We are a true Design + Build company of licensed Architects and 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.
Meet our team.
It's our team that drives a collaborative approach throughout the design and construction process.
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.
Amy Robbins
Operations Manager
Amy Robbins keeps the plates spinning for Pillar & Perch. Having licenses in both Property Insurance and Real Estate and a background in marketing and construction gives Amy keen insight into the management of a dynamic architecture and construction company.
Amy's experience scouting out different pieces of land and preparing new homes to be marketed and sold is invaluable to the company when evaluating the potential of a new land deal or weighing the options of a remodel or new build.
Amy and Ben have a wonderful family together with three kids, three dogs and four cats! They love people and animals!
What our clients say about us.
Discover the experiences of our valued clients as they share their thoughts on our services.
Charles P.
Charlottesville, VA
We began working with Pillar and Perch in November 2021 after purchasing a lot in Charlottesville. The team worked quickly to design the perfect house to meet our needs and in the contemporary design we wanted while still keeping the price within our budget. The construction is now underway, and every experience we’ve had with them throughout the design process has been truly wonderful. Not only are they great to work with, but they really listen to you so that they can provide what you desire. The design of our house is beautiful and we can’t wait until it’s completed! I would highly recommend Pillar and Perch to anyone.
Amanda R.
White Hall, VA
We had the pleasure of working with Pillar & Perch on some home renovations. We had a few other companies in the area come in and they just quickly came out and quoted us on the projects. Then we met Ben. Ben is an absolute visionary and has a true passion for what he does. We discussed in detail what we were looking for and how these projects could best serve our family. He helped us problem solve and design. He gave his honest opinions while also being supportive. It felt like we were going through this process with a trusted friend. When the work started, the guys who came to our house were thoughtful, hard working, and had a harmonious relationship with each other. The attention to detail in their work was remarkable. The small things that I would have never thought about- they did think about them. Renan communicated with us on day to day details. He was a joy to work with- made sure that things were going smoothly, that we knew what was going on and how it would affect us (we lived here during the inside reno). He is skilled and knowledgeable. The electricians and plumbers that were brought in were top notch. We have since called on them for other issues we have had in our house. Nick communicated clearly on the estimates and billing details. He answered any questions that we had and we enjoyed working with him. We will use Pillar & Perch for any future renovations or home building. They are creative, honest, have a strong work ethic and are just lovely people to know.
Kate S.
Charlottesville, VA
We worked with Pillar and Perch on the renovation we just did to our home. They did two bathrooms and completely gutted the basement and added a bedroom. They were amazing to work with. They were very upfront about timelines, budgets, options, etc. I found them diligent in their efforts to help us get the materials we wanted in a timely manner and patient dealing with our decision making. They came in on time and on budget and we’re super happy with the results. The workmanship (tiling, painting, woodwork) are all excellent and the teams they had working here were all extremely professional. Would absolutely recommend them to anyone considering a renovation or new build in the area.
Gordon L.
Washington, DC
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.
Houzz User
Charlottesville, VA
Easy to work with, highly skilled, great space planning, kind! We went through a lot with starting our dream home but could not be happier. Definitely would recommend! We love our home!
How we work.
Discover the passion and precision behind our projects
Client Collaboration and Engagement
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.
Inclusive Design Philosophy: "Cooking Together"
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. In our experience, working together and seeing the results in real time produces the most elegant design solutions.
Materials Selection and Showroom Exploration
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. For busy clients, we curate selections and bring the best of the showroom home to them for a comfortable and efficient selection experience.
On-Site Progress Approval and Client Walk-Throughs
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.
