1. Expanding Our Footprint

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the history of The Gaines Group Architects: the opening of our third office, establishing a dedicated home right in Roanoke, Virginia!

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2. Massanutten Resort Custom Home Almost Finished

This blog post shows off one of our projects from this year near Massanutten Resort! Take a look for some photos of this beautiful property and even some comparisons of our renderings vs. final product!

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3. Welcome to the Team!

We added a few new faces to the Gaines Group team in 2025! You can learn more about everyone here:

Lizzy
Nicole
Lindsey
Isabel
Claude

4. Dogwood Home Renovation Project Update

This blog post features a beautiful renovation project that made this home feel so warm and inviting!

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5. Citizen Architect Awards

In 2025 we were lucky enough to be recognized with a few awards:

-Best Architectural Firm in the Shenandoah Valley Region by Virginia Living Magazine
-#1 Rated Architectural Firm in Virginia by Top Rated Local
-Top Employer for Interns in 2025 by VTOP
-Charles was named one of the Top 100 Architects in the US by Fixr.com

We couldn’t do it without the support of our clients and community!

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6. Eastern Mennonite Elementary School Project Update

In this post we see an update to the Eastern Mennonite Elementary School’s gathering space!

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7. A Harrisonburg Architect's Christmas Wish List

Shopping for a late Christmas gift for your favorite Harrisonburg architect? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

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8. First Fridays: A Recap!

We love participating in First Fridays in the Valley here in Harrisonburg! This post goes back over our wonderful artists from 2025!

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9. Spanish Lab and Learning Center

We were so excited to partner with Shenandoah Valley SBDC on this project. See photos of this awesome space here!

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10. Bryce Resort Renovation-Project Update

In this post we share a project update where a vacation getaway is turned into a forever home! Click below to see photos and before and afters!

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Thank you for a wonderful 2025, we will see you in 2026!

Custom Ranch Transformation in Albemarle County: Luxury Living Just Outside Charlottesville

by Charles Hendricks | Nov 3, 2025 | architecture, Charlottesville, project update

At Gaines Group Architects, we love taking homes with untapped potential and transforming them into spaces that feel luxurious, functional, and perfectly tailored to a family’s lifestyle. Our latest project in Albemarle County, just outside Charlottesville, VA, is a perfect example: a simple ranch on a stunning property is being reimagined as a modern, high-end family home.

Expansive Living Spaces for Family Life

We’re also reconfiguring the living room to create a more open, inviting space. By adding square footage, vaulting the ceiling, and incorporating clerestory windows, the room will be flooded with natural light. A custom reading nook/window seat provides a cozy, functional corner, while a huge bifolding door will open the living area onto a brand-new screened porch, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor living — a must-have for families who enjoy entertaining in style.

Basement Transformation for Kids’ Play & Guest Space

The basement is getting a complete renovation, turning it into a spacious kids’ playroom and additional bedroom space. Framing is already underway for a cozy reading nook under the stairs, providing a special retreat for the little ones. This project highlights how luxury renovations can enhance every corner of a home, creating spaces that work beautifully for family life.

Take a look at these sketches from our design team!

Scottsville Residence Interior Model Sketch

Scottsville Residence Interior Model Sketch2 (1)

Why Location Matters

Located in the heart of Albemarle County, this home enjoys proximity to Charlottesville’s vibrant communities, scenic landscapes, and top-tier schools, while maintaining privacy and space for outdoor living. Our design emphasizes the property’s natural beauty and maximizes its potential — a hallmark of custom high-end home design in Charlottesville, VA.

Early Stages of a Dream Renovation

Construction is just beginning, with demolition complete, new footings in place, and framing underway for the basement reading nook. As with most renovation projects, we have uncovered some concealed surprises, which is why we’re glad to have Scott Abbott and his team with Ace Contracting on the job as we troubleshoot as a team. Construction can be stressful, but with the right team in place, problems that arise are easily managed.

Photo Credit: Scott Abbott

Bringing Vision to Life

This project embodies what Gaines Group Architects does best: transforming homes into luxurious, light-filled spaces that blend form and function. From vaulted ceilings to seamless indoor-outdoor connections, every element is designed for comfort, style, and lasting value.

If you’re a Charlottesville or Albemarle County homeowner considering a custom home renovation or primary suite addition, follow our blog to see the transformation unfold — and imagine the possibilities for your own home.

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Bryce Resort Renovation – Project Update

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 24, 2025 | architecture, Bryce Resort, Custom Home, Harrisonburg Architect, project update

I had the pleasure of visiting this home renovation at Bryce Resort a few weeks ago. This project turned out amazing. When we arrived it was a straight-forward vacation cottage used for weekend getaways. The goal was to create a home for a lifetime. Here is a before photo of the home as we are getting started with design.

