Economic Growth in the Shenandoah Valley

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 13, 2025 | Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, community, Leadership, Local Leaders, resources

Economic growth that is done in an intentional and healthy way is critical for the overall long-term health of our communities. I have volunteered time to the Shenandoah Valley Partnership for over a decade to help our local business community thrive. This organization brings together local government, businesses, and educational institutions to help grow our community. Often the first stop for businesses looking to locate in an area with an outstanding quality of life, like the Shenandoah Valley, SVP is a key resource for our future. In order to attract the high paying jobs that will keep our communities healthy, we need the work being done by Jay Langston and his team. They travel the country telling our story, build out resources that local government can use to attract potential new businesses, and find resources to help existing businesses thrive.

This past week I attended a construction industry round-table where a large group of local leaders discussed challenges and opportunities ahead. SVP was the catalyst for bringing this conversation together and allowed the experts in the industry to meet and talk about the future of the valley. Also last week I was able to attend a discussion about the energy industry in the valley. Dr. Jonathan Miles from James Madison University was able to talk about clean energy options that are affordable, reliable, and available now for industry. The panel discussed the need for long-range innovative planning and thought as they strive for a resilient energy grid. As we look at the severity of storms that now come up the coast and have hit communities just south of us, it is good to have these conversations in advance of having to respond to an emergency.

I am excited about the future of the valley and “energized” by the work that SVP is doing to provide dialog between parties to better the entire valley. Their motto that “a rising tide raises all ships” is exactly what we need to cut through the political chatter and plan for a better and healthier future for all. The innovative leadership at SVP is guiding us into a strong business future and working hard to attract the right businesses for the valley. Collaboration is the key here in the valley as that is a quality that does not always exist between localities in other parts of the country, and something companies looking for a new home want to see. Here in the valley we have groups that might not agree on everything come together and agree on the things that matter to move our community forward, what a gift to future generations.

Rockingham County Custom Home project update

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 10, 2025 | Accessibility, aging in place, architecture, Building Science, Charles Hendricks, Custom Home, Green Building, Indoor Air Quality, Interior Design

A lifetime home is an incredible design opportunity for us to take on with our clients. As we started this Rockingham County custom home it became very clear that our clients wanted intentional and meaningful spaces. Our designs focused on quality of life and we are using the architecture to provide a backdrop for a lifetime of memories. In our design kick-off meeting we discussed daily habits, life values, and dreams for the kind of childhood their child could experience. We laughed about stories they remembered growing up and the special places that they remembered. This is the heart of a custom home design process for us, we want to know our clients so we can join them on their journey to finding their dream home.

We gave a homework assignment to find inspirational photos of places they loved and the types of spaces that will give them energy. We balanced their goals and desires with building science and functional solutions for living spaces. We included thoughts of fun spaces, healthy and invigorating spaces, and spaces that will sooth their souls. As the design process unfolds we developed some visuals to verify the home we are designing is their dream home.

We have also visited their building site and worked to balance the slope of the land, water drainage, views, and arrival sequence for guests. This holistic process of learning our clients dreams takes time and attention. There is empathy and care infused in every decision we make along the way. It is a true gift to be able to do this and call it work. We love solving the design puzzle for our clients. We don’t just create blueprints, we infuse our clients values into their projects. Stay tuned for more photos as the design progresses.

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Top Blog Post of The Month – October 2025

Collaboration to deliver better service to our clients

by Charles Hendricks | September 12, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Commercial Architect, community, Custom Home, Empathy, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders | 0 Comments

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...

Project Update: 865 East Interior Renovation

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | September 3, 2026 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Multifamily Design, project update | 0 Comments

Blog by: Jarod SankarInterior Design: The Gaines Group ArchitectsLobby Contractor: Legacy Building Co.Game Room Contractor: Sustainable SolutionsIf you’re from Harrisonburg, or have any association with JMU, you’ve probably encountered 865 East, the luxury student...

Project Update: Brighter Chiropractic!

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | August 21, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Commercial Architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership, Local Leaders, project update | 0 Comments

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...

September First Friday at The Depot-Featuring Our Very Own Aimee Lawson!

