In Their Own Words: The Impact of Job Shadowing

by Charles Hendricks | Apr 12, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team

You don’t have to guess whether taking the time to mentor makes a difference. The students who have walked through the doors of The Gaines Group speak volumes about the impact of these experiences:

David Martin, a Virginia Tech architecture student, spent a summer learning the granular details of the profession.

“With only two years of architecture school under my belt, I started this summer off knowing I had a lot to learn… I found myself having to learn the details of building sections, roof plans, wall thicknesses, construction methods… Throughout the process, Charles showed me patience and was always willing to answer any questions I had… In one of Charles’ recent blogs, he talks about being the person you needed when you were younger. From my experience, I would say that he’s putting that into practice, since the help and instruction he provided me that summer has given me valuable insight into the world of architecture.”

Ryan, a high school student from Eastern Mennonite High School, discovered that the day-to-day life of an architect isn’t just about unconstrained sketching.

“I realized that architecture, most of the time, is not designing grandiose creations from your head, but is more of a tailored approach to realize clients’ wishes… I am very grateful to the Gaines Group Architects for taking time out of his immensely busy schedule to mentor me… My perception of architecture has definitely changed and while I am still considering this as a possible career option, I feel as though my eyes have been opened to some of the non-ideal aspects of architecture.”

Chloe, the aspiring interior designer, found that her time with Charles and Jarod provided the exact clarity she needed for her future.

“His knowledge of design and his love for his job inspired me in great ways… After my mentorship experience, I decided that I am going to pursue a major in interior design at Liberty University. Finally, mentorship has taught me that I am capable of way more than I ever imagined. My mentor has done an amazing job helping me realize how successful I can be… His encouragement and confidence in me have boosted my confidence in achieving my dreams.”

It Takes Little to Be Big

by Charles Hendricks | Apr 10, 2026 | Mentorship

Mentoring doesn’t require you to have all the answers or to design a flawless curriculum. Often, it simply means offering a listening ear, sharing your realistic day-to-day experiences, and answering questions with patience.

Whether it is bringing a student into your office for an hour, hosting them for a semester-long job shadow, or volunteering with local youth programs, your guidance can be the catalyst that shapes a young person’s future.

Step up, share your knowledge, and be the person you needed when you were younger. The future of every industry depends on it.

Celebrate Architecture Week at the Depot tonight!

by Charles Hendricks | Apr 3, 2026 | architecture, citizen architect, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect

It doesn’t seem like Easter weekend but that is what the calendar is telling me. It also doesn’t seem like First Friday, but here we are on a First Friday. The artists this month are architects. So far I have Eugene Stoltzfus and Gaines Group with work on the walls. I believe Ivan Huber will have something to me today. I am still hoping some others drop off work and attend the event. Please join us and talk about why design matters for a better future for all.

The show “Design Matters” is a celebration of Architecture Week. I wanted a show that highlighted the importance of not only the beauty created through architectural design, but also the building and celebration of community, equality, inclusivity, culture and bonds. This show I hope will spark your ideas of what can be if we design the right future together. We can do better and architecture is the fabric that ties our lives together as we do better together.

Join me tonight at the Depot from 5pm – 7pm for “Design Matters” and celebrate Architecture.

The “Hero” Feature AirBnB

by Charles Hendricks | Feb 26, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect

The AirBnB market has become incredibly competitive, and we are seeing a surge in requests for intentional design from developers. Our approach of energy-efficient, durable, and healthy design strategies are setting our client’s projects apart as potential renters are asking for better solutions in their accommodations. Renters are also asking for creative architectural design that will create amazing memories and cool photos. The days of the garage apartment or basement AirBnB are over for those seeking a vacation destination. The demand is for destinations that have thoughtful design and attractive spaces.

These homes are not selling square footage; they are selling the idea of a romantic getaway in an incredible experiential architectural home. There are “hero” features that we are adding like glass-roofed stargazing lofts, outdoor soaking tubs, glass walls, and adult slides. There is a desire to connect with nature, so we infuse these designs with biophilic design strategies. Though the finishes must be durable but cozy. Using products like Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring that will endure the revolving door of renters while giving the high-end aesthetic that draws attention is a must.

Knowing that a quartz counter will stand the test of time and use while still looking good adds value to our design solutions. Integration of smart technology allows for contactless check in and energy savings while units are vacant. Making sure there are easy to clean spaces – minimizing moldings, adding floating vanities, and using built in storage shaves time off the turnover between renters.

Our role in designing these spaces is to make them beautiful, durable, energy-efficient, and healthy, which is our typical approach to residential design. We think through how to optimize the construction costs for our clients so they can maximize their return on investment. We are also putting ourselves in the shoes of the renter as we think through how to make our designs the most desirable option available for our client’s renters.

Is Wellness Architecture the New Luxury Architecture?

by Charles Hendricks | Feb 24, 2026 | architecture, Building Science, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Green Building, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect

The definition of “luxury” home has shifted dramatically since I entered the industry in 1999. The focus of many of the homes we designed in the 2000’s was “bigger is better” and gables-on-gables drove design. Then I started seeing energy-efficient home technology start changing the goals of our clients in the luxury home market. This grew exponentially as our understanding of the house as a system became mainstream. The days of building the way “we have always done it” came to a quick end for anyone that wanted a custom luxury home.

Since the pandemic, the dramatic shift we have seen is a strong focus on wellness architecture with a strong building science interest from most clients. Wellness architecture brings in biophilic concepts, indoor environmental quality, and proper ventilation systems. This science-based approach to the built environment acknowledges a simple truth: our homes are the primary “skin” we live in, and they have a profound impact on our quality of life.

When we design for wellness, we infuse empathy, building science, and care into the aesthetic decisions we are making when creating your dream home.

There are several aspects of this design approach that need to be addressed: access to daylight, indoor air quality, humidity control, chemical off gassing, natural materials, and functional spaces. We think through not only the views, but the types of light each room will have through the day. Indoor air quality and humidity control are critical to consider when right sizing the HVAC system and picking the right ventilation strategy. We protect the quality of the air by checking the chemicals in the materials we are using to avoid toxic off gassing in a tight envelope home. Finally, making sure the HVAC system not only keeps you comfortable but also brings in the appropriate amount of fresh air.

This idea of designing a home that helps you with your physical and mental health has become a normal approach for our luxury homes. Clients are seeking refuge in their dream homes and even if they don’t express their desire for a healthy home as a priority, their description of their dream home includes many of these strategies. We are thrilled to be able to do this type of work as a way to protect you and your family for generations to come.