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Built on Craft, Guided by Collaboration

A family-owned construction company rooted in the Cowichan Valley. Every project is led by Adrian Shelley — a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter with over two decades of residential construction experience on BC's West Coast.
Founded
2015
Cowichan Valley, BC
Experience
20+ Years
Residential construction
Certification
Red Seal
Canada's highest trade standard
White downward arrow inside a small gold circle on a black background.
Smiling man in a black hoodie and cap with ear protection inside a wooden construction site.
Founder & Lead Builder
Adrian Shelley
"The best projects happen when the client and the builder are aligned from day one. We take on fewer projects so we can give each one the attention it deserves."
Meet the Builder Behind the Craft

Meet Adrian Shelley

Hi, I’m Adrian. I lead a custom residential design and build company in the Cowichan Valley. As a Red Seal Journeyman Carpenter, I’m hands-on at every stage of the build. I work with homeowners to turn thoughtful ideas into well-built homes through a clear and collaborative process.

20 years of custom home building on the West Coast

My first experience in construction was working alongside my dad on small residential renovations. Later on, I completed a 4 1/2 year apprenticeship on Cortes Island with a crew of experienced West Coast homebuilders who brought me on as an apprentice in 2005. I completed 5,000 hours of work-based training under a sponsored Journeyman, along with 4 years of tradeschool at Camosun College, in Victoria, BC. This gave me a strong foundation in the trade and shaped the way I still approach the work today. Those early projects were custom homes on boat-access properties, often involving off-grid systems, helicopter-poured slabs, materials brought in by barge, and work planned around tides and weather. It was the kind of work that taught me how to build carefully, solve problems on remote sites, and stay closely involved from start to finish.

Founder of AS Design Build, based in the Cowichan Valley

After Cortes, I spent a year and a half on Quadra Island working on larger acreages and more remote custom homes. When our eldest started school in 2011, we moved to the Cowichan Valley, and I’ve been building here ever since.

Specializing in custom homes, renovations and design build

As a local family business, we take on custom homes, renovations, and design build projects with a practical, hands-on approach. We work closely with clients, stay involved throughout the process, and focus on building homes that feel considered, well-finished, and built to last.

The AS Design Build Story

Why Clients Trust AS Design Build

Red Seal certification: the highest trade standard in Canada
Red Seal certification is the highest trade standard in Canada. It reflects formal training, proven skill, and a strong foundation in the work.
Hands-on leadership from start to finish
Clients work directly with the person leading the job. That keeps communication clearer, decisions more direct, and the whole project more connected from planning through to construction.
11 years in business, family-owned and locally rooted
AS Design Build is a small family business based in the Cowichan Valley. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with clients, local trades, and suppliers, and that local network is a big part of how our projects run.
How We Work

How We Approach Every Project

Every project is different. The approach isn't. From first conversation to final walkthrough, three commitments hold across every build we take on.
01

Clear communication from first conversation through to handover

We keep communication straightforward throughout the project, so clients know what’s happening, what decisions are coming up, and what comes next.
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02

Trusted local sub-trade network built over 20 years

We work with electricians, plumbers, concrete crews, roofers, and HVAC we know and trust. Most of them have been part of our projects for years, which makes the work more reliable and the job site run better.
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03

Consistent quality workmanship on every stage of the build

We care about the quality of the work at every stage, from the structural side of the build through to the finishing details. The goal is to do it properly from start to finish.
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Why Choose AS Design Build

Full Custom Home Cowichan Valley

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Working With AS Design Build

“Adrian and I worked together, building my forever home, from January 2022 through December 2024-March 2025.  I have worked with other carpenters/ builders over many years and Adrian is one of the best. Adrian is an incredibly skilled carpenter and a good leader of his team. It was a pleasure to have them here every day.  One of Adrian’s gifts is to use different and unusual materials and techniques to make his work unique and special. He is also always ready to watch and learn from other skilled trades to increase his own knowledge. He values quality materials and work and searches to find them for his clients. Over the time Adrian worked here, we became friends as well as coworkers, which I value greatly. His openness to learning, teaching and praising fellow workers speaks volumes about his own character"

- Harbour Hill

“AS D/B is an extraordinary cohesive team that has transformed our waterfront home into a West Coast haven. Adrian is communicative, artistic and knowledgable bringing a unique functional flare to my needs in a wheelchair while still being attentive to aesthetics. I would highly recommend the company’s breadth of knowledge and experience for any project. My wife and I will utilize their services going forward with complete faith in both quality and longevity.”

- Scott M.

“Adrian completed a major renovation at our waterfront home in the later part of 2025. He was integral in guiding us through the initial design to the final execution of the project, coordinating his team, all the trades and subcontractors in a seamless and timely way. We would HIGHLY recommend Adrian to anyone wanting quality workmanship delivered with integrity, honesty and a desire for you to be 100% happy with the final product.”

