by Charles Hendricks | Sep 12, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Commercial Architect, community, Custom Home, Empathy, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders
This amazing event, Charlottesville Architect + Builder Exchange, is building a better industry.
This past week Charles and Sam were invited to share how they collaborate outside of projects to deliver better projects to shared clients. Sam with Herr and Company and Charles have worked together on many projects over the years. They have a trusting relationship. It is not just based on the projects though, it is based on each of them showing up for the other consistently.
Charlottesville Architect Builder Exchange
The story they shared is not a new way of doing business. It is simply treating each other with respect and working towards a common goal: excellent service to our community, integrity in the process, and a desire to do better for our clients. Once the video of the event is posted we will share it. We welcome your ideas of how we can improve more. We don’t have it all figured out and want to continue to grow and improve. Let us know how you deliver better service to your clients through collaboration, trust, and integrity.
Thanks to Jim at Candid and his team for allowing this conversation to happen.
If you have a community group or event that needs a speaker: Charles loves sharing his passion for community, building science, architecture, aging in place, the history of the Chesapeake Wester Depot, using empathy as a design tool, or if you just want him to tell stories – reach out and let’s get it scheduled.
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Aug 21, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Commercial Architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership, Local Leaders, project update
Charles and
Dr. David Heller were talking over breakfast at a morning Rotary Club of Rockingham County meeting. Dr. Heller was opening a new business in an existing shopping center in town. As a doctor and entrepreneur, he had a clear vision and had checked all the boxes to reach his goal of serving his community and promoting better health. Then Charles asked, “Did you check the use group for the space to make sure it works for your Chiropractic Clinic?”
Dr. Heller had already hired a contractor to execute his vision. Hiring a contractor is an obvious first step, but when opening a new space and renovating, many questions must be answered. As architects we know these questions well and know how to efficiently answer them. Dr. Heller had completed his training, formulated his plan, and found the space. The remaining questions focused on building code and ADA compliance. These issues are often overlooked until after construction has started. Sometimes there are no issues, but if issues arise, the project stops and usually costs a lot to get back on track.
For example, Charles was contacted by a retail shop. They were moving from one end of the shopping center to the other. Seems simple. However, when they went to pull the sign permit they found out the new space, which they were already moving things into, did not allow for retail. Again, the same shopping center and even the same building. At some point in the past that particular unit’s building code use had changed to assembly instead of retail. This resulted in needing a building code analysis and change of use application to revert to retail. This cost the business owner valuable time and money to bring the space into compliance.
So back to Dr. Heller’s story: His new practice has opened its doors. He already has a long list of clients due to all his brand-building work prior to opening. His work ethic has been incredible to watch. Our role was fairly simple, stemming from that morning conversation. We documented the ADA compliance, verified the building code use group, made sure the space worked for the needed uses, and created the documents for the builder to quickly execute the plan.
Our goal as designers is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of those using the spaces we design are protected. Our work helps our clients efficiently reach their goals. This project is a great example of how we can support local small businesses and an incredibly hard-working entrepreneur.
We are proud of you Dr. Heller and wish you many years of success moving forward.
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Jul 27, 2026 | architecture, Building Science, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality, resources
Anyone who has been in the construction industry for a while has heard the phrase – “you don’t want to build it too tight.” This is a reference to how buildings used to dry out, BEFORE air conditioning and insulation. Some still refer to allowing your home to breathe, but we completely changed how we build from balloon framing to platform framing, from using windows to catch a breeze to cool your home to mechanical systems that filter, clean the air, and cool your home. Your house no longer needs to breathe through random gaps in the exterior thermal envelope. It needs to be as tight as you can make it, with a proper ventilation system to complement the heating and cooling system.
Architects and builders who understand building science work to protect your home and the indoor air quality problems that might occur if you “let your home breathe.” In our mixed humid climate, one of the biggest problems could be dew point. This is the exact temperature at which airborne moisture transitions from gas to liquid. If that conversion happens inside a wood-frame wall, you have a recipe for mold, rot, and potentially structural failure.
Achieving an efficient, healthy, and resilient home requires understanding how to avoid some common construction mistakes.
Air Leakage
Air leakage is the highway for moisture transport through your thermal envelope. In our mixed humid climate, on a hot, humid day, that moist air wants to push inside your air-conditioned home. In the winter, warm air escapes to the dry cold air. Your home is always trying to reach equilibrium with the outside air. Air pressure forces movement through any cracks around plumbing, electrical outlets, framing, doors, and windows. It carries gallons of water vapor along with it. When this air hits a cold surface inside the wall cavity, it instantly hits the dew point and becomes liquid.
Insulation
Not all insulation works the same, and not all insulation can be used for all wall
assemblies. We often use open-cell spray foam because it is airtight and vapor
permeable. Closed-cell spray foam looks very similar, but it is a vapor barrier. Using this product in a wall above grade can work, but you must make sure it is done exactly right. If it pulls away from framing, allowing even the smallest leak, you could end up with a dew point issue. Also, if you use a vapor barrier and there is a liquid leak in the wall, you might not find it until you have a much larger problem. Using fiberglass batts and cellulose can also work, but the air sealing process is labor intensive and often does not last as long.
