by Charles Hendricks | Jul 5, 2025 | architecture, Building Science, Green Building, green term defined, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality
Building a new custom home is an exciting venture, filled with many decisions about design, finishes, efficiency, features, and function. There are many very visible elements that you will decide on through the design process. There is also one less glamorous but equally vital component that deserves your attention: air sealing. Often overlooked and forgotten, proper air sealing is a significant element in the comfort, longevity, and durability of your new home.
What is air sealing?
Air sealing is the process of closing off any gaps, cracks, and openings in your home’s “thermal envelope.” This includes the outer walls, foundation, and roof. These small imperfections, often found around outlets, lights, windows, doors, and plumbing/electrical penetrations, collectively add up to a significant potential for uncontrolled air infiltration. This could be the equivalent of leaving a 3’ x 3’ window open in an average home.
The benefits of an air sealed home
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Superior energy efficiency and lower energy bills: Air leaks allow outside air to leak in and inside conditioned air to leak out, resulting in your HVAC working harder to keep up.
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Enhanced indoor comfort: Drafts and cold spots around your house could very well be air leaks in your thermal envelope.
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Improved indoor air quality: Air leaks are sources for dust, pollen, pests, and even fumes to get into your living space.
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Effective moisture control and increased durability: Leaks allow moisture to move through your walls, which can lead to mold, rot, and pests.
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Reduced noise pollution: A tightly sealed home is quieter, keeping external sounds outside.
Make air sealing a priority in your new home
While air sealing might not be on the selection list for your new custom home, it should be part of your performance standard. We use a project manual to set the standard each new home should achieve. Building code now also requires a blower door test to show how much air leaks through your thermal envelope. That is a minimum and should be done by a third-party inspector who has calibrated their equipment within the last 12 months. While building code allows builders to self-perform this test, that may not give you the answers you need to ensure the performance you should get in your new custom home. This is one very important design element that will help protect your investment and its long-term performance, comfort, and value.
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 | Apr 28, 2025 | artwork, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect
We love celebrating the arts in the valley, from murals to sculptures to sketches to paintings, art brings us joy. It has the power to change your perspective, evoke inner reflection, and even generate conversation. Each month we host an artist at the Depot we invite you to join us to celebrate the art, artists, and to add to the conversation. This month’s artist is well known in our community and her work is full of energy and depth. I hope you will be able to join us for the May 2025 First Friday opening of “Intrinsic Flow.”
May 2, 2025, 5pm – 7pm
141 W. Bruce St. second floor (at the Depot)
Exhibition Title: Intrinsic Flow
Bio & Artist Statement: Delaney Westwood is a fluid acrylic artist born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley. Her work is rooted in experimentation, using the creative process as a way to explore the universe and the essence of flow. By mixing acrylic paints with a flow medium called Floetrol, she creates pourable blends that move across the canvas through dynamic techniques.
Each piece is completed in a single, cohesive session, sometimes lasting 14 hours or more, allowing the work to unfold organically and intuitively. Delaney seeks to capture the primordial energy of the universe with the aim of evoking peace, resonance, and a sense of inner knowing in the viewer.
“Intrinsic Flow” is a showcase of both abstract and representational works, each one a unique meditation on movement, energy, and form.
*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 Audrey | Apr 21, 2025 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, team
Architectural Education vs Architectural Reality
By: Aimee Lawson
In the field, our team is made up of architects and architectural designers, but to make a building work, we need to coordinate with other trades such as general contractors, structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, among many others. In school, we learned that Architects need to be a jack-of-all-trades because they work with so many different types of buildings and people every single day; this made sense to me at the time, but I did not realize how true this statement was until I started working in the field.
When I was at the University of Florida earning my Bachelor’s degree, there were many unknowns about how different working in the field would be compared to studying architecture as a student. I have since learned that coordination skills are in high demand. In school, we had plenty of group projects, but our teams were all architecture students receiving a similar education in developing strong individual design skills to use as a base for coordinating with other trades in the future. Looking back, I would have loved doing more projects with some of the other colleges within the university towards the latter half of my education when my own design skills were developed enough to manage a balance between my design and making it work with the other trades.
Now, after three and a half years in the field, I understand the true need to coordinate across trades. We, as Architects and Designers, gather information from all types of trades, almost like another language, and overlay, transpose and mend them together with our own knowledge and ideas to create a beautiful, functional, and cohesive building. It is much like a puzzle: you can open the box and have all the pieces, but only patience, time, and dedication will make them fit together to create a masterpiece.
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
