Soil is our most important natural resource

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 12, 2026 | architecture, Custom Home, Green Building

Guest post by Noah Puckett with Agri-Waste Technology.

Soil is one of our most important natural resources, yet it’s often overlooked and underappreciated. It performs seven general functions: it serves as a medium for plant growth, modifies the atmosphere, provides habitat for countless living organisms, recycles nutrients, supports foundations, holds water, and (most importantly for us at AWT) acts as a living filter for water. We value every one of these functions, but that last one is where we do our work. What happens to your wastewater after you flush? Where does it go, and how does it get cleaned when there’s no treatment plant to send it to? The answer is right beneath your feet. As soil scientists, we evaluate soils to determine their suitability for septic systems. Then, with the help of our engineers, we design and permit systems that safely treat wastewater and return clean water to the environment.

Niche as our work may be, its importance reaches nearly every community. Whether someone is building their first home, their forever home, a business, a school, or even a community sports complex, wastewater is always part of the equation. For anyone buying, selling, or developing land, a soil evaluation early in the process can reveal what a building lot can support before time and money are committed. Everyone uses the bathroom. It’s a basic human necessity, and that wastewater has to go somewhere. At AWT, we make sure it goes somewhere safe. Our work lets you flush and forget, but now you know that beneath your feet, a carefully evaluated site and a well-designed system are quietly holding, filtering, and moving your wastewater. Pretty amazing, if you ask us. Isn’t soil the best?

Who is Noah Puckett?

Associate Soil Scientist and Roanoke Project Manager

Noah joined AWT as an intern in 2024 and became a full-time Associate Soil Scientist in June 2025. Originally from Oxford, North Carolina, Noah now lives in Salem, Virginia, where he is helping expand AWT’s services in southwest VA and across the state. Noah holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Soil Science from NC State University. Noah developed an interest in soil science after taking an introductory course at NC State and discovering there’s a lot more to soil than meets the eye. Noah conducts soil evaluations, septic system inspections, and assists the engineering team with septic system layouts and detailed soil testing. Noah is a North Carolina Soil Scientist in Training. He is also a licensed Virginia Journeyman Onsite Soil Evaluator (OSE). Noah is currently working toward obtaining his North Carolina LSS, Virginia PSS, and Virginia Master OSE. Outside of work, Noah enjoys mountain biking, fly fishing, and hunting.

More about septic systems from Charles:

Outside of our areas that have public sewer we rely on septic systems and hope we never have to think about them. I met Noah and found him to be an incredible resource for making sure we get the system right up front.

Wastewater leaves the home and enters an underground septic tank where solids settle to the bottom and oil/ grease floats to the top. The liquid effluent flows out into a system called a drain field where the soil does the work of filtering. These systems in our area can cost from $3,000 – $20,000 with many variables coming into play. They can also range in size from 1,000 sf to 5,000 sf and must be held away from your foundation, property line, open bodies of water, and well. The tank needs regular maintenance every 3 to 5 years. The drain field should only have grass on top of it – should not be driven across and should not have trees growing over it. You should also avoid flushing chemicals, grease, garbage, or wipes to help the system stay healthy.

Sustainability stories #energygeekday

by Charles Hendricks | Oct 6, 2026 | architecture, Building Science, community, Green Building, green term defined, Indoor Air Quality, LEED

I first was introduced to the concept of sustainable design while studying architecture at the University of Virginia. We discussed how the architect’s decisions could impact the users experience, pocketbook, and health. In some of the classes we did a deeper dive on climate change and the impacts of human actions on the larger environment. We learned all the damage that was being done with the standard way we were building (code minimum). Then I started in the industry and found out that the industry liked things the way they were doing things. It was frustrating to know better solutions existed but not knowing enough to make them happen. So I returned to college to learn more.

At the University of Tennessee I was able to learn about building science, LEED, and practical applications of energy-efficient design. When I returned to the industry I found collaborators that were also interested in finding a better path for our built environment. Two decades have passed since then and we have been fortunate to participate in actions that help reduce the impacts our built environment have on the human causes of climate change. I don’t think we have done nearly enough, but we have done a lot. We have designed net-zero homes, added solar pv to commercial roofs, implemented transpired solar collectors on industrial projects, and created a carbon neutral home design. We have used LEED for certification of homes, community centers, and industrial projects. We helped usher EarthCraft into Virginia and have used the standards for multi-family, custom residential, and community buildings. We have met the standards for Energy Star Homes, used passive solar techniques, and provided energy reviews for 100’s of buildings. There is still much work to do beyond changing out lightbulbs to LED, adding solar pv, and understanding how and where to use specific insulation technique. We need to continue to evolve how we deliver design, educate why we do it different than previous generations, and advocate for better design.

AIA-CV Community building site visit – Kindlewood Phase II

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 19, 2026 | architecture, Building Science, Charlottesville, Green Building

Our team reviewing site plans on the street before heading into the active construction zone

In our #Charlottesville office we spend a lot of time making sure to get all the details just right on our drawings. We work hard to make sure our wall sections, plans, elevations, and details are clear, concise, and correct. We research, learn, and investigate to deliver the right solution for each project. However, no matter how much time we spend reading and investigating, there is no substitute for stepping onto an active job site to see architecture come to life.

