News
Trista Clark promoted to Field Operations Manager
August 24, 2026
Shelter Alternatives Inc. is proud to announces the promotion of Trista Clark to the position of Field Operations Manager.
See the Roanoke Times article Business recognitions and promotions for the week of Aug. 23, 2026 for more.
Leah Simmerman named recognize as a 2026 Forty Under 40 honoree.
May 18, 2026
We're excited to share that Shelter Alternatives Owner and Design Team Lead, Leah Simmerman, was recently recognized as a 2026 Forty Under 40 honoree by the Montgomery County VA Chamber of Commerce.
From working in the field to becoming a company owner, Leah's journey reflects her passion for thoughtful design, craftsmanship, sustainability, and people. Her leadership has helped shape not only beautiful homes, but also a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and service.
We're grateful for all that Leah brings to our team, our clients, and our community, and we're proud to see her recognized alongside so many talented leaders helping shape the future of Montgomery County and the New River Valley.
Congratulations, Leah!
Shelter Alternatives Receives 2025 Best Kitchen Over $100K Award
February 25, 2026
Shelter Alternatives is proud to announce that we have been honored with the 2025 Best Kitchen Over $100,000 Award by the New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA). This recognition reflects our commitment to exceptional design, craftsmanship, and creating spaces that enhance the way our clients live and entertain.
We are grateful to our talented team, trusted trade partners, and wonderful clients who make achievements like this possible. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to deliver outstanding custom homes and remodeling projects throughout the New River Valley.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this award-winning kitchen project!
A New Chapter for Shelter Alternatives
January 01, 2026
We’re excited to share an important update about Shelter Alternatives and Energy Check. As of January 1st, ownership of the company has transitioned to Leah Simmerman, Justin Buehler, and Chris Nicholson; all longtime members of the Shelter team.
After more than two decades of dedicated leadership, Ed Tuchler is retiring and has entrusted the future of Shelter Alternatives to his hand-picked successors. We are deeply grateful to Ed for the integrity, vision, and steady leadership he has modeled over the years. He has built a strong foundation, and we are proud to continue to build upon it.
Thank you for being part of Shelter’s story. We are grateful for your trust and partnership, and we’re excited for what lies ahead.
Warmly,
Leah Simmerman
Justin Buehler
Chris Nicholson
NRVHBA Best Bath Award Goes to Shelter Alternatives
July 15, 2021
Design-Build team Shelter Alternatives of Blacksburg has been awarded the Best Bath Award of 2020 by the New River Valley Home Builders Association.
Bathrooms tend to be one of the smallest rooms in a house even though they serve many roles and daily tasks. Layout, function and integration of design make a huge difference when creating a unique but practical bathroom. Cabinetry finishes and fixtures often are the highlights of the design features for this highly used space. This bathroom remodel actually uses less space than its predecessor but the design elements visually open every part of the room.
Tuchler and his team have been building homes, as well as doing remodeling work, in the New River Valley for over 30 years and this award represents the 13th NRVHBA Design Excellence award it has received. It will sit among other local and regional awards that the company has earned over their long history, but Tuchler noted that these awards are a particular honor to him as they are determined by nomination and selection by colleagues in the local building community.
For a more in-depth look at the company and their work, visit the Shelter Alternatives website at www.shelteralternatives.com. More information on the New River Valley Home Builders Association can be found at www.nrvhba.com.