by Charles Hendricks | Jul 6, 2025 | architecture, community, Harrisonburg Architect
Harrisonburg, get ready to make a splash! The Spray Grounds at Ralph Sampson Park have officially opened. This refreshing new amenity space in the Friendly City features 6,000 square feet of aquatic play area with four shade structures and a bathhouse. We had the honor of working for Nielsen Builders on this project and partnering with Southern Playground and Monteverde Studio for the complete design. This is yet another incredible project made possible for our community by Harrisonburg Parks and Rec. If you have not noticed their work around the city, you are not paying attention. Our parks are looking exceptional these days.
The Harrisonburg spray grounds are located in Ralph Sampson Park, next to the Lucy F. Simms Center, at the corner of Washington Street and Simms Avenue. This project, funded by ARPA money, provides the quadrant of the city with the most school-age children a very cool destination. It is accessible, with vibrant colors, and is surrounded by basketball courts and a playground. The project features a large bucket that dumps out and creates a huge splash, seating areas, restrooms, and lots of green space. The center is open from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. daily and is free to the public.
Our role in the project was not the cool water features, but we did get to provide design for the shade pavilions and the restrooms/pump house. This project was done design-build, which means we worked directly for the builder and not for the city. This approach allows for minimal design to verify code compliance and permit drawings.
Harrisonburg, get ready to make a splash! The highly anticipated Ralph Sampson Park Spray Grounds officially opened on Tuesday, July 1st, bringing a refreshing new amenity to the Friendly City. This 6,000-square-foot aquatic play area is unlike anything else in the region, promising endless summer fun for all ages.
Located conveniently beside the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center at the corner of Washington Street and Simms Avenue, the spray grounds were made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. This project is a testament to Harrisonburg’s commitment to providing vibrant, accessible recreational spaces for its community.
Lead Designer / Landscape Architect: LPDA / Kimley-Horn
General Contractor: Nielsen Builders
Equipment: Southern Playground
Project Owner: Harrisonburg Parks and Rec
Civil Engineer: Monteverde Studio
by Charles Hendricks | Jul 5, 2025 | architecture, Building Science, Green Building, green term defined, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality
Building a new custom home is an exciting venture, filled with many decisions about design, finishes, efficiency, features, and function. There are many very visible elements that you will decide on through the design process. There is also one less glamorous but equally vital component that deserves your attention: air sealing. Often overlooked and forgotten, proper air sealing is a significant element in the comfort, longevity, and durability of your new home.
What is air sealing?
Air sealing is the process of closing off any gaps, cracks, and openings in your home’s “thermal envelope.” This includes the outer walls, foundation, and roof. These small imperfections, often found around outlets, lights, windows, doors, and plumbing/electrical penetrations, collectively add up to a significant potential for uncontrolled air infiltration. This could be the equivalent of leaving a 3’ x 3’ window open in an average home.
The benefits of an air sealed home
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Superior energy efficiency and lower energy bills: Air leaks allow outside air to leak in and inside conditioned air to leak out, resulting in your HVAC working harder to keep up.
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Enhanced indoor comfort: Drafts and cold spots around your house could very well be air leaks in your thermal envelope.
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Improved indoor air quality: Air leaks are sources for dust, pollen, pests, and even fumes to get into your living space.
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Effective moisture control and increased durability: Leaks allow moisture to move through your walls, which can lead to mold, rot, and pests.
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Reduced noise pollution: A tightly sealed home is quieter, keeping external sounds outside.
Make air sealing a priority in your new home
While air sealing might not be on the selection list for your new custom home, it should be part of your performance standard. We use a project manual to set the standard each new home should achieve. Building code now also requires a blower door test to show how much air leaks through your thermal envelope. That is a minimum and should be done by a third-party inspector who has calibrated their equipment within the last 12 months. While building code allows builders to self-perform this test, that may not give you the answers you need to ensure the performance you should get in your new custom home. This is one very important design element that will help protect your investment and its long-term performance, comfort, and value.