Vapor Barriers
We don’t want a vapor barrier in our climate due to the vapor drive that happens in different directions in the different seasons. Adding a vapor barrier can stop airflow on the cool surface you are trying to protect. Using the right vapor permeable solutions allows vapor to pass through the material while your HVAC system works to dry out the air to further protect your walls. Did you know that OSB, some paints and wallpaper, and many house wraps are vapor barriers?
A healthy, durable, comfortable home with good indoor air quality controls the dew point. You have to have the right HVAC system and fresh air as part of the holistic solution. Focusing on proper air sealing, insulation location and values, and HVAC can solve the challenges that many modern homes face of high humidity, mold, and rot.
by Charles Hendricks | May 28, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team
We are excited to announce that Calvin Bixler has joined the Gaines Group Architects team as our newest intern! Calvin is eager to jump in and support the firm across a variety of projects as he begins his professional journey in the design field.
Academic Foundations
Calvin comes to us with a strong academic background, having completed his first year of studies at Princeton University. As he works toward his degree, he is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and holding his first official position in his chosen career field.
Beyond the Studio
When he isn’t assisting the firm, Calvin stays busy with an impressive array of technical hobbies. He is currently in the middle of a major mechanical project: converting a 1984 Pontiac Fiero from an internal combustion engine to a fully electric drivetrain. When he isn’t under the hood of a car, he enjoys playing single-player video games, particularly Minecraft.
Getting to Know Calvin
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First Job: Calvin’s work history began at the EMU dining hall, where he worked in the dish room and served meals.
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Favorite Characteristic: He takes great pride in his strong work ethic, a trait that makes him a fantastic addition to our team.
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Furry Friends: Calvin is a cat lover and has a long-haired black cat named Bear.
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Pop Culture Pick: If there is one show you can find him watching on repeat, it is Game of Thrones.
Please join us in giving Calvin a warm welcome to the team!
by Charles Hendricks | Apr 12, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team
You don’t have to guess whether taking the time to mentor makes a difference. The students who have walked through the doors of The Gaines Group speak volumes about the impact of these experiences:
David Martin, a Virginia Tech architecture student, spent a summer learning the granular details of the profession.
“With only two years of architecture school under my belt, I started this summer off knowing I had a lot to learn… I found myself having to learn the details of building sections, roof plans, wall thicknesses, construction methods… Throughout the process, Charles showed me patience and was always willing to answer any questions I had… In one of Charles’ recent blogs, he talks about being the person you needed when you were younger. From my experience, I would say that he’s putting that into practice, since the help and instruction he provided me that summer has given me valuable insight into the world of architecture.”
Ryan, a high school student from Eastern Mennonite High School, discovered that the day-to-day life of an architect isn’t just about unconstrained sketching.
“I realized that architecture, most of the time, is not designing grandiose creations from your head, but is more of a tailored approach to realize clients’ wishes… I am very grateful to the Gaines Group Architects for taking time out of his immensely busy schedule to mentor me… My perception of architecture has definitely changed and while I am still considering this as a possible career option, I feel as though my eyes have been opened to some of the non-ideal aspects of architecture.”
Chloe, the aspiring interior designer, found that her time with Charles and Jarod provided the exact clarity she needed for her future.
“His knowledge of design and his love for his job inspired me in great ways… After my mentorship experience, I decided that I am going to pursue a major in interior design at Liberty University. Finally, mentorship has taught me that I am capable of way more than I ever imagined. My mentor has done an amazing job helping me realize how successful I can be… His encouragement and confidence in me have boosted my confidence in achieving my dreams.”
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Apr 9, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Leadership, Mentorship, Office Culture
I remember my first day at the firm. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived. I knew autocad. I had an architectural degree. I had worked various jobs since I was 12, but this was the first office position. The first time that I was being asked to draw things and they would pay me for it. I understood design, but I didn’t know the 27′ rule in a kitchen, the stair formula, how far a 2 x 12 would span, or why insulation values were important. Those were not things we learned in architectural school. That first day though, I found out that my opinion mattered. The questions I asked made a difference. I could contribute to the team. I needed mentorship, but I also got to mentor those around me.
Over my 27 years at the firm I have been mentored and served as a mentor. I have learned so much from others on the team and hopefully shared some wisdom along the way. I continue to learn from our team. There is so much to know in our industry and it continues to evolve and change.
For the third year in a row our firm has been recognized as a Top Virginia Employer for Interns. This is a meaningful recognition for me personally. We have hosted dozens of high school students in job shadowing, college students as summer interns, and helped launch many into careers in architecture. This annual award celebrates the importance of providing hands on experiences, direct access to senior leadership, and a glimpse into real world skills and experiences.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the 161 employers that have put time, energy, and resources into allowing students to advance in their knowledge. Thank you for opening doors for students to explore career options.
