by Charles Hendricks | Sep 12, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Commercial Architect, community, Custom Home, Empathy, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders
This amazing event, Charlottesville Architect + Builder Exchange, is building a better industry.
This past week Charles and Sam were invited to share how they collaborate outside of projects to deliver better projects to shared clients. Sam with Herr and Company and Charles have worked together on many projects over the years. They have a trusting relationship. It is not just based on the projects though, it is based on each of them showing up for the other consistently.
Charlottesville Architect Builder Exchange
The story they shared is not a new way of doing business. It is simply treating each other with respect and working towards a common goal: excellent service to our community, integrity in the process, and a desire to do better for our clients. Once the video of the event is posted we will share it. We welcome your ideas of how we can improve more. We don’t have it all figured out and want to continue to grow and improve. Let us know how you deliver better service to your clients through collaboration, trust, and integrity.
Thanks to Jim at Candid and his team for allowing this conversation to happen.
If you have a community group or event that needs a speaker: Charles loves sharing his passion for community, building science, architecture, aging in place, the history of the Chesapeake Wester Depot, using empathy as a design tool, or if you just want him to tell stories – reach out and let’s get it scheduled.
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Sep 3, 2026 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Multifamily Design, project update
If you’re from Harrisonburg, or have any association with JMU, you’ve probably encountered 865 East, the luxury student housing complex located right off I-81 on Port Republic Road. While the complex isn’t new to the area, it is under new ownership and has recently undergone a complete transformation.
The project began with a vision from the property managers. They knew that the building was in an incredible location, offered great amenities, and was well-loved by the community, and they wanted to capitalize on those things with a full facelift on both the apartments and the common areas. Adrienne and Jarod met with the property management team, asked lots of questions, took lots of photos, and looked at lots of inspiration images. Once the main programming and scope were determined, the interior design team got straight to work.
The first step of the project was capturing the right vibe for the proposed facelift. We wanted the space to feel fun and striking, yet inviting, clean, and home-like. For luxury student housing, it’s important to design with longevity and maintainability in mind, without creating a space that feels sterile. Giving the students a sense of home helps make the space feel unique but comfortably familiar. To start the process, we analyzed the information from our first initial meeting with Star and the Asset Living team and generated mood board images that would set the tone for the full renovation. After getting approval from the team to move forward, Jarod 3D-modeled the space and started working through the design for the renovated lobby, game room, and rooftop.
The lobby was the top priority. The space called for a statement, and with its tall ceilings, balcony, and expansive entrance with glass windows, the “bones” were there. We wanted to capitalize on the existing conditions but bring it up to date by incorporating warm wood tones, moody colors that create depth, statement lighting, and a 2-story tall green wall. We also relocated the lobby desk to a more central location, so the staff would have better sightlines, and would be able to access other utility spaces more easily without leaving the desk unattended. The new design proposal was fully 3D-modeled and rendered, giving the project management team marketing material for promoting the upcoming renovation.
Left: Before; Right: Our Rendering
Left: Before; Right and slider images: Renderings and after
Next, we tackled the game room. The current space had all the right conditions – natural light, easy access, and a large space. The game room was a great amenity for the apartment complex, but it was underutilized due to a poor layout and outdated finishes. The property management team’s goal was to make this space inviting and fun, and the wheels in our head began turning the moment we got back to our desks. Our vision was to create a space that would serve all needs – and addressing the layout and how the space would be used was our first step. We reconfigured the space to house a pool table, a foosball table, and a shared snack bar with couches and ottomans for game day fun or large gatherings. Alongside the new large group seating, we also added banquet seating with partitions to create pockets of more private spaces, so multiple people could use the room at once without feeling like they are impeding on another group. The finishes complement the lobby renovation, bringing in those warm wood tones, subtle JMU color influences, and capitalized on the existing space’s industrial flair.
CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS:
Just like the lobby, we created photorealistic renderings that the project management team used to build excitement for the renovations and drive leasing.
Lastly, we refreshed the rooftop terrace space. With incredible views, a wet bar, and a covered pavilion, the space already had strong potential. With just some minor tweaks to furniture, colors, and listening to how the space is primarily used, the space took on a whole new look. We added some fun pops of color to brighten the space, some furniture that allowed for suntanning which is what the space is commonly used for and updated the soft furniture under the pavilion.
