About Us

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OUR STORY

One of the first things that you notice about Armando and Jana Valdez is that they make a great team, but this builder husband and interior designer wife each had separate careers before they met each other. It’s always more interesting to know the backstory, so here’s a little snippet to explain how Haven came to be.

"I remember the night we met," Jana said, smiling, "It was at Matamoros restaurant and we were there for the birthday party of a mutual friend. Armando walked up to me and asked me to dance. I nervously accepted because I don't know a thing about how to salsa!" she laughed. "After the dance, we sat and talked for hours. I couldn't believe everything that we had in common! Armando explained that he was a builder, remodeler and realtor. I shared with him that I was an interior designer and the conversation just flowed," she remembers. “He really won my heart the following week when he rescued me from a dead car battery. That’s just the kind of guy he is, always looking after everyone else.”

Needless to say, it wasn’t very long before sparks flew and the two were married only five months later at sunset on the Riverwalk. It was just meant to be. As the relationship grew, the two began collaborating on projects and realized that Armando's extensive construction knowledge and building experience perfectly complimented Jana's interior design abilities. Thus, Haven Design and Construction was born.

"It was the next natural step," says Armando, "It just felt right. We both share a passion for enhancing the lives of our clients through our work. Jana and I draw the plans together, I construct the project and Jana selects the interior finishes. The business just naturally evolved and it was time to share our vision with others."

JANA VALDEZ

Principal Interior Designer/ Co-Owner

Jana Valdez is the Principal Interior Designer for Haven Design and Construction. She is well respected for her discerning eye for color, attention to detail, and creative design solutions. Clients appreciate her personable demeanor and ability to translate their wishes into a design that perfectly reflects their personal style.

Jana was born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia and moved to Texas in 2011. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design and has practiced in Georgia, South Carolina, and Texas. Throughout her more than sixteen years of experience, Jana has specialized in several areas. Although she loves all aspects of design, her true passion is Kitchen and Bath design. She is an expert at custom cabinetry design, stone and tile selection and space planning for maximum functionality.

Jana has also specialized in residential lighting, custom drapery and soft goods design. She is best known for her transitional approach to interior spaces, but believes that the client’s personality and lifestyle should ultimately dictate the design plan. In her free time, she enjoys photography, creative writing, mentoring design students and volunteering at Community Bible Church with her husband, Armando.

M. ARMANDO VALDEZ

Custom Homebuilder & Remodeler/ Co-Owner

Armando Valdez is the Custom Homebuilder and Remodeler for Haven Design and Construction. Armando is well respected for his extensive knowledge of construction and hands-on approach to project management. Armando's talents and strengths include creating plans on AutoCAD, estimating project costs, tracking expenses, hiring and managing a trusted network of subcontractors, pulling necessary permits, and keeping the project on track with strategic scheduling. His real estate experience is also invaluable in securing and selling properties, creating reports to determine property value and in understanding local codes and restrictions.

Armando was born in Pleasanton, Texas and has resided in San Antonio for more than 28 years. He grew up working with his father, a builder in Jourdanton, and was immersed in the trade from a young age. After serving in the US Army and receiving an honorable discharge, Armando earned his real estate license, which led to a career in property management. He served as Operations Director for a local property management company for more than fourteen years, supervising the remodeling and management of more than twenty-four apartment communities and over three hundred single family rental properties in San Antonio.

His time there fostered a wealth of valuable relationships with reliable and talented sub-contractors and suppliers that he continues to maintain today. Between his multiple years in property management, Armando also designed and constructed two commercial projects and several luxury homes in Timberwood Park. His portfolio also includes smaller projects, such as designing and building custom decks and managing numerous kitchen and bath remodels. Collectively, he has more than 26 years of experience in his field.

Armando is a dedicated husband to Jana and the proud father of two sons, Mark and Gabriel. In his free time, he enjoys coaching a flag football team and a men’s softball team for Community Bible Church. He’s also been known to tell a fisherman’s tale or two and plays a pretty fair game of golf.