October First Friday featuring Barb Camph – Musical Mosaics

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 23, 2026 | First Friday, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect

Please come out and support a local artist! Our First Friday in October will feature local legend Barb Camph.

October 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Series Name: Playing with Glass

Medium: Glass Mosaics

Artist Statement: I came to stained glass as a full-time profession in my late 40s, but I was attracted to the art several years earlier. The endless color variations, textures, and possibilities captured me! Color inspires me. Color energizes me.
I love to create. The act of creating is soothing and takes me to another place. And with my glass, I can create almost anything I can envision.
At the moment, I am crazy for mosaics. This started a couple of years ago in Costa Rica at my brother’s house. He and his wife encouraged me, found materials, and created projects for me. Since then, I have been fortunate to create pieces for sale, for public art and to decorate OASIS.
Where will this lead? Who knows! But I am so fortunate to be in an environment –family, clients, and Harrisonburg — which encourages and supports my art.

Artists Bio: I learned the craft of stained glass in the 1980’s, when we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. At that time, it was a hobby but when we moved to Portugal in 1995, it became my business. I have had many people help me along the way while I learned the business of art.
Several years ago, when I moved to the Harrisonburg area I built the largest studio I could afford. It is decorated with wonderful creations as well as a huge selection of art glass. It is home to two kilns, one of which I have had for almost 40 years!
I often say that “the glass talks to me”. I am so fortunate to be able to work with glass and indulge my creativity.
In Portugal, I taught stained glass every week. In Panama I taught less frequently but did continue to teach. I stopped teaching the art of stained glass when I moved to Harrisonburg since there is already a teaching studio. However, I started teaching mosaics to kids (at the Arboretum and for On the Road Collaboration) and to adults (in my home studio, at my OASIS studio and under the sponsorship of Parks and Recreation).

*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 challenges. 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 of the Depot!

Harrisonburg Art and Architecture Walking Tour

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 22, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect

We created a Harrisonburg Art and Architecture walking tour and want to share it with you. We still need to add names of architects of some of the buildings that make up the fabric of our town. Please help me complete the tour, send me any missing information or corrections. We also want to add in some interesting stories that go along with the buildings and art. If you are the artist, building occupant / owner, or have just been around a while and have a story to share, let me know. We want to make this tour as inclusive as possible.

Special thanks to the photographers on this project: Hannah Hendricks and Monica Espinoza!

Check it out here. Maybe you will find something new on the list in downtown that you did not know about from Caverns, to Green Book, to Love and Romance?

The Veranda, Luxury Cabin Architecture

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 18, 2026 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Custom Home, Harrisonburg Architect

The design of this luxury cabin was focused around providing an amazing experience for all the visit the property. Our client asked us to use the same layout that worked well on the Sadana Cabin but to change the architecture to provide something new. This idea of maximizing investment but also allowing for interesting design is a fun challenge. We looked at a few different forms the cabin could take. We wanted to capture the views, create a warm and inviting space, and keep the build economical for our client. I think the result is beautiful.

The ceiling vault pulls your eye to the views and really opens up the space. It feels good. That was certainly a top goal and walking through the space confirms it. This luxury cabin retreat checks all the boxes for those looking for a relaxing and comfortable place to stay.

The views from the hot tub at night make it all pretty special.

The interior finishes set the tone with rich colors and clean lines.

We are really happy with how this luxury cabin turned out and are thankful for Beck Builders for executing the plan and our client for trusting our team!

Industrial Architecture Requires An Integrated Team

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 17, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg Architect, industrial architecture, Interior Design, Office Culture, Roanoke Architect

In the industrial and manufacturing industry downtime is the ultimate enemy. Efficiency and productivity are key elements to success. When an industrial facility needs renovation, expansion, or completely new space the plant manager’s concern is downtime, disruption, and safety risks that all impact productivity, wellness or employees, and the bottom line. In this type of work downtime is not a luxury that can happen and a slow disjointed design process will not work.

We approach industrial design like our other projects, without ego, listening for challenges and opportunities, and thinking about which partners will deliver the best success for our clients. We want to approach every project as an integrated team: owner, architect, contractor, engineer, and other stakeholders depending on the need. We don’t work in a silo that will slow the project. We know that minimal disruption ensures the best outcome.

Our designs all start by sketching out the idea after listening to our clients’ goals and analyzing the opportunities. We learn how products flow through a space, where potential bottle necks occur, and how departments communicate. Working with our client we hear from leadership, managers, operators, and their clients when needed to understand fully how their business moves. The granular questions are often the most telling: Where are the existing safety pitfalls? Does product bottleneck now? How does the assembly line sequence work and could it be better?

Learning how the facility operates helps us provide guidance on the changes needed. Even in new construction, we need to understand the flow of materials and people. The site access, circulation both interior and exterior, and vertical and horizontal shifts all feed the best solutions. We are not just designing a shell; we want to provide design for highly functional machines that complement the optimized workflow.

Our designs also ask the question, how will the team using the space feel about the space. Is it safe? Comfortable? Even Fun? Providing a space with healthy indoor environmental quality promotes employee retention and productivity. Bringing in daylight strategies where possible along with proper ventilation and zoning can help employee morale. This can also reduce fatigue and potential for safety challenges.

When time is the critical element which it is in most of our industrial projects, using an integrated approach to design saves time, money, and smooths out the unknown. It allows our design team to work hand in hand with the contractor, engineers, and clients to deliver the highest and best solution.

The Sanado, a luxury cabin in Shenandoah

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 14, 2026 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Custom Home, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design

Our client came to us with a clear goal, create a luxury 2 bedroom cabin that framed the amazing views and created a perfect weekend retreat in Shenandoah. This project was a lot of fun to design and Beck Builders did a great job executing the plan.

The Sanado in Shenandoah is a 2 bedroom 2 bath luxury cabin that our client is using as an air b&b investment property. The results of his vision is a welcoming cabin design that allows for relaxation and comfort. The vaulted wall of glass opens the compact plan up so the house feels huge. The added amenities give you a place to unwind and reconnect.

The design of this cabin was very intentional. We visited the site after schematic design phase was done, evaluated the views and angle to fit it perfectly into the landscape. We needed to capture the right view. Then we designed huge windows and a deck so you could enjoy this place with privacy.

The inside of the cabin is designed for absolute relaxation and comfort. The final furnishings pull the vision together, our client has amazing taste.

Collaboration to deliver better service to our clients

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.

Charlottesville Architect Builder Exchange

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.

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.