomson | Clay & Emma Thomson | Farmington, Virginia | DGP Architects  

Vierbuchen | Richard & Joanna Vierbuchen |Greenwood | DGP Architects  

NEW BUILDS

Borsink | Roger Borsink | Keswick | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates  

Burns | Denise Burns | Crozet | DGP Architects   

Carleton |  Jeffrey & Kristine Carleton | Esmont | DGP Architects  

Deal | John & Maddy Deal | Albemarle Co. | Russell Skinner Architect | Karen Turner of KTK Design  

Drake | William Drake | Free Union | DGP Architects  

Eldon Farm  | William & Nicole Lynch | Gordonsville | Schafer Buccellato Architects

Flurry | Kent & Susan Flurry | Free Union, Virginia | Tom Johnson Architect  

Foster | Charles Foster | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Fox | Judith Fox | Keswick | Glenn German Architect  

Foxport Farm | Albemarle Co. | Robert Paxton, AIA of DGP Architects  

Fray’s Grant Residence | Albemarle Co. | Robert M. Gurney, FAIA  

Geismar | Michael & Ellen Geismar | Ivy | DGP Architects 

Gunderson Brooks | Eric Gunderson & Sarah Brooks | Greenbrier | David Day Architect  

Harris | Peter & Dana Harris | Ivy | Robert Gray Architect

Hendricks | Richard Hendricks | Albemarle Co. |  Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Hendrix | John & Sylvia Hendrix | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Horn | Hasty & Laura Horn | Albemarle Co. | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates

Hubley | Reginald Hubley | Free Union | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates  

Kozura | Deborah & Robert Kozura | Free Union 

Lainhart | Donald Lainhart | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates  

Lewis | Grady Lewis | North Garden | Jeff Steiss Architect  

Liberty Hall Farm | Grey & Sarah McLean | Albemarle Co. | Kirk Train Architects  

Little | Douglas & Deborah Little | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates  

Long | Bill & Eileen Long | Ivy  | Roger Birle, AIA of DGP Architects  

Lunn | Albemarle County | Curtis Gelotte Architect  

Martin | Ramsey Martin  | Ivy | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates  

McCabe | Georgeana McCabe | Greene Co. | Robert Paxton, AIA of DGP Architects 

Merrie Mill Farm & Winery | Guy & Elizabeth Pelly | Keswick, Virginia | DGP Architects  

Michie | Tom Michie | Albemarle Co. | Jay Dalgliesh of DGP Architects  

Natterer | Hans & Sandy Natterer | Free Union | Bruce Gordon of Shelter Associates 

Nunnally | Scott & Amy Nunnally | Free Union | Shelter Associates  

Pausic | Michael Pausic & Kelly MacDougall | Albemarle Co. | Christopher Rose Architect  

Paxton | Robert & Jane Paxton | Free Union | Robert Paxton, AIA of DGP Architects 

Primavera | Brian & Melba Campbell | Keswick | Kermit Huggins Architect 

Pritchard | Bill & Monique Pritchard | Free Union | Roger Birle, AIA of DGP Architects  

Setzer | Jack & Marilyn Setzer | Albemarle Co. | Tim Mohr of Shelter Associates  

Stalfort | Sean & Gineane Stalfort | Albemarle Co. | DGP Architects 

Summers Knole | Paul Summers & Jill Faulkner Summers | Albemarle Co.  | Shelter Associates 

Thach | Buddy & Bobsie Thach | Shelter Associates | SHELTER’S 1ST HOME  

Vierbuchen | Richard & Joanna Vierbuchen | Greenwood | DGP Architects  

Webb | Alison & Bernard Webb | Bundoran | Keith Scott of Rosney Co. Architects  

Whitehouse | Ron & Sue Whitehouse | Free Union | Joseph Chambers of DGP Architects   

 

FREQUENT COLLABORATORS
BUILD

Albemarle Heating & Air | HVAC & Geothermal

Better Living | Lumber, Cabinetry & Millwork

Cardinal Building Supply | Lumber & Supply

Charlottesville Aquatics | Pools

Davenport Insulation | Insulation

Ferguson Plumbing Supply | Plumbing Fixtures

Gaston & Wyatt | Cabinetry & Millwork

Gingerich Custom Builders | Framing & Carpentry

Ironwood Builders | Paint & Carpentry

Martin Roofing | Roofing & Gutters

Pro Link | Audio-Visual & Security

R.A. Oliva & Sons | Tile & Countertops

Safe-Way Electric | Electrical & Generators

Virginia Plumbing Systems | Plumbing

DESIGN

Pray Design Associates | Landscape Architect

Bethany Puopolo | Architect

ME Driskill | Architect

Bushman Dreyfuss Architects

Candace M. P. Smith, Architect

David Day | Architect

David Lampert

DGP Architects

Gregg Bleam | Landscape Architect

Karen Turner | KTK Design

Stoneking von Storch Architects

Robert Gray | Architect

Jenn Grandechamp | Interior Design

Melanie Elston | Interior Design

Rebecca “Rusty” Lilly | Landscape Architect

Waterstreet Studio | Landscape Architects

T & N Printing | Printing

GIMME SHELTER
Here we outline sample project documents, estimates, construction agreement,design decisions, billing, and more.

Check out our Client Guidebook