- Leah M.

“In the time I’ve known Adrian, I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with him as a tradesman, business owner, and person. His attention to detail and quality of workmanship are second to none, and it’s clear his clients appreciate the care he puts into every project.

As a subcontractor, he treats us as a true part of the team. He is fair, professional, and takes complete ownership of any issues that arise during a project, even when they may not be directly his responsibility. That level of accountability and integrity is hard to find.

We’ll continue doing our best to provide contractors like Adrian with the highest level of customer service because quality contractors are frankly hard to come by. Thank you for all the projects you’ve involved us in so far. I’m looking forward to the next one!”

- JP. - Plumber

“As a cabinetmaker I have worked with Adrian and his crew numerous times and what sets him apart is his close working relationship with his customers. I have seen him make the many challenges of renovating not just possible but actually enjoyable and finishes each project with the customer truly pleased with the outcome.

You hire him for the work, but what stands out is how he connects with people. He’s a true professional who becomes friends with his customers.”

- Shane W. - Cabinetmaker

“Working alongside Adrian and his team has always been an outstanding experience from start to finish. Their attention to detail, professionalism and commitment to quality truly sets them apartfrom any other contractor we deal with in this industry. They handle every aspect of their projectscompleted to a very high standard.

Adrian's communication has always been clear and respectful, making him incredibly easy to workwith. Organization, reliability and strong work ethic make a huge difference on jobsites, and it israre to find someone who combines all of these plus a high level of craftsmanship all at the same time.

I would highly recommend A. Shelley Design & Build Ltd. to anyone looking for a skilled, detail-oriented general contractor who genuinely takes pride in his work.”

- Scott W. - Electrician

“In 2017, Adrian and his team began work on an ambitious project to remove the rotting deck on the 1970s-era house we had recently purchased, and replace it with an expansive, multi-level outdoor space, including several much larger deck areas, two terraces and three sets of stairs. The result completely transformed our home. Adrian devoted a great deal of attention to the detail of the deck construction, and his skilled carpentry has drawn many compliments.


Since that time, he has also undertaken several interior projects for us, including the renovation of the lower level of the house (entailing insulation upgrades, the replacement of all the windows, new drywall and shiplap and the installation of built-in closets), and the conversion of a former office into an attractive guest suite. We are currently completing a major kitchen face-lift, doubling the number of cabinets and installing new counters and an island. All these projects have been challenging, given the many significant anomalies of the existing construction.  


I have appreciated Adrian’s problem-solving approach, creative suggestions and willingness to work collaboratively with me to achieve the results we want. He and his team have spent a lot of time at our home in recent years, and we can attest to their ability, the pride and pleasure they take in their work and their quiet and respectful behaviour onsite. Our neighbours have also noted and appreciated the latter.”

- Catrona

"If your interested in working with a trustworthy, hardworking individual who will always have your back, look no further. Adrian helped build our house in 2014 and has helped manage our property ever since. He is kind, thoughtful and very thorough in everything he does. His crew reflects his high standards and we're grateful to have found him. I highly recommend Adrian."

- Rose T.

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Craftsmanship

Our Approach to Craft

High standards, carried through the whole team

We believe quality comes from experience, discipline, and consistent oversight. Alongside Red Seal-certified leadership, we invest in training and mentoring skilled tradespeople so the standard of work stays strong across every stage of the build.

We respect our clients' privacy, so not every project is shown publicly on the site. A lot of the work we do is shared more selectively and in a more appropriate context.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Red Seal certified mean?
Red Seal certification is the highest trade standard in Canada. It means the work is backed by formal training, proven experience, and a recognized level of skill in the trade.
How long has AS Design Build been in business?
AS Design Build has been in business for 11 years and brings 20 years of residential construction experience on BC’s West Coast into the work we do today.
Are you WorkSafe BC insured?
Yes. Every project is covered.
What areas do you serve?
We work throughout the Cowichan Valley, including Duncan, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Chemainus, Lake Cowichan, Maple Bay, and Goldstream Heights. We also take on rural and remote projects in other parts of Vancouver Island, including Reid Island, Denman Island, Decourcy Island and more.
How do I start a project with AS Design Build?
The best place to start is by reaching out through the contact form with a few details about your project. From there, we can set up a conversation, learn more about what you’re planning, and talk through the next steps.

Work With Us

Tell us about your project. We will respond within 1 business day.

CALL DIRECTLY

236-801-0574

Service Area

Cowichan Valley & Vancouver Island
Fully Insured
over 20 Years of Experience
Cowichan Valley, British Columbia
Locally Trusted Builder
Quality Craftsmanship
Fully Insured
over 20 Years of Experience
Cowichan Valley, British Columbia
Locally Trusted Builder
Quality Craftsmanship