Design Build in the Cowichan Valley

“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"

“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.”

“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.”

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

"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."