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Aug 21, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Commercial Architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership, Local Leaders, project update
Charles and
Dr. David Heller were talking over breakfast at a morning Rotary Club of Rockingham County meeting. Dr. Heller was opening a new business in an existing shopping center in town. As a doctor and entrepreneur, he had a clear vision and had checked all the boxes to reach his goal of serving his community and promoting better health. Then Charles asked, “Did you check the use group for the space to make sure it works for your Chiropractic Clinic?”
Dr. Heller had already hired a contractor to execute his vision. Hiring a contractor is an obvious first step, but when opening a new space and renovating, many questions must be answered. As architects we know these questions well and know how to efficiently answer them. Dr. Heller had completed his training, formulated his plan, and found the space. The remaining questions focused on building code and ADA compliance. These issues are often overlooked until after construction has started. Sometimes there are no issues, but if issues arise, the project stops and usually costs a lot to get back on track.
For example, Charles was contacted by a retail shop. They were moving from one end of the shopping center to the other. Seems simple. However, when they went to pull the sign permit they found out the new space, which they were already moving things into, did not allow for retail. Again, the same shopping center and even the same building. At some point in the past that particular unit’s building code use had changed to assembly instead of retail. This resulted in needing a building code analysis and change of use application to revert to retail. This cost the business owner valuable time and money to bring the space into compliance.
So back to Dr. Heller’s story: His new practice has opened its doors. He already has a long list of clients due to all his brand-building work prior to opening. His work ethic has been incredible to watch. Our role was fairly simple, stemming from that morning conversation. We documented the ADA compliance, verified the building code use group, made sure the space worked for the needed uses, and created the documents for the builder to quickly execute the plan.
Our goal as designers is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of those using the spaces we design are protected. Our work helps our clients efficiently reach their goals. This project is a great example of how we can support local small businesses and an incredibly hard-working entrepreneur.
We are proud of you Dr. Heller and wish you many years of success moving forward.
by Charles Hendricks | Jan 7, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Commercial Architect, Custom Home, Green Building, Harrisonburg, Lake Monticello, Massanutten Resort, Roanoke
We traveled all over Virginia and West Virginia in 2025 checking out building sites, offering input on project location, collecting data needed for design, and enjoying some incredible views. We love getting out of the office to help your clients better understand their property opportunities. From renovation to new construction, getting to go see the site is a huge benefit when we are designing a custom solution for our clients.
An architect’s presence on-site is crucial for several reasons:
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Understanding Topography: Seeing the natural slope and soil conditions firsthand prevents costly structural surprises later.
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Capturing Environmental Context: Only by standing on the land can an architect truly map the path of the sun, the direction of prevailing winds, and the unique framing of local views.
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Problem Solving in Real-Time: Site visits allow architects to collaborate with contractors, resolving discrepancies between the “perfect” drawing and the physical constraints of the earth.
- Learning from Existing Conditions: Having a chance to stand in the space and think through flow, views, structural restrictions, water flow, and opportunities is critical in the design process.
Ultimately, a building doesn’t exist in a vacuum. By immersing themselves in the site, architects ensure the final design is not just a structure, but a thoughtful response to its surroundings. The list is long for all the places we worked this year including Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Rockingham, Brandywine, Bergton, Fulks Run, Newport News, Portsmouth, Heathsville, Richmond, Crozet, Afton, Lake Monticello, Fluvanna, Augusta, Quicksburg, Lynchburg, Waynesboro, to Staunton.
We are so incredibly lucky to get to work with our clients to develop their dreams at some of the most incredible building sites across the Commonwealth of Virginia and in West Virginia – even when they are a little harder to get down the slope to measure existing conditions…
by Charles Hendricks | Sep 17, 2025 | architecture, Commercial Architect, community
We love working with locally owned small business leaders in the Shenandoah Valley. When the owners of Java and Jam Cafe approached us about a new welcoming space they wanted to create in Broadway we were very interested. Their vision is to create a quaint and inviting community coffee shop in the heart of Broadway, Virginia. Their design goals include being able to feature locally made high quality products in a welcoming space that supports building a stronger community. They want this new space to look like it fits in this historic building. We wanted to make sure we were supporting the existing businesses as well while helping the new venture thrive. So we worked with the building owner, our client, and the existing businesses in the historic J & B Country Store building to help capture new space in the upper level of the existing building. This will allow the current antique shops to expand while also bringing this new corner coffee shop to town allowing for friends to gather and special events to be celebrated.
