by Charles Hendricks | Nov 30, 2024 | architecture, community
Today is Small Business Saturday and we focus, once again, on buying local. We do this to support our neighbors, community, and local economy. Buying from a locally-owned business contributes to the overall health of our community. Locally handcrafted products provide unique gifts and support local creatives. Buying local reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport and packaging. It creates local jobs, preserves local traditions, and reinforces cultural heritage. Local businesses are the backbone of our schools, non-profits, roads, public safety systems, parks, and more.
So today, as you are thinking about what to get your favorite architect, think about these favorite local small business shops owned by our neighbors and friends.
By making a conscious effort to buy from locally-owned small businesses, you can help create a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving community.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 29, 2024 | architecture, Building Science
The 2021 Virginia building code changes have had a significant impact on residential homes in Virginia starting in January 2025. These changes, aimed at improving energy efficiency and safety, have led to increased construction costs. One of the most notable changes is the stricter energy efficiency standards. Homes built after 2021 are required to meet higher insulation standards, use more efficient HVAC systems, and have tighter air sealing. While these changes will lead to lower energy bills in the long run, they increase upfront construction costs. They also increase the building science complexity on your home. If you don’t understand the impacts of these changes you could create a mold or rot issue in your new home. You also need to pay special attention to the indoor air quality of this new tighter house.
Additionally, the 2021 code also introduced stricter requirements for fire safety, accessibility, and plumbing systems. These changes, while necessary for safety and accessibility, also contribute to increased construction costs. The exact cost increase varies depending on the specific project and location, but it is estimated that the 2021 code changes can add anywhere from 2% to 10% to the overall cost of a new home. These increased costs will have a dramatic impact on already rising construction costs. Knowing the changes and how to mitigate the impact of them on the final budget will be critical moving forward.
For homeowners considering building new or renovating, it’s important to be aware of these code changes. While they may increase the initial cost, they can also lead to long-term savings and a more sustainable home. Consulting with an architect can help you understand the specific costs / benefits associated with the 2021 code changes and how they may impact your project.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 28, 2024 | architecture
Do you need an architect for your custom home project?
I encourage you to call us if you are thinking about building a new custom home. It doesn’t matter what your budget is or how big of a house you hope to build. We can help answer questions to get you started on the right track. As an architect, it is our job to know if you need our services or if there is an alternative path to achieve your dream home. We can be very helpful in delivering a higher value solution than most of the other options.
Building a custom home is a significant investment, and it’s crucial to ensure that the process is smooth and the end result meets your expectations. One of the best ways to achieve this is by hiring an architect. While it may seem like an additional expense, the benefits of working with a professional far outweigh the costs. The largest advantage is our training to visualize the right solution for your stated goals, land, and budget. Architects have the skills and knowledge to translate your ideas and dreams into tangible designs. We listen to your overall goals and through an understanding of building materials, building science, construction best practices, material availability, and builders available we can deliver the highest value solutions for your dream custom home. We can also streamline the construction process by drawing the details needed for the builder to execute the plan, reduce building material waste, and schedule the work efficiently.
There is a difference in a custom home and a new home and that is often where we provide the most value. A custom home will facilitate the life you want to live in the place you want to call home. We will think through how life might evolve to plan for the future. We will ask questions about how you want to live and think about how the house design can enhance those goals. We will also make sure that the entire house flows, is aesthetically pleasing, and can be built economically. Doing the work in the design phase to make sure that the house is your dream house will save time and money during construction.
By hiring an architect, you’re investing in the success of your custom home project. Our expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills will ensure that your dream home becomes a reality.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 27, 2024 | First Friday
Our December First Friday Holiday party is a special time. We always look forward to our artists that are here for one night only. This month, we are really excited about the creations that Erika Cash will bring for you to enjoy.
Royal Knotz was created by Erika at the beginning of 2024 as a branch off of her crochet business that she has with her mother, Wistful Willows. Royal Knotz focuses on crochet patterns that Erika develops herself.
Erika Cash is a wife and mother of 3. She has been crocheting for 26 years. Erika can bring many things to life with just a ball of yarn and a hook and has been commissioned to make many one-of-a-kind items. She loves creating crochet patterns and watching others bring the patterns to life. Erika sees crochet as a way to express herself and relieve stress.
by Charles Hendricks | Nov 26, 2024 | First Friday
Here comes Santa Clause to the Depot. It is by far my favorite time of year and my favorite First Friday at the Depot. Santa will be in the building!!!
We are excited to partner with our Depot neighbors, R.S. Monger and Sons and Herr and Company to host an extra special holiday party and First Friday event! Mark your calendars and plan to stop by the Depot on Friday, December 6th between 5-7 pm to partake in the festivities.
The holiday spirit will be celebrated and shared as we listen to live music performed by Red Wing Academy, share our wish lists with Santa himself, and enjoy local artist creations. The festivities are numerous and will be held on both the second and first floors of the Depot. Santa will be on the first floor and available for you to take your own photos with. We will also have Red Wing Academy playing for your enjoyment. Artists for December will include Justin Poole and Erika Cash!
As always, this event is free and open to everyone! Food and refreshments will be provided. Visit the event page and RSVP here.
Did you know that Santa can be traced back to the 4th-century Christian Saint, Saint Nicholas. Born in modern-day Turkey, St. Nicholas was known for his generosity and kindness, often secretly giving gifts to the poor and needy.
Over time, stories about St. Nicholas’s generosity spread throughout Europe. In the Netherlands, he became known as Sinterklaas, a figure who brought gifts to children on December 6th. When Dutch settlers brought their traditions to New York, Sinterklaas evolved into Santa Claus.
The modern image of Santa Claus, with his red suit and sleigh pulled by reindeer, was popularized in the 19th century. Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (more commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”) and Thomas Nast’s illustrations in Harper’s Weekly helped to solidify this image.
While the exact origins of Santa Claus are shrouded in legend, his enduring popularity is a testament to the power of kindness, generosity, and the magic of Christmas.
