Our Story
BUILD’N CREATE SOLUTIONS, LLC was founded by Co-Founders James McDonald and Eboni Smith with a shared vision:
to bring skilled construction, creative problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and practical solutions together under one company.
James McDonald, Co-Founder and Head of the BUILD Division, brings more than 30 years of professional experience in construction, skilled trades, HVAC, carpentry, facilities, building systems, and property improvement. A historical carpenter by trade, James’s career began long before BUILD’N CREATE SOLUTIONS and includes years of entrepreneurship, business ownership, and specialized work on residential, commercial, and historic properties.
After establishing himself professionally in Charlottesville more than a decade ago, James continued building his expertise through work involving complex properties, infrastructure, facilities, and historic structures, including professional work with the University of Virginia. He also served as a lead on the team responsible for roofing work at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
That combination of craftsmanship, technical knowledge, business experience, and years of working with clients throughout Charlottesville and surrounding communities became part of the foundation for BUILD’N CREATE SOLUTIONS—the next chapter in James’s entrepreneurial journey.
Eboni Smith, Co-Founder and Head of the CREATE Division, brings the complementary creative and entrepreneurial side of the company, with experience in creative production, product development, publishing, marketing, communications, and turning ideas into tangible products, services, and opportunities.
James and Eboni are also married, bringing their shared vision, complementary strengths, and commitment to building something meaningful and long lasting into the company they created.
Together, they developed BUILD’N CREATE SOLUTIONS around two connected divisions:
BUILD focuses on construction, renovation, restoration, property improvement, commercial project solutions, specialized installation, and skilled project coordination.
CREATE focuses on creative production, product development, marketing, publishing, and turning ideas into products, experiences, and opportunities.
The two divisions are different by design, but connected by the same philosophy: identify what is possible, develop a practical plan, and create something of lasting value.
Explore the CREATE Division
Discover the creative services, products, and opportunities developed through the CREATE side of BUILD’N CREATE SOLUTIONS.
Today, we serve communities from Alexandria to Richmond, with a central focus on Charlottesville and surrounding areas, bringing experienced professionals and practical solutions to projects ranging from individual property improvements to complex commercial needs.
Our BUILD Capabilities Include:
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Residential construction and renovation
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Commercial construction and build-outs
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Kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home renovations
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Carpentry and finish carpentry
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Framing, roofing, decks, doors, and windows
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Historic restoration and preservation
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Property maintenance and improvements
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HVAC, AC, ductwork, and ventilation
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Indoor air quality solutions
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Modular office installation
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Hospitality FF&E installation, deinstallation, and removal
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Estimating, permitting, procurement, scheduling, and project coordination
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Subcontractor coordination and inspection support
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Projects involving mold, lead, and asbestos-related conditions, within applicable qualifications and requirements
Our work is guided by a simple belief: what exists today does not always have to define what is possible tomorrow.
Build to Last. Create to Inspire.
CONSTRUCTION EXPERTISE
WITH A CREATIVE APPROACH
We don’t believe every project has a one-size-fits-all solution. We look at the property, the challenge, the client’s goals, and the resources available—and then work toward a solution that makes practical sense.
Our capabilities include residential and commercial construction, renovations and additions, carpentry, finish carpentry, framing, roofing, property maintenance, historic restoration, HVAC and ventilation, indoor air quality, commercial build-outs, modular office installation, and hospitality FF&E services.
From estimating and permitting through procurement, scheduling, subcontractor coordination, installation, and project completion, we focus on keeping projects organized and moving forward.
Technical Precision
Our team brings decades of hands-on construction experience to the work, with careful attention to structural details, craftsmanship, and project requirements.
Value-Added Solutions
We go beyond the scope of standard construction to deliver creative problem-solving and practical improvements that enhance your property's long-term value.
Workforce Development
Our commitment to hands-on learning, mentorship, and workforce development creates opportunities for individuals to gain practical exposure to construction and explore pathways into the skilled trades.
EXPERIENCE THAT RESPECTS THE PROPERTY
Every property has its own history, character, and set of challenges.
Our experience with older and historic properties requires an approach that respects existing craftsmanship while addressing modern needs. We work to preserve what matters, repair what can be restored, and identify practical improvements that extend a property’s usefulness and value.
We also understand that property improvement sometimes involves conditions that require specialized knowledge and appropriate safety practices. Our qualified professionals have experience with projects involving mold and asbestos-related conditions, allowing us to recognize and appropriately address these challenges within the scope and requirements of each project.
COMMERCIAL INSTALLATION & HOSPITALITY FF&E
Commercial spaces often require more than construction. They require coordinated installation, removal, assembly, and preparation so the space can function as intended.
Build'N Create Solutions provides FF&E installation, deinstallation, and removal, including hospitality FF&E services and modular office installation. Our capabilities can support hotels, offices, commercial properties, renovations, property refreshes, and other environments where furniture, fixtures, equipment, and related components must be efficiently installed or removed.
We bring the same practical, detail-oriented approach to these projects that we bring to construction and renovation.
BUILDING SKILLS.
CREATING OPPORTUNITY.
Construction is a hands-on industry, and some of the most valuable skills are learned by doing.
Build'N Create Solutions is committed to creating opportunities for hands-on learning, mentorship, career exposure, and workforce-development partnerships. Participants can gain practical exposure to construction, carpentry, renovation, property maintenance, project coordination, and related skilled trades while learning from experienced professionals.
Our goal is to help people develop skills they can carry forward—while building spaces that serve communities well.
WHY BUILD'N CREATE?
Because we believe what’s already there is not always the limit of what can be created.
A challenging property can become a better-functioning space. An outdated room can become something new. A construction problem can become an opportunity for creative problem-solving. And a hands-on experience can become the beginning of a career pathway.
That’s the thinking behind Build'N Create Solutions.
We combine construction knowledge with creative thinking, practical project coordination, and a commitment to adding value. Whether we’re renovating a home, improving a commercial property, restoring an older building, installing modular office systems, supporting hospitality FF&E, or helping someone gain exposure to the skilled trades, we approach the work with the same objective:
Build something that works. Build something that lasts. Build something that creates what’s next.
Build to Last. Create to Inspire.