As active AIA Central Virginia members we often get to collaborate and learn from our peers in the industry. This week we were able to join the AIA Central Virginia Emerging Professionals (AIA EP) group for an architect-led tour of the Kindlewood Phase II project under construction in Charlottesville.

We encourage and support continuous learning and hands-on field experience in our firm in order to drive our design process. You need to see what you have drawn (and what others have drawn) to learn and grow as a designer. Visiting an active construction site gives our team knowledge of complex conditions from structural, mechanical, and even the building envelope in actual execution.

Even beyond all the building science lessons that can be learned on a job site, joining in on AIA Central Virginia events fosters peer connections within the architectural and construction industry. Walking a job site with fellow members brings up questions and conversations that don’t happen in a single office. Different firms approach design from various angles and learning best practices is critical for the advancement of our profession. We can discuss challenges and successes while seeing the results of design in action.

Architects viewing interior drywall and window installation at Kindlewood Phase 2

Rooftop solar array installed for high-performance sustainable energy at Kindlewood Phase 2

We encourage and support continuous learning and hands-on field experience in our firm in order to drive our design process. You need to see what you have drawn (and what others have drawn) to learn and grow as a designer. Visiting an active construction site gives our team knowledge of complex conditions from structural, mechanical, and even the building envelope in actual execution.

Even beyond all the building science lessons that can be learned on a job site, joining in on AIA Central Virginia events fosters peer connections within the architectural and construction industry. Walking a job site with fellow members brings up questions and conversations that don’t happen in a single office. Different firms approach design from various angles and learning best practices is critical for the advancement of our profession. We can discuss challenges and successes while seeing the results of design in action.

One of our regular contractors for multi-family projects is also the contractor for this project. KBS, out of Richmond, VA, has a focus on high quality construction and is a strong collaborative partner. We are proud of their work on this project in the Charlottesville community and look forward to our next sustainable multi-family community we get to work with them on.

Getting out of the office to see sustainable architecture in action energizes our team. We love the community building approach this project took and the standards of design used. Congratulations to Grimm+Parker Architects on a very successful design and KBS on the execution of the vision. We know that your work will have a lasting impact on our Charlottesville community.

Our Charlottesville team, Lizzy, Adrienne, Izzy, and Emily in safety gear on the rooftop at Kindlewood

Designing for good with Habitat for Humanity New River Valley

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 16, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Building Science, citizen architect, Green Building, Indoor Air Quality, Multifamily Design

One of our favorite repeat clients is Habitat for Humanity New River Valley. Our core goal as a business is to use design to create a better future for all. Partnering with this organization fits our mission perfectly. This project, the Airport Road Townhomes, are designed for energy-efficiency, durability, and healthy indoor air. Those are our standards for every project. The Habitat model grows home ownership which benefits communities by creating a stable housing stock, providing workforce housing, and building neighborhoods. Airport Acres in particular provides an ideal location for families in walking distance to schools, childcare centers, shopping, and public transit.

The two-story craftsman style townhomes will feature three bedrooms with a focus on accessibility and visitability. Four of the unit are adaptable for home owners with disabilities or mobility challenges with aging in place features. The community includes a central green space to help build community.

Habitat for Humanity of the NRV is doing amazing work that is building a stronger community. The dream of home ownership is out of reach for many and their work, their clients sweat equity, and the communities support is changing futures. We are proud to partner with them to achieve our goal of building a better future for all through design.

You can support the work of Habitat for Humanity of the NRV by making a donation of in-kind gifts, money, or you can even donate a car.

Serving our Roanoke Community

by Charles Hendricks | Sep 15, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, Commercial Architect, Empathy, Green Building, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect

Working in a variety of communities you find that there are teams that you collaborate well with and that support your business goals and allow you to support their business goals. Growing up in Roanoke, attending Northside, and then Virginia Western Community College, I have deep ties to the area. Once we started getting calls from potential clients in the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley area we knew it was time to open an office back in my hometown so we could serve the community. Our approach to business is a bit different from what I have seen over the years. If we are working in a community we want to invest in that community in ways that make it better. We don’t just want to do this on our project site for our clients, we want to make a bigger impact wherever we go. Our main goal as an architectural firm is to use design to create a better community for everyone.

This year for instance we were able to partner with AIA Blue Ridge on their Kidstruction 2026 event held at the Taubman Museum. This tied together our love of local arts, Lego, and getting kids to flex their imagination while building things. What an incredible event and the smiles on their faces tell the story.

Our Roanoke office is almost a year old now. We have found some amazing opportunities so far to design cool projects, support organizations, and invest in our community in a way that can create a better future for everyone. We want to continue to grow that impact. Reach out to us if you are an engineer, interior designer, builder, or general contractor that loves working with a team that is excited about design and construction and want to build each other up. Talk to us if you are a non-profit that is doing good in the community and you need help with space planning, energy efficiency, or just have a cool fun event that you think we would love. Support our efforts if you also think that through design we can be and do better in this world – write an online 5 star review on google, Facebook, or any other platform that your friends visit. We need help growing. We need to know who we can collaborate with. If we all join together we can design a better community for everyone.

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.