We are a true Design + Build company of licensed Architects and Class A Contractors.

Our projects are designed and built by the same team of experienced professionals.

Your project has our full attention, from the first sketches to the day you move in.

This is what makes us different and sets us apart.

ABOUT THE TEAM

BEN ROBBINS

Architecture & Build Manager

Ben developed his expertise in the real estate and construction world over twenty years as both the Architect and builder of luxury custom homes. Growing up in nearby Fluvanna county as a huge UVA basketball fan, Ben has always considered Charlottesville his home. Ben’s education included a post graduate year at nearby Fork Union Military Academy and dual architectural degrees at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Ben is energized by the company of people. He excels at making new friends, and enjoys talking ‘shop’ with local small business owners. He especially loves his family of three children and his wonderful wife Amy, a multi-talented real estate agent and insurance broker.

DANI HARTTRAFT

Architecture & Interior Design Manager

Dani is a talented designer who specializes in creating captivating architecture and interior spaces. Dani combines an attentive focus on her client’s desires with an intuitive eye for beauty. Dani’s inspirations draw from both the contemporary and traditional to create timeless custom homes.

Dani developed her passion for high-end custom design working on projects throughout the Washington, DC area. She attended The Catholic University of America, receiving her Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture. When she’s not designing, you can find her playing sports with her friends, baking, and traveling.

NICK CORCORAN

Architecture & Project Manager

Nick is an Architect, builder, and project manager with over two decades of experience in the profession. Specializing in high-end residential projects, Nick leads teams of owners, consultants, engineers and contractors from project inception to move-in. He is a collaborative process-driven manager and a thoughtful partner in design.

Nick received his Architecture degrees from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Nick lives in Takoma Park, Maryland with his wife Sarah and his two sons. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, hiking, and learning to play the banjo.

white printer paper beside black and gray calculator

HOW WE WORK

At Pillar & Perch we actively pursue our client's participation and input in our design and building process. We know from experience that when our clients are deeply involved in the project it builds a better product and a better relationship.

It starts with our design philosophy. We let you "into the kitchen" to design your project with us, side-by-side. This allows for creative problem solving and a streamlined, fully informed, decision making process. Sending emails back and forth with revisions can take lots of time and often does not solve the problem as elegantly as working together on the solution and seeing the results in real time.

Next, we take our clients shopping at all our preferred vendor’s showrooms and help select materials together. This takes time and thought. No project is a one trip shopping experience and we are committed to being a knowledgeable guide throughout the entire process.

On the job site, we continue to work with our clients to resolve questions together and get approval on progress with walk-through reviews of the project. This might be a review of the electrical switches, outlets and light placements with the electrician before final approval and drywall is hung. We take the time to be sure that it’s the way you want it.

TESTIMONIALS

I asked for guidance and ideas to enhance my property ...Ben walked mop property and offered many ideas to upgrade my 3 acre property and how to make the place more attractive and perhaps add a room. In the end his guidance was to embark on a huge project to caulk, refurbish and paint my entire exterior and two small out buildings. He assembled a crew (Renan Carcamo) and they were fantastic. Great care to detail and a super professional job. Bed did not try to upsell me or get me incvolved in a hugely expensive renovation of the exterior and I appreciated his concepts. I painted my cottage black. I love it. The team worked so hard, day and evening and completed the project in record time. I ...

Jane Goodman

We were delighted and impressed with Ben, our architect. He did considerable intensive work before ever putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). He walked our property with us more than once, pointing out how the surrounding trees and the directions of sunrises and sunsets throughout the year would affect the house. Throughout the build, he was here constantly, ready to answer questions and checking on the work. He had suggestions and recommendations that hadn’t occurred to us, and has the patience of a saint. We’ve been happy in our house, and am convinced that no one could have been better.

Gordon Lamb

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