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | August 19, 2026 | community, First Friday, Harrisonburg, Office Culture | 0 Comments

As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects. September 4th from 5:00-7:00 PM Series Name: BFE: Best Friend Energy - Featuring Your Local Paws Medium: Linocut Block Prints Artist Statement: “This...

Project Update: The Elkton Castle

by Charles Hendricks | August 5, 2026 | aging in place, architecture, artwork, Building Science, community, Custom Home, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Not used, project update | 0 Comments

Elkton Castle Project Update:As architects we have the best jobs in the world. We get to listen to our clients dream about how they want to live, then we get to design a place to facilitate that dream. Designing this home for our incredible clients is a great...

The Lasting Impact of Local Mentorship

by Charles Hendricks | July 31, 2026 | community, Empathy, family, Harrisonburg, Leadership, Local Leaders, Mentorship, resources, team | 0 Comments

Why investing in local non-profits builds community: Blog post written by Hannah CundiffAt Gaines Group Architects, we believe that businesses investing in local non-profits that provide mentorship opportunities can help support generational change building a stronger...

Great Construction Documents Save Our Clients’ Money And Increase Contractors’ Profits

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | July 29, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Building Science, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect | 0 Comments

True value is created when a beautiful design is translated into highly detailed, clear, concise, and correct drawings. The process of dimensioning and noting a drawing the right way saves on time to build, makes the goals clear, and reduces questions during...

Your Home Might Have A Dew Point Problem.

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | July 27, 2026 | architecture, Building Science, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality, resources | 0 Comments

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,...

Welcome To The Team, Helen Jadlowski!

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | July 22, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect, team | 0 Comments

Welcome to the Team, Helen Jadlowski! We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our team, Helen Jadlowski! Helen joins us as Senior Architect in our Roanoke office, bringing with her a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Virginia Tech and a deep commitment to...

Project Update: George’s Flowers Progress is Blooming!

by Charles Hendricks | July 21, 2026 | architecture, community, Not used, project update, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect | 0 Comments

Project Update in Roanoke: George's Flowers is Blooming!We are really excited to see the progress taking shape at George's Flowers near Tanglewood Mall. The existing building, which housed Audiotronics did not represent the innovative brand of George's Flowers, so we...

Charles Hendricks joins the CSI College of Fellows

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 8, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, Construction Specifications Institute

I am honored to be included in the 2025 Class of CSI Fellows!

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has welcomed me as a valued member since joining in 2003. This organization allowed me to contribute immediately regardless of my years of experience. This gift has allowed me to advance my career and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others.

Fellows in CSI are selected by their peers based on their achievements in the industry and above-and-beyond contributions to CSI at the National, Regional, and Chapter levels. The distinction of Fellow is one of the highest honors given to a CSI member.

The nomination statement for Fellowship in CSI is based on my work as a mentor, advocate, and educator within the construction industry. CSI gave me a voice even as a new member when I started a student chapter of CSI at the UVA School of Architecture right after joining the organization. I have since served at the local chapter level, participated in organizing Region Conferences and multiple trade shows, taught Construction Document Technology (CDT) classes, served on multiple regional and national CSI committees, and presented at National Conferences many times. This organization trusted me to learn and grow as a leader in the construction industry and allowed me to make mistakes along the way. The power of this organization is that it brings all sectors of the construction industry and all levels of experience to the table as equals. The members of this organization have consistently shown up to support my career growth, helped me build skills and confidence, and been there to answer questions along the way. I am forever grateful for what this organization’s members and staff have done to support me.

The work I have done that is being recognized through this honor is an outgrowth of the skills CSI allowed me to develop. I have been able to offer mentorship to students from elementary school level through college, presented over 185 lectures on sustainability and universal design across the country, and taught a variety of classes focused on architecture. I have organized a variety of educational events, regional conferences, and trade shows, and have brought in experts to share their knowledge. In addition, I have supported and guided other professionals to help them better understand building science, sustainability, and universal design. I have also learned over the years that I can give my time and design skills through board service and pro-bono design to help them better serve our communities.

