Hi, I am Charles Hendricks, an architect focused on designs that create a better future for our clients and communities. For over 27 years, I have had the honor of designing beautifully detailed buildings that feature incredible craftsmanship, attention to detail, and healthy, energy-efficient performance. My focus is providing the best value solution for every client that exceeds expectations. My specialty areas span from luxury homes to innovative commercial spaces. While those building-type specialties are broad, my real specialty is hearing my clients clearly and delivering the right design for their goals.

What Shapes My Approach to Architecture:

Looking back, several formative experiences led me to where I am today. In primary school, I was fortunate to have architectural and engineering classes available. School never made sense to me until I figured out that I am a visual problem solver. This led me to UVA, where the focus of education had shifted to sustainable design (well before it was called that), and I learned that an architect’s actions impact not only their immediate clients but also the community, the world, and future generations. I found joy in solving complex problems that would do good for generations.

I met Ray Gaines, who taught me that functional design solutions are beautiful and affordable and solve many of the challenges we face in the built environment. I met Samuel Mockbee, who showed how an architect can help others and serve the community. Then I studied under Mark DeKay at The University of Tennessee to figure out how to apply building science to every project without exceeding the budget. I did a deep dive through EEBA to master building science right, research accessibility standards, learn about aging in place, focus on becoming a better listener, and develop my design eye. I worked hard to strengthen my ability to use empathy as a leading design tool. These experiences, coupled with growing up in a lower-income family, working from age 12, holding three jobs as a teenager, witnessing my parents’ struggles when we lost our home, and understanding the need for a social safety net for those who struggle, further shaped my perspective. Working as a cook, lifeguard, retail sales, and even as an early entrepreneur delivering newspapers has shaped me as an architect.

My calling, mission, and passion is to serve my community by using design thinking to create healthy, energy-efficient, and durable solutions for every project I have the honor of working on.

I have won awards and have been recognized for my work in sustainable design. I have been a featured speaker at 100s of events on topics including building science, aging in place, using empathy as a design tool, and integrated design that brings teams together to deliver better projects to our clients. I have mentored 100s of students from elementary through high school at the University of Virginia, James Madison University, Virginia Tech, Hampton University, University of Maryland, Drexel, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. We have completed projects that are Net-Zero, Carbon Neutral, EarthCraft Residential, EarthCraft Light Commercial, LEED NC, LEED for Homes, and Energy Star Home Performance Plus. I am proud of the good work our team has created and honored that our clients trusted us to achieve those results. This work makes a lasting difference, creating positive change for our community now and for generations to come.

Each year we take on multiple pro bono clients and non-profits doing good work in our communities, offering them reduced rates. We seek opportunities to help them multiply their efforts. Working with area daycares, we have expanded affordable childcare. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, we have brought real affordable housing to multiple communities. Designing for Rebuilding Together, we have provided accessibility to people who could not get in and out of their homes. Supporting churches, we have enhanced and grown places for communities to gather. Volunteering with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, we have supported local small businesses in improving their buildings. By doing energy reviews of more than 100 homes for free, we have helped people live more comfortably, cut energy usage, and reduce our impact on climate change. I have given time to Massanutten Technical Center and Charlottesville Area Technical Center, encouraging and educating the next generation of construction professionals.

This has resulted in many high-performance, high-durability designs that save our clients money, enhance our community, and build a better future for all.

I am active in many community efforts, including the Construction Specifications Institute, American Institute of Architects, National Association of Home Builders, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership. In addition, I volunteer time to Eastern Mennonite School, Park View Mennonite Church, Rotary Club of Rockingham County, Harrisonburg Soap Box Derby, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Harrisonburg City Schools, and Massanutten Technical Center Foundation.

My greatest joy is spending time at a crowded table with my best friend April, our family, and our friends, knowing that the work I am doing is making a difference.

Let’s talk about how we can translate your vision into a high-performance, enduring space.

