by Charles Hendricks | Aug 4, 2025 | architecture, Charlottesville, Commercial Architect
While Gaines Group Architects is widely recognized across Virginia for its commitment to sustainable and high-performance design, many might not know their 35+ year history in Charlottesville, Virginia.
From Humble Beginnings to a Visionary Firm (1987 Onwards)
The story of Gaines Group Architects began in February 1987, when founding partner Raymond E. Gaines, AIA, FCSI, CCS, stepped out on his own. Initially, the firm quickly gained expertise in senior care facility design in Central Virginia. They embraced a philosophy that “design matters,” striving to create solutions that are functional, affordable, and beautiful, with an early eye on quality and value.
The firm’s early growth saw the addition of Roger Bryant in 1989 and a burgeoning list of satisfied custom residential clients. Gaines Group rapidly built a reputation for creativity, technical ability, exceptional service, and a strong business focus, becoming a go-to firm for developers and builders throughout Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
Tradition and Heritage of Architectural Design in Charlottesville
The Gaines Group Architects have designed many notable buildings in Charlottesville and Albemarle County over the years. However, that heritage of design goes further back in the Gaines Family. In the 1930’s Elmer Burruss designed the Monticello Dairy building located on Preston Avenue. Elmer, Ray’s Grandfather, also designed the Albemarle County Clerk’s office, Hill & Wood Funeral Home, and the Frank Ix, Inc. Complex.
The Green Revolution and Gaines Group Architects
A pivotal moment in the firm’s history came in 2005 with the design of the firm’s first LEED Certified Custom Home. Charles Hendricks partnered with Doug Lowe to learn the newly formed Residential Green Rating system and became the first house to achieve this certification on the East Coast. Charles’s profound passion for building science and sustainable design helped to cement Gaines Group’s reputation as a leading force in the “green movement” in Virginia.
The collective commitment of the firm to value driven sustainable design allowed the firm to gain recognition for their design work:
This work shows their strong emphasis on creating buildings and homes that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also healthy, energy-efficient, and remarkably durable.
Establishing Roots in Charlottesville
Most recently, Gaines Group Architects celebrated a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting in July 2024 for their new home at 910 East High St. in Charlottesville. This move signifies their renewed commitment to being an accessible and integrated part of the Charlottesville community. They emphasize their excitement about being able to walk to downtown restaurants and reconnect with local businesses and residents.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Gaines Group Architects continues to serve a wide range of clients in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, encompassing custom homes, renovations, additions, commercial, retail, industrial, and non-profit projects. Their history is one of steady growth, an unwavering commitment to innovative and responsible design, and a dedication to building stronger, more vibrant communities one project at a time. Their presence in Charlottesville ensures that their expertise in designing for the future remains a cornerstone of the area’s architectural landscape.
by Charles Hendricks | May 24, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership
We are honored to be recognized for the work you allow us to do. I have learned over these years all that I am able to do as an architect is only possible because of our team, clients, and community. The reward of being able to design in service to others is the core factor that drives me to work harder each day to be the best possible citizen architect. With our team united towards a common mission of building a better community for all through design I know we are doing good work for our community. To gain public recognition for our work is the cherry on top. Thank you for your support for the work we do as our clients, friends, and community partners.
Each year Virginia Living Magazine hosts a Best of Virginia survey of their readers with 107 categories naming 1,605 winners across the various regions of the commonwealth. We are proud to be named the best Architectural Firm in the Shenandoah Valley region in the 2025 survey. This honor is directly from our clients, friends, and community supporting us through voting. So thank you for elevating us to first place for the first time in this reader survey.
We were also honored to be included in the Top Rated Local 2025 list as the #1 rated architectural firm in Virginia. This award ranking comes from an analysis of our online ratings on Google, Houzz, and Facebook. We count on our past clients to share their experiences through online reviews and word of mouth to grow our company and earn our next client. This award is meaningful because it reflects the trust you have in us. Being the top online architectural firm in Virginia is an amazing award! Thank you for your support.
Once again Charles Hendricks has been named one of the top 100 Architects by Fixr.com. Each year, Fixr.com celebrates the architects shaping the future of residential design across the U.S. In 2025, 100 influential architects are highlighted for pushing boundaries and redefining how Americans experience their homes. From award-winning projects to thought provoking leadership, these professionals inspire innovation and elevate residential architecture, making lasting contributions to the future of home design.
About Fixr.com:
Fixr.com is a leading resource for home improvement and remodeling advice. By connecting homeowners with top professionals and offering comprehensive cost guides, trend analyses, and industry insights, Fixr.com empowers users to make informed decisions about their homes. The company publishes annual expert rankings and trend reports to spotlight excellence and innovation across home-related fields.
Finally we are thrilled to be named a VTOP Top Employer for Interns in 2025. This Award celebrates internships that employers provide to help train the next generation. We work hard to offer the appropriate mentorship in our firm to allow each of our team to grow to be their best self. We also provide job shadow opportunities for high school and college students when paid options are not available. This effort has grown from the saying, be who you needed when you were younger, one of our driving values. This recognition through the VTOP program for a second year solidifies that we are doing the work needed for a better future for all.
So thank you for all four of these recognitions. Without your support we would not be able to serve our community.
