by sitemanager | Aug 18, 2025 | architecture, citizen architect, Leadership, Local Leaders
Guest Author: Calvin Bixler
As I start my architectural career, I was given the opportunity to intern at the office of Gaines Group Architects in Harrisonburg, Virginia through a career exploration program at Eastern Mennonite School. This small architectural firm has a big reputation for using design as a tool to build a stronger community. This was not my first internship through this program at EMS. I also had the privilege to learn from Gil Colman of Colman Engineering. At Colman, I learned how to use Civil3D and Autocad, helped conduct stormwater pollution prevention plan inspections, and mapped sites using GPS tools.
At Gaines Group Architects, I was challenged to think about how architecture can heal open wounds in a community and honor the past. I researched and developed a concept for the Roses shopping center in downtown Harrisonburg. The major consideration in my design was the history of displacement and “urban renewal” of the property and surrounding area. The result of my design includes an improved public transit stop, a parking garage as an alternative to the aging parking structures in downtown Harrisonburg, outdoor gathering and fitness areas, a rooftop garden and solar array, affordable housing, and rental spaces for existing or startup small businesses. The design also places storefronts along the road and sidewalk, providing a more lively and inviting atmosphere. The focal point of the design is a tower dedicated to the history of the Northeast Neighborhood.
I believe that architecture should respect the community and build stronger connections. If this property should be redeveloped, there should be an effort made to mend relationships with members of the Northeast Neighborhood broken during urban renewal. When development happens in a community, there should be discussion with community members about their needs. This will serve both the community and the developer.
The next stage in my career will be at Princeton University, where I hope to continue my studies in Architecture. No matter my final career destination, I know that the time I spent at Colman Engineering and Gaines Group Architecture will have served me well. I encourage all high school students to search out opportunities to test the waters for their future career before going to college. This is a chance to not only find what you love to do, rule out what you don’t want to do, but you could be a voice that changes how your community develops over time.
by Charles Hendricks | Aug 8, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, Green Building, green term defined, Harrisonburg Architect
The most important element of successful custom home building is communication. One way we do this is by sharing our knowledge of building science with contractors, educators, students, and community groups.
Recently, Beiler & Co. in Winchester, Virginia invited Charles Hendricks and Nicole Rowe to meet their team and talk about high-performance custom design. Tyler Beiler and Charles have a strong track record of projects in the past and have learned to trust and respect each other. This opportunity brought together Tyler’s team along with Southland Insulation and Gaines Group Architects to talk about lessons learned, building science, and how to deliver the highest value to our clients. This is an example, as Tyler puts it, of “iron sharpening Iron:” bringing together three excellent teams together to build each other’s knowledge base.
The presentation Charles prepared encouraged conversation about building science, how high-performance HVAC and airtight insulation provide added value to a custom home design. He also talked extensively about indoor air quality, durability, energy-efficiency, and the importance of using local building products. The concepts shared encouraged conversation as Tyler’s experienced team asked questions, added insights, and talked about their lessons learned as they build high performance custom homes in the northern Shenandoah Valley. George Dimitrew with Southland Insulators was able to add expertise about available products, solutions used by his firm, and the efficiency of different insulation strategies.
Charles frequently shares his expertise on building science with contractors, community groups, college students, and even other architectural firms. His list of recent presentations includes stops at James Madison University, University of Virginia, Construction Specifications Institute of Central Virginia, Rotary Club of Rockingham County, Half Moon Education, NEED, Massanutten Technical Center, Hollins University, Sunnyside Retirement Community, Eastern Mennonite School, Young Architect Conference, and the Department of Energy. He welcomes all invitations to talk about adding value to your home through an application of building science, helping to create a healthier, more energy-efficient, and durable future.
by Charles Hendricks | Jul 17, 2025 | artwork, citizen architect, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Office Culture
Join us for First Friday Harrisonburg in August at the Depot on Friday, August 1st from 5pm – 7pm for the Exhibition “ICONS” by artist Derrick Chirinos!!
As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.
Series Name: Icons
Medium: Photography, Digital and Film
Artist Statement: In
Icons,
Derrick Chirinos swaps out live subjects for mannequin heads to capture the small, everyday moments we often take for granted. These silent figures live out ordinary routines: sipping coffee, taking a stroll, laughing with friends. Each scene becomes a time capsule, a reminder that our time on Earth is brief. As our planet’s protections waver and tomorrow feels more uncertain, these photographs stand as proof that at one point: we moved, laughed, and lived freely.
Artist Bio: Derrick Chirinos (He/Him), is a photographer and filmmaker local to the Harrisonburg area who sometimes attempts to control the chaos in his process and other times lets the art come to life on its own terms. Since expanding his skillset to processing and physically altering film to convey a moment in time, Derrick not only unlocked what he thought was possible in art but hopes to inspire others to think outside the image as well. Since 2019, he has exhibited in Brooklyn, NY, JMU, and at his alma mater
Eastern Mennonite University.
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility challenges. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot!
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 18, 2025 | artwork, citizen architect, Harrisonburg Architect
As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.
Mixed Media Exhibition
Artist Ian Yoder
July 3, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
2nd Floor
141 W. Bruce St.
Harrisonburg, VA, 22801
Ian Yoder is a recent graduate of Rocktown High School and plans to attend VCU this fall. His biggest inspirations are other artists such as Hayao Miyazaki and Tove Jansson. He is also a huge fan of strange cinema. This gallery will contain pieces created over the last year.
*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.
This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!
Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!
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 Charles Hendricks | Jan 4, 2025 | architecture, citizen architect, community, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture, team
VPAS Soup, Socks, and Sunshine drive for older adults is running from January 2nd – 17th. Our office (downstairs in the foyer) is one of the collection sites along with Visiting Angels, Town of Timberville Town Hall, and the VPAS Harrisonburg office! So stop by 141 W. Bruce st and make a donation this coming week of socks, soup, or a card / drawing.
This event invites you to donate Men’s and Women’s socks, cans of soup, and cards, drawings, and kind notes for older adults in our area. VPAS will distribute them to those in need of comfort and warmth this winter. This kind gesture will certainly warm the hearts of those receiving, but also those VPAS volunteers getting to give the donations out.
Valley Program for Aging Services. This non-profit organization provides a range of services to help older adults (60+) in the Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia live independently and with dignity. They offer information and referrals, case management, home-delivered meals, congregate meals, transportation, caregiver support, and wellness programs. In essence, VPAS plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of older adults in the Harrisonburg area and beyond.
To learn more about VPAS and their services, you can visit their website at https://vpas.info/.