Adrienne joined The Gaines Group in June 2006, just after graduating from the University of Virginia’s school of architecture. She is a project manager in the Charlottesville office, managing many of our Earthcraft multifamily projects. Adrienne has a special interest in accessible design and designing for aging-in-place thanks to her father-in-law who had been confined to a wheelchair due to MS. She also serves on the board of CSI, the Construction Specifications Institute, and has earned her CDT certification.

Adrienne lives at Lake Monticello with her husband, Andrew, their son, Alister, and their rescue pugs, Spudnik and Daisy. Andrew is an illustrator and graphic designer, and they travel to many different events with his business, Stronge Designs. Adrienne and Andrew also run a small business selling vintage toys, books, and other collectibles both online and at their antique store booths. Adrienne enjoys hunting at various thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets for their business, or to add to their robot and space toy collection at home.

James Halstead has served as our Structural Design Director since 2013 and brings a depth and understanding of fundamental structural solutions and technologies. It’s common to overhear our team members collaborating on an idea and inevitably ask, “James, can we do this?” As often as it is said, James plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of our work and making our ideas fit structurally into the overall design.

James is a native of Albemarle County and enjoys living and working in the community he was raised in. From a young age, he recalls his close relationship with his grandfather as a source of inspiration that guided his future. As a carpenter, his grandfather could construct almost anything, and James remembers learning as much as he could from him. These early years of learning how things were built led James to study at Piedmont College and eventually begin a career in structural design. He developed much of his skill set while working at a local engineering firm that partnered with the Gaines Group on numerous projects. Their partnership led to a strong relationship over the years, and it was a natural fit for James to join the team at the Gaines Group once his employer retired.

Since joining the firm, James has elevated our team’s ability to support all phases of the design process. His skill set allows our team to find solutions that meet overall design goals. In his words, “Charles and I make a good team. He creates the big picture and I help make it come together with all of the details.” He loves the wide range and diversity of projects but specifically enjoys working on custom residential designs. To date, his most memorable project was the Penn Laird custom home in which the design was centered around a full-size, half-court basketball court in the basement.

Outside of work, James devotes much of his time to his family and community and prioritizes spending time with his wife and daughter. He also serves as the Captain of the Reserve program at the Albemarle Sheriff’s Office and has been an active board member on the Fluvanna County Board of Building Code and Fluvanna County Planning Commission. When he has a free moment, you can also find James unwinding on the golf course.

With over forty years of experience, Raymond Gaines has built a reputation for quality, functional, and beautiful projects for hundreds of clients. Mr. Gaines’s background as a builder gives The Gaines Group, PLC their fundamental strength in designing buildings that work, that are economical to build, and that are aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Gaines Has been a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute since 2009 and is a Certified Construction Specifier.

We’re thrilled to introduce Lindsey Kohler-Austin, who has joined our team as Office Manager and will be your primary point of contact for all client needs. With her extensive background in banking and a genuine passion for creativity, Lindsey brings both professional expertise and a fresh perspective to our firm.

Lindsey describes herself as “an open book,” and that transparency will be invaluable as she helps navigate your architectural journey with us. Whether you’re planning a new build, renovation, or simply exploring possibilities, Lindsey will be there to ensure clear communication, smooth processes, and exceptional service every step of the way.

Claude serves as Senior Architect in our Roanoke office, holding a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and bringing a rich blend of technical and creative experience to the leadership team. Driven by a mechanical engineering mind and a fascination with how structure, form, material, and light intersect, he approaches design with a focus on problem-solving, precision, and collaboration. Based in Shawsville, Virginia, Claude draws on a varied hands-on background—from working as a professional bicycle mechanic and master wheelbuilder to aviation maintenance. Outside the office, he spends his time building custom furniture, doing metalwork and welding, playing mandolin and piano, certified SCUBA diving, and enjoying time with his family.