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
by Audrey | Apr 16, 2025 | Charlottesville, Green Building, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design
Contractor: Herr and Company
The Perfect Car Garage
By Jarod Sankar
Anyone who knows me outside of work knows that aside from design & architecture, I have a passion for cars. As a former car salesman, I have been able to experience some really fun and unique vehicles. Out of the hundreds of cars that I have driven, my all-time favorite is my car – I may be a little bias. Check out my Acura TLX. This was my first brand-new car, and I enjoy every mile with this car. I don’t take living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for granted, and most weekends, you can find me up on the Blue Ridge Parkway, driving aimlessly for sometimes hours. I can’t call myself a car guy and not know how to design a good home for my baby – I mean my car. Here are some tips on how to make your garage more than just walls and a door.
Storage
First, any car lover, or organization lover will tell you that good storage in a garage is imperative. Having a place for everything, and everything in its place, makes things so much easier, whether it’s storing copious amounts of detailing supplies such as myself, or keeping all your tools and equipment safe and sound.
You don’t always have to go the pre-built storage systems or open shelving route. Sometimes, it makes the most sense to just install typical cabinets with a wood or metal work top. This can sometimes be cheaper and looks way more custom.
If you aren’t sure yet how to lay out your storage, you can start by planning ahead by doing counter height outlets along the wall to leave space for future storage systems or cabinetry.
Flooring
Secondly, you may consider adding a floor drain to your garage design. Incorporating this has many benefits, and makes washing your car so much easier. This also can be helpful in preventing any water damage from snow or ice that melts off your vehicle onto the floor. Along with the addition of a floor drain, dyed and polished concrete or an epoxy covering can make your garage more attractive and functional.
Lighting
Third, good garage lighting makes all the difference. If you’re a tad bit obsessive like me, you want to see every molecule of dirt that may be left on your vehicle after a hand wash. More importantly, a well-lit garage is safer to maneuver around. Incorporate LED lighting into the ceiling, under cabinet lighting for your work top, and step lighting if applicable.
Garage Doors
No garage is complete without a garage door. No matter what the configuration, garage doors serve a purpose. Garage doors can be installed with or without insulation. Insulated garage doors help keep your garage warm during the winter, which in turn also will have your HVAC system working less hard. For the style of door, try to avoid real wood garage doors. Like all wood, it requires regular maintenance. Instead, look for faux wood finishes, or go with a painted metal option. Along with the door itself, you may consider installing a wall mounted opener rather than a traditional overhead opener. Wall mounted openers are typically much quieter and usually are much more attractive. Lastly, if your design allows for it, it’s always good to incorporate a person-door to access the exterior from your garage. Having to open and close your overhead door can become cumbersome, so for quick access, a regular entry door is much more convenient.
For more ideas on how to design your dream garage, contact us. We would love to give you the perfect home for you and your family’s needs…and a perfect home for your car’s needs!
Click here to learn more about detached garage design solutions
by Audrey | Apr 15, 2025 | Charlottesville, community
In Support of the Next Generation
By: Raymond E. Gaines
It is well known that we, at The Gaines Group, support the arts. Our sponsorships over the years and our monthly First Friday events reflect this.
We recently sponsored Swing Into Spring, a benefit concert presented by the Albemarle High School (AHS) Jazz Ensemble for Ready Kids, a local nonprofit that provides counseling, family support, and early education opportunities to kids and families in the Charlottesville area. Our support of this event is twofold.
At the surface, we are supporting the Jazz Ensemble. The band is consistently among the top two or three high school “big bands” in the Commonwealth, scoring highly in every festival in which they participate. Participating in high school level music teaches discipline and accountability, both of which go with the students for a lifetime.
Secondly, through our support of the band, we are indirectly supporting Ready Kids. Through this organization, we are helping to prepare kids for growth and adulthood. This is perhaps a more important legacy for the future than the buildings that we work hard to create that will hopefully survive us for generations to come.
To those of you reading this, we encourage you to support these two organizations and similar organizations in your locality. The future of our society is brighter because of your support.
The AHS Jazz Ensemble is led by Andrew LaPrade, a Gaines Group client from a few years back who played in the group during his high school years.
by Audrey | Apr 14, 2025 | architecture, Building Science, Charlottesville, Green Building, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality
How can vegetation be beneficial to a site?
By: Emily Scognamillo
Every spring, people eagerly anticipate the flowers and plants coming to life. It is a well-known fact that humans enjoy being closer to nature, as it provides a sense of relief and well-being. Vegetation, such as flowers, trees, and grass can benefit a building site. Not only does it help the user by improving mental health while increasing productivity, but it also provides ample advantages to the site and the surrounding community.
For example, vegetation plays a crucial role in soil erosion and stormwater management. Trees and plants help stabilize the soil to prevent erosion and flooding, and filter harmful sediments to prevent pollution. While the roots control the soil, the plants themselves can improve the air quality from pollution as well. By absorbing carbon dioxide from surrounding cars and releasing oxygen, this creates a healthier community. Additionally, trees provide natural cooling by offering shade, which lowers the surrounding temperature. Providing vegetation can result in a building using less air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter. Bushes, plants, and trees provide a barrier against harsh winter temperatures, allowing the building to stay warmer.
Overall, incorporating vegetation into your site not only supports the community but also increases your comfort and the sustainability of your structure. Starting a garden, no matter how small, is a simple way to make a difference in your community.
Celebrate National Gardening Day today!