Our client’s vision is clear, she wants to preserve the historic feel of the space. She has worked hard to find the right aesthetic solutions to maintain the sense of belonging this building deserves. We did a space layout and code compliance check to make sure her vision works efficiently. We also worked with a builder to make sure we were delivering the highest value design solution.
We are looking forward to seeing this new space take shape in early 2026. We hope to take advantage of the excellent coffee and free Wi-Fi on our first visit once they open. Until then we will keep hunting for treasures in J & B’s Country Store. This type of project where we can help a new business find the right solution for their space while assisting an existing business expand fits well with our goals to build a stronger community through design. We are so fortunate to have incredible clients that allow us to live our mission.
The spaces you see here will undergo a transformation to become Java and Jam Cafe, a welcoming space to invite the local Broadway community to enjoy high quality products, all while building a sense of community!
by Charles Hendricks | Sep 5, 2025 | architecture, Charlottesville, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg Architect, resources
Here’s the honest answer: It depends.
As Architects our goal is to take on the projects where we add value and that is not the need on every project. We’re here to help you make the most informed, confident decision possible—whether that’s for a dream home, a business remodel, or a bathroom renovation.
Let’s break down when hiring an architect makes sense, when it might be optional, and how we can add value no matter the size or scope of your project.
When You Definitely Need an Architect:
There are times when bringing in an architect isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. These include:
Whether it’s a home, office, or community center, a new building involves dozens of systems that must work together. An architect coordinates the big picture and the details—site orientation, floor plan flow, energy efficiency, materials, code compliance, and beyond.
2. Major Renovations or Additions
If you’re moving walls, expanding your footprint, or dramatically changing how a space functions, we help ensure your vision is cohesive, safe, and code compliant. We also make sure the old and new parts of your building work together—structurally and aesthetically.
3. Navigating Tough Codes or Zoning
Some properties (especially older buildings or urban infill lots) have limitations you can’t see at first glance. We help you understand what’s allowed, what’s possible, and how to move forward with confidence.
When an Architect Might Not Be Required—But Still Helps:
There are plenty of smaller projects where hiring an architect isn’t legally required—but that doesn’t mean we can’t add value.
We’ve helped with:
- Bathroom or kitchen redesigns
- Entryway and porch enhancements
- Workspace reconfigurations
- Accessibility upgrades
- Energy audits and building performance improvements
- Interior finish selection and lighting plans
In these cases, our role is often about problem solving and refining ideas. We help you get more out of your space without costly mistakes or guesswork. Even a few hours of design consultation can save you money, time, and stress down the road.
What an Architect Actually Does
If you’re not sure what working with an architect looks like, you’re not alone. Our role is part translator, part advocate, part creative thinker, and part project manager.
We help you:
- Clarify your goals and priorities
- Explore design options that fit your lifestyle and budget
- Develop clear drawings and specifications for contractors
- Navigate permitting and regulations
- Solve unexpected challenges as they arise
- Ensure your investment makes sense now and long-term
Whether your project is big or small, our job is to bring clarity, creativity, and care to the process.
We’re Not Just Designers—We’re Partners
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an architect is that it will make a project more expensive. The truth? Smart design saves money.
We help avoid costly missteps, improve energy efficiency, and make better use of space. We also know how to design to a budget and can often recommend local builders and tradespeople who are a good fit.
Most importantly, we help you feel supported and confident through every step of your journey.
So, do you need an architect?
Maybe not always. But if you’re asking the question, there’s a good chance it’s worth a conversation.
Because whether you’re building a forever home, tweaking a tiny kitchen, or finally finishing that basement, thoughtful design makes all the difference.
We’re here to help—no pressure, no ego, just solutions that fit your life and your goals.