Helen serves as Senior Architect in our Roanoke office, bringing a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and a deep dedication to thoughtful, collaborative design. As both an architect and an artist, she approaches every project as a collaborative canvas, carefully balancing form, function, and building science to create meaningful spaces tailored to her clients’ needs. Having spent nearly a decade in the Roanoke Valley, Helen is deeply committed to giving back to the community, protecting the region’s striking natural landscape through sustainable design, and cultivating lasting client relationships. Outside the studio, she stays grounded through hiking, biking, swimming, and gardening with her family and pets, while maintaining a lifelong enthusiasm for sci-fi and local art.

Aimee attended the University of Florida, earning a B.S. in Architecture with minors in Sustainability and Landscape Architecture. Now she works as a Designer at our firm.

She grew up in Palm Harbor, Florida, and is grateful to have come from a family of 6, saying “I am very grateful for this because having siblings is like having built-in friends, and they are some of my best ones.” Now in Virginia, she lives with her 8-year-old cat named Eloise.

Growing up in Florida, Aimee is no stranger to alligators. When asked about interesting facts about her hometown she says that alligators are everywhere, which lends itself to interesting stories such as the one where: “One time when I was a kid, I got out of taking out the trash because there was an alligator on our driveway next to the trash can.”

In her free time, she can be found making pottery, painting, crocheting, and watching movies. Her favorite TV show is NCIS because she loves to try to guess the outcomes and enjoys the suspense, and she also enjoys Parks and Rec when she’s in a lighter mood.

She describes herself as quirky and is appreciative of that characteristic because it helps make others more comfortable around her and creates a more lighthearted and fun environment.

I oversee our interior design team, and play a part in creating beautiful, functional, and inclusive spaces for our clients. I have a passion for blending architectural details with interior spaces to create cohesive and intentional designs. From carpentry details to material specifications, I work collectively with our interior design team to turn visions into realities. As we design new ideas and creative solutions, I am fortunate to collaborate with specialists across the area such as Dovetail Design & Cabinetry, R.S. Monger & Sons Inc., Rocktown Urban Wood, and many others. For me, I find joy in knowing that I am a part of something bigger than myself and creating something that will continue once I’m gone. I recognize the importance of an environment in memory. The wall color, the trim on the windows, and natural light hitting the floor. These are all things that flood my mind when I think back to some of my favorite memories. Now, I feel honored to be able to create those atmospheres for generations to come.

Being a Shenandoah Valley native, I’ve grown up loving our community’s beauty, diversity, and lifestyle. One of my favorite things to do as a kid was “going for a ride” – essentially just an excuse to be nosy and look at nice houses around the valley. Watching my parents take on DIY home improvements at a young age, and having grandparents that ran a residential construction company, there’s never been a doubt in my mind that I wanted to be a part of the architecture world. From childhood on, I witnessed my mom build her own company and saw my dad working multiple different jobs to provide me with the tools I needed to succeed. Being surrounded with such positive influences and high work ethics, I’ve always been driven to succeed and do my best for others. After attending public school until 8th grade, I switched to online schooling and graduated high school when I was 15. In 2017, I began attending Blue Ridge Community College, and got my Associate’s Degree in 2019. Following my time at BRCC, I attended Liberty University and completed my Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2023. As a first-generation college graduate, I am deeply proud to build my career doing what I love in the community where I grew up.

While in college, I worked multiple jobs ranging from cashiering at Bed, Bath & Beyond, car sales at CMA’s Valley Honda, and did photography, videography, and graphic design at Standout Arts, LLC. For 2 years, I worked full-time as a Project Coordinator for W. Boutros & Co in Fishersville, a local design-build construction company and developer. In 2023, I began my career as an interior designer at The Gaines Group Architects. As I began working alongside our firm partners, Charles, Adrienne, Ray, and James, I picked up on their commitment to sustainable, functional, and inclusive design. Since then, the firm has grown, and I get to work with a wonderful team of talented individuals that all share the same vision: designing for the future. My diverse background and work experience have helped instill in me the importance of efficient communication, attention to detail, and knowledge of buildability and functional design.