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 27, 2025 | architecture, community, Historic Renovation
My favorite city I have ever visited is Charleston, South Carolina. There are gardens, beautiful architecture, interesting stories (some of them true) about the history of the town, custom ironwork, open air markets, and incredible food. It is a place where you can get lost in the details, wander the streets for hours, and feel right at home the entire time. History comes alive and continues to unfold over time.
I have visited Charleston many times, but have never lived there. My view of the city is from the perspective of a tourist. It caters to those coming for a few days and provides a welcoming atmosphere to give you reason to come back. The city has a soul and you see it in the streets, homes, and people. You feel it in the air. The texture, movement, colors, open air market, and style that all meld into an idealistic place.
So what makes a city welcoming, inviting, unique? Does your city have a soul that you can feel walking through town?
As I walk through downtown Harrisonburg there are glimpses of the soul of the city. There are storefronts that add texture, murals that give context, and history hidden in the buildings.
What elements have you seen in cities that tie together and build pride of place? What would you like to see downtown that tells the history of place and builds a welcoming culture to those living here, as well as those just visiting for just a few days? How can we make Harrisonburg a truly friendly city? In your words, what makes a city welcoming, inviting, unique?
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 24, 2025 | architecture, Office Culture, team
We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth “Lizzy” McEwen, a recent Virginia Tech School of Architecture graduate, to our design team. Lizzy brings a fresh perspective and adventurous spirit to our firm.
From Charlotte to Hokie Nation
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina—a city with a rich history of discovery and innovation—Lizzy learned early that extraordinary things can hide in plain sight. Growing up in the birthplace of America’s first gold rush (sparked by a 17-pound gold nugget used as a doorstop!), it’s fitting that she found her way to architecture, where practical design meets creative problem-solving.
The Evolution of a Designer
Before sketching building elevations, Lizzy was already teaching her sisters on the family art easel, complete with homework assignments (which, she admits, were rarely completed). This early passion for education and sharing knowledge underscores the collaborative spirit she brings to our design process, always ready to explain concepts or explore new approaches.
Her path to architecture included an interesting detour: summer camp counseling. She even worked at the same camp our managing partner, Charles Hendricks, attended as a child. These unexpected connections truly strengthen our professional community, weaving a beautiful circularity through the architecture world.
Adventure Meets Craftsmanship
What truly distinguishes Lizzy is her ability to balance bold adventure with meticulous craftsmanship. When she’s not designing, she’s seeking adventures—like paragliding off mountains in Switzerland. This pursuit demands the same careful attention to detail, spatial awareness, and calculated risk-taking that defines exceptional architecture.
On solid ground, Lizzy channels her creativity into building custom guitars with her fiancé. This perfect partnership sees her handling the design while he manages the circuitry, mirroring the interdisciplinary thinking that drives successful architectural projects by blending aesthetic vision with technical precision.
Defining Details
Lizzy’s competitive side shines through in stories like fitting 20 blueberries in her mouth to win a bet—a testament to her determination and willingness to embrace unusual challenges. This creative problem-solving and fearless approach are precisely what we value when tackling complex design problems.
Outside the studio, Lizzy enjoys staying active outdoors, finding inspiration in natural environments that often inform her approach to sustainable design and biophilic architecture principles.
Looking Ahead
Lizzy joins us at an exciting time as we continue to push the boundaries of innovative design while upholding our commitment to thoughtful, community-centered architecture. Her unique blend of technical education, hands-on making experience, and adventurous spirit positions her perfectly to contribute to projects requiring both creative vision and practical execution.
We are confident that Lizzy’s fresh perspective, collaborative nature, and willingness to embrace challenges—whether teaching her sisters, paragliding through the Alps, or crafting the perfect guitar—will make her an invaluable addition to our team.
Welcome aboard, Lizzy. We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together.
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 18, 2025 | artwork, citizen architect, Harrisonburg Architect
As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.
Mixed Media Exhibition
Artist Ian Yoder
July 3, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
2nd Floor
141 W. Bruce St.
Harrisonburg, VA, 22801
Ian Yoder is a recent graduate of Rocktown High School and plans to attend VCU this fall. His biggest inspirations are other artists such as Hayao Miyazaki and Tove Jansson. He is also a huge fan of strange cinema. This gallery will contain pieces created over the last year.
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!