Reading through the nomination package for Fellowship that Ray Gaines and Adrienne Stronge took the time to produce (many thanks to them) feels a bit bittersweet. I have put time into many things that I believe have made a difference in the lives of others. However, I don’t feel like I have done enough, as we still have so much to achieve in this world. I remain dedicated to community service, outreach, and advocacy for a better future for all. While this honor is amazing and I am looking forward to the ceremony and celebration on October 16th in Cleveland, Ohio, I am simply doing my small part to build a more vibrant and inclusive world and hoping I can encourage others to join in that effort.

Congratulations to Arthur Cam Featherstonhaugh IV, FCSI, CDT, Thomas Lanzelotti, FCSI, CDT, and Randall Lewis, FCSI who are also included in the 2025 class of CSI Fellows. It is a true honor to join you and all the Fellows that have come before us in the Construction Specifications Institute.

Please Join Us in Congratulating Charles on this Monumental Achievement!

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! We are so excited for you Charles!
-The Gaines Group Team

Iron Sharpens Iron: Communication and Knowledge-Sharing

by Charles Hendricks | Aug 8, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, Green Building, green term defined, Harrisonburg Architect

The most important element of successful custom home building is communication. One way we do this is by sharing our knowledge of building science with contractors, educators, students, and community groups.

Recently, Beiler & Co. in Winchester, Virginia invited Charles Hendricks and Nicole Rowe to meet their team and talk about high-performance custom design. Tyler Beiler and Charles have a strong track record of projects in the past and have learned to trust and respect each other. This opportunity brought together Tyler’s team along with Southland Insulation and Gaines Group Architects to talk about lessons learned, building science, and how to deliver the highest value to our clients. This is an example, as Tyler puts it, of “iron sharpening Iron:” bringing together three excellent teams together to build each other’s knowledge base.

The presentation Charles prepared encouraged conversation about building science, how high-performance HVAC and airtight insulation provide added value to a custom home design. He also talked extensively about indoor air quality, durability, energy-efficiency, and the importance of using local building products. The concepts shared encouraged conversation as Tyler’s experienced team asked questions, added insights, and talked about their lessons learned as they build high performance custom homes in the northern Shenandoah Valley. George Dimitrew with Southland Insulators was able to add expertise about available products, solutions used by his firm, and the efficiency of different insulation strategies.

Charles frequently shares his expertise on building science with contractors, community groups, college students, and even other architectural firms. His list of recent presentations includes stops at James Madison University, University of Virginia, Construction Specifications Institute of Central Virginia, Rotary Club of Rockingham County, Half Moon Education, NEED, Massanutten Technical Center, Hollins University, Sunnyside Retirement Community, Eastern Mennonite School, Young Architect Conference, and the Department of Energy. He welcomes all invitations to talk about adding value to your home through an application of building science, helping to create a healthier, more energy-efficient, and durable future.

Supporting BBBSHR is a strategic business strategy

by Charles Hendricks | Jul 11, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, community, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture

We love supporting community organizations that are doing amazing things in our community to build a brighter future for everyone.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Harrisonburg Rockingham

Businesses in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County isn’t just about good corporate citizenship; it’s a strategic investment with tangible benefits. Investing in BBBSHR offers a variety of advantages that can directly benefit your company.

Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty: Consumers are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate social responsibility.
Increased employee engagement and retention: Employees, especially younger generations, are increasingly seeking purpose in their work. Offering opportunities for them to volunteer as “bigs” or participate in corporate giving initiatives can boost morale, foster teamwork, and improve job satisfaction, leading to lower turnover rates.
Valuable marketing and PR opportunities: Sponsorships of BBBSHR, like Bowl for Kids’ Sake, provide excellent visibility for your brand.
Networking and community connections: Involvement with BBBSHR connects your business with other civic-minded leaders, organizations, and community members, fostering valuable relationships and potential collaborations.
Tax benefits: Many forms of corporate giving can offer tax advantages.
Corporate social responsibility: Partnering with BBBSHR provides a clear and impactful way to fulfill your company’s CSR objectives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Harrisonburg Rockingham 1

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County (BBBSHR) creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships between caring adult volunteers and children facing adversity in our community. Their mission is to ignite the power of youth, leading to improved academic performance, increased self-confidence, and avoidance of risky behaviors.

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