Outside of work, my time is mostly spent with family, friends, or traveling and exploring. I love to be outside, whether it’s running, hiking, or taking a drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I’m also a car enthusiast who loves detailing my cars on weekends (only for them to get dirty driving to job sites). If you see me outside of work, you’ll probably see me with my giant Great Pyrenees dog, Kevin. He loves meeting new people, even if he occasionally forgets his own size.

Emily started in our Charlottesville office in November 2024 after graduating from Virginia Tech having earned both a B.ARCH degree in architecture and a B.S. in Business Marketing.

In Emily’s spare time, you’ll find her hanging out with her family or finding a quiet space to read away from her three older brothers. When asked about something – big or small – she’s really bad at, she said she’s really bad at keeping a beat or a rhythm, blaming her dad for passing it down to her! On the other hand, she’s got a hidden talent for being able to draw anything with any media – we’re sure that talent adds to her skills as a designer.

In the future, Emily wants to visit Italy and discover her Italian roots, adding to her travel experience from visiting Ireland in college. She spent a semester abroad but was never quite able to make it over to Italy.

Lizzy Garrison is a recent Virginia Tech School of Architecture graduate who brings a fresh perspective and adventurous spirit to our firm.

What truly distinguishes Lizzy is her ability to balance bold adventure with meticulous craftsmanship. When she’s not designing, she’s seeking adventures—like paragliding off mountains in Switzerland. This pursuit demands the same careful attention to detail, spatial awareness, and calculated risk-taking that defines exceptional architecture.

On solid ground, Lizzy channels her creativity into building custom guitars with her husband. This perfect partnership sees her handling the design while he manages the circuitry, mirroring the interdisciplinary thinking that drives successful architectural projects by blending aesthetic vision with technical precision.

Isabel joins The Gaines Group as a Designer in our Charlottesville office, bringing a lifelong passion for residential architecture inspired by early travel experiences and a deep appreciation for the built environment. As her family’s first college graduate, she approaches design with enthusiasm, fresh energy, and a keen eye for how spaces shape daily life. Raised in Afton, Virginia amidst a local apple orchard, Isabel has strong roots in the local community and landscape. Outside the studio, she enjoys staying active through fitness and scenic walks, baking in her kitchen, spending time with family, and relaxing with her Chihuahua mix, Tobi.

Rachel joins The Gaines Group as an Interior Design Intern in our Harrisonburg office, bringing a unique, multi-disciplinary background and a fresh perspective to the team. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and previously worked in Public Health before pursuing her passion for space planning and design as a Master of Fine Arts candidate in Interior Architecture and Design. At The Gaines Group, Rachel enjoys translating academic concepts into real-world applications by closely listening to clients, setting aside personal design bias, and developing tailored solutions that match their unique lifestyle and functional goals. When she isn’t studying or designing, Rachel enjoys photography and exploring the outdoors across Virginia.

Trevor Jones was raised in Buckingham County, Virginia. After high school, he attended Hampton University in Virginia, graduating in May 2015 with a Master’s of Architecture degree. He participated in the Hampton University travel studio traveling to France for three weeks learning and sketching the vernacular architecture which helped to expand his views of architecture.

Trevor volunteered with Buckingham County youth athletic programs, his church, and its choir.

Trevor passed away October 31, 2022.

Paul Tassell graduated from Albemarle High School in 1997 and continued on to Virginia Tech. There he earned his BS in Architecture degree in 2002. While at Tech, he traveled throughout Europe during his fall semester of 4th year. He has grown to admire the architecture of Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. Paul’s career started at Gaines Group Architects in 2002 where he serves as a staff architect. He earned his architectural license in 2016. Paul, a native a Charlottesville, is married to Linde and has 2 children. He enjoys playing soccer, coaching travel youth soccer, and is a nationally licensed coach. In his free time, Paul loves playing with his kids. They also enjoy our Virginia State Parks and love to go camping as a family.