We added a garage on the right side with a room above, and a multi-story addition on the left side. The result is a home with all the spaces needed for living their dream lives in this beautiful resort.

From the rear of the home you get a glimpse of all the exterior spaces that allow for maximum enjoyment of the views out over the lake.

The rear deck was a little narrow and was in need of a facelift. The open rail almost disappears and the deeper sitting area allows for flexible gatherings.

The screen porch on the lower level keeps a dry space safe from bug season.

The once crowded space with an oversize fireplace and limited seating was opened up. The new space allows for seating, dining, and a large kitchen.

Downstairs once was dark and cramped and now has space for the ping pong table and seating for watching the big game.

The primary bedroom used to be open to the main living space and now has privacy and plenty of natural light.

The hot tub allows is privacy while still capturing views and allowing users to enjoy the stars.

The space that was once an unused attic is now a cozy office.

This rooftop terrace is accessed from the primary bedroom.

The new screen porch on the main living floor has a bar looking out to the views.

What an amazing home renovation. The new home has everything they wanted in their lifetime house. We worked through their dreams, goals, and desires, hit their budget, and delivered an amazing design solution.

Dogwood Home Renovation: Project Update

by Charles Hendricks | Aug 19, 2025 | Harrisonburg Architect, Not used, project update

Our client had found the perfect spot for her forever home, but the house itself was cold and uninviting. It desperately needed a renovation, and she needed a design that would reflect her unique values and goals. She chose our team to help her achieve this.

We started by walking through the home, searching for opportunities and challenges while taking in the existing conditions. We made sure to hear her voice and understand her vision for the space, and our design would be guided by it.

Our solution balanced practicality with the client’s aspirations. We updated existing cabinets and added new ones where needed, which allowed us to stick to the budget. We changed colors, updated the lighting, and opened up some walls to make the space feel more expansive and connected.

The results speak for themselves. The house is now cozy and welcoming, with a style that flows beautifully from one room to the next. From the front door to the back porch, this home is ready for a lifetime of new memories.

Planning Your Kitchen Renovation: Where to Begin

by Charles Hendricks | Jul 14, 2025 | architecture, project update

Kitchen renovations are among the most popular home improvement projects we are seeing now. The good news is they consistently offer a strong return on investment, averaging 92.9% according to Remodeling Magazine. Beyond the financial aspect, the kitchen has evolved into the central hub of the home and a primary gathering space for families. Many older homes, however, feature closed-off kitchen layouts, prompting a common renovation goal: opening the kitchen to adjacent living areas to foster a more connected family environment.

Before

After

The First Step: Consult an Architect to Determine What Is Possible

Before embarking on your kitchen transformation, we strongly recommend consulting an architect who operates independently, free from affiliations with cabinet sales or specific product biases. An architect will approach your project with an objective perspective, carefully assessing your space and structural requirements, understanding your functional and aesthetic goals, and developing design solutions that align with your budget.

Key Renovation Considerations

A kitchen renovation involves numerous decisions, from material selections to layout optimization. An experienced designer can guide you through choices such as:

Countertop materials: Selecting the right countertop involves balancing durability, aesthetics, and maintenance.
Enhanced functionality: Maximizing your kitchen’s efficiency through smart storage solutions, appliance placement, and workflow design.
Achieving your dream kitchen: Translating your vision into a practical and beautiful space that meets your unique needs.

Project Update: Haiti Agape Pavilion

by Audrey | Apr 18, 2025 | Charlottesville, community, Empathy, Not used, project update

Project Update: Haiti Agape Pavilion

By: Paul Tassell

Seven years ago, The Gaines Group donated their time and expertise to assist with a project in Haiti. That project is now nearing completion.

Charlottesville First United Methodist Church partnered with The Friends of Fort Liberte, a 501(c)3 founded to serve the people of the Ft. Liberte area in northeast Haiti. This charity has helped develop many projects including projects serving the Eben-Ezer Primary School which provides education to hundreds of Haitian students.

Dave Wheatley, a Trustee of CFUMC, approached The Gaines Group about one of those projects. The Eben-Ezer School was in need of a pavilion where their students were protected from the sun and rain during lunch. The Gaines Group provided renderings for fundraising purposes and structural design for the now Agape Pavilion. Volunteers plan to return, now that the pavilion is nearing completion, to build picnic tables.

The Agape Pavilion means so much to the community. Pastor Dasnis Pierre of Haiti expressed his appreciation, saying “we will be able to create a community life among the students at the school. The pavilion will also be available for church gatherings and festivals. The Agape Pavilion will be a place of love and sharing.”

If you would like to donate to this cause or the many projects for Friends of Fort Liberte, please visit their website: https://friendsoffortliberte.com/system/causes/view/252/the-agape-pavilion