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.
by sitemanager | Aug 18, 2025 | architecture, citizen architect, Leadership, Local Leaders
Guest Author: Calvin Bixler
As I start my architectural career, I was given the opportunity to intern at the office of Gaines Group Architects in Harrisonburg, Virginia through a career exploration program at Eastern Mennonite School. This small architectural firm has a big reputation for using design as a tool to build a stronger community. This was not my first internship through this program at EMS. I also had the privilege to learn from Gil Colman of Colman Engineering. At Colman, I learned how to use Civil3D and Autocad, helped conduct stormwater pollution prevention plan inspections, and mapped sites using GPS tools.
At Gaines Group Architects, I was challenged to think about how architecture can heal open wounds in a community and honor the past. I researched and developed a concept for the Roses shopping center in downtown Harrisonburg. The major consideration in my design was the history of displacement and “urban renewal” of the property and surrounding area. The result of my design includes an improved public transit stop, a parking garage as an alternative to the aging parking structures in downtown Harrisonburg, outdoor gathering and fitness areas, a rooftop garden and solar array, affordable housing, and rental spaces for existing or startup small businesses. The design also places storefronts along the road and sidewalk, providing a more lively and inviting atmosphere. The focal point of the design is a tower dedicated to the history of the Northeast Neighborhood.
I believe that architecture should respect the community and build stronger connections. If this property should be redeveloped, there should be an effort made to mend relationships with members of the Northeast Neighborhood broken during urban renewal. When development happens in a community, there should be discussion with community members about their needs. This will serve both the community and the developer.
The next stage in my career will be at Princeton University, where I hope to continue my studies in Architecture. No matter my final career destination, I know that the time I spent at Colman Engineering and Gaines Group Architecture will have served me well. I encourage all high school students to search out opportunities to test the waters for their future career before going to college. This is a chance to not only find what you love to do, rule out what you don’t want to do, but you could be a voice that changes how your community develops over time.
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.
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.
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Enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty: Consumers are more likely to support businesses that demonstrate social responsibility.
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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.
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Valuable marketing and PR opportunities: Sponsorships of BBBSHR, like Bowl for Kids’ Sake, provide excellent visibility for your brand.
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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.
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Tax benefits: Many forms of corporate giving can offer tax advantages.
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Corporate social responsibility: Partnering with BBBSHR provides a clear and impactful way to fulfill your company’s CSR objectives.
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.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 18, 2025 | community, Local Leaders, Office Culture, team
Each year Virginia Living Magazine hosts Best of Virginia 2025 divided up in regions across the Commonwealth. I humbly ask for your help, please vote for us in Virginia Living Magazine Best of Virginia 2025. We appear in two regions (Central and Shenandoah Valley) in three categories (architecture, interior design, and Kitchen and Bath design firm).
Shenandoah Valley: Best Architecture firm in Virginia, Best Interior Designer in Virginia, Best Kitchen and Bath Designer in Virginia
Central Virginia: Best Architecture Firm in Virginia, Best Interior Designer in Virginia, Best Kitchen and Bath Designer in Virginia
These award programs rely on number of votes. In this case, you can only vote once for each category and region. If you would be so kind, we would appreciate your vote in these 6 categories. Winning the award is important because it increases our exposure to people that may not already know about us.
Virginia Living is a lifestyle magazine that focuses on Virginia’s people, places, history, and culture. The awards are an annual issue highlighting local businesses in each region.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 17, 2025 | architecture, Charlottesville, community, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, team
We are thrilled to hear that once again we are the top rated Architectural firm in Virginia according to Top Rated Social. This recognition is based on online reviews posted to Google by our clients. Our rating of 95 reflects 25 Five Star reviews.
We have been fortunate to achieve the following recognitions:
2025 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #1
2024 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #1
2023 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #1
2022 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #2
2021 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #4
2020 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #1
2019 – Top Rated Local Architects in Virginia #2
Thank you so much to our clients that have taken the time to post an online review supporting our firm’s future success.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 4, 2025 | architecture, citizen architect, community, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture, team
VPAS Soup, Socks, and Sunshine drive for older adults is running from January 2nd – 17th. Our office (downstairs in the foyer) is one of the collection sites along with Visiting Angels, Town of Timberville Town Hall, and the VPAS Harrisonburg office! So stop by 141 W. Bruce st and make a donation this coming week of socks, soup, or a card / drawing.
This event invites you to donate Men’s and Women’s socks, cans of soup, and cards, drawings, and kind notes for older adults in our area. VPAS will distribute them to those in need of comfort and warmth this winter. This kind gesture will certainly warm the hearts of those receiving, but also those VPAS volunteers getting to give the donations out.
Valley Program for Aging Services. This non-profit organization provides a range of services to help older adults (60+) in the Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia live independently and with dignity. They offer information and referrals, case management, home-delivered meals, congregate meals, transportation, caregiver support, and wellness programs. In essence, VPAS plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of older adults in the Harrisonburg area and beyond.
To learn more about VPAS and their services, you can visit their website at https://vpas.info/.
