by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Apr 9, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Leadership, Mentorship, Office Culture
I remember my first day at the firm. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived. I knew autocad. I had an architectural degree. I had worked various jobs since I was 12, but this was the first office position. The first time that I was being asked to draw things and they would pay me for it. I understood design, but I didn’t know the 27′ rule in a kitchen, the stair formula, how far a 2 x 12 would span, or why insulation values were important. Those were not things we learned in architectural school. That first day though, I found out that my opinion mattered. The questions I asked made a difference. I could contribute to the team. I needed mentorship, but I also got to mentor those around me.
Over my 27 years at the firm I have been mentored and served as a mentor. I have learned so much from others on the team and hopefully shared some wisdom along the way. I continue to learn from our team. There is so much to know in our industry and it continues to evolve and change.
For the third year in a row our firm has been recognized as a Top Virginia Employer for Interns. This is a meaningful recognition for me personally. We have hosted dozens of high school students in job shadowing, college students as summer interns, and helped launch many into careers in architecture. This annual award celebrates the importance of providing hands on experiences, direct access to senior leadership, and a glimpse into real world skills and experiences.
Congratulations and thank you to all of the 161 employers that have put time, energy, and resources into allowing students to advance in their knowledge. Thank you for opening doors for students to explore career options.
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Mar 20, 2026 | Leadership, Mentorship
Mentorship requires opening up your daily life to eager, curious minds. Firm members at The Gaines Group consistently adapt their job shadow programs to fit the specific goals of each student—whether that student wants to verify their passion for architecture or simply figure out if the career is wrong for them before they pay for college tuition.
Charles Hendricks frequently challenges his mentees to design a custom home using SketchUp. However, the goal is never just to create a rendering. The exercise forces students to learn the realities of the industry: wall thicknesses, manufacturing specifications, building codes, all while keeping a design cost-effective.
When a high school senior named Chloe joined the firm for a semester, she already knew she had a passion for interior design. To tailor her experience, she was paired with Jarod, the firm’s interior designer. Jarod shared his daily routine, answered specific industry questions, and discussed his own educational background.
by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | Mar 13, 2026 | Leadership, Mentorship
We all remember what it was like to stand at the edge of our futures, unsure of which path to take. The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a heavy burden for a high school or college student trying to map out a career they have never actually experienced.
Looking back, many of us can pinpoint the exact moment a professional took us under their wing, answered our questions, and showed us the ropes. They were the people we needed when we were younger. Today, the most impactful thing we can do as professionals is to become that person for the next generation.
At The Gaines Group Architects, mentorship is not just a nice addition to the work week; it is viewed as the key to a healthy profession. Being a “Citizen Architect” means giving back, which is why the firm actively supports organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County and regularly hosts high school and college students for job shadowing and internships.
by Charles Hendricks | Oct 13, 2025 | Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, community, Leadership, Local Leaders, resources
Economic growth that is done in an intentional and healthy way is critical for the overall long-term health of our communities. I have volunteered time to the
Shenandoah Valley Partnership for over a decade to help our local business community thrive. This organization brings together local government, businesses, and educational institutions to help grow our community. Often the first stop for businesses looking to locate in an area with an outstanding quality of life, like the Shenandoah Valley,
SVP is a key resource for our future. In order to attract the high paying jobs that will keep our communities healthy, we need the work being done by Jay Langston and his team. They travel the country telling our story, build out resources that local government can use to attract potential new businesses, and find resources to help existing businesses thrive.
This past week I attended a construction industry round-table where a large group of local leaders discussed challenges and opportunities ahead. SVP was the catalyst for bringing this conversation together and allowed the experts in the industry to meet and talk about the future of the valley. Also last week I was able to attend a discussion about the energy industry in the valley. Dr. Jonathan Miles from James Madison University was able to talk about clean energy options that are affordable, reliable, and available now for industry. The panel discussed the need for long-range innovative planning and thought as they strive for a resilient energy grid. As we look at the severity of storms that now come up the coast and have hit communities just south of us, it is good to have these conversations in advance of having to respond to an emergency.
I am excited about the future of the valley and “energized” by the work that SVP is doing to provide dialog between parties to better the entire valley. Their motto that “a rising tide raises all ships” is exactly what we need to cut through the political chatter and plan for a better and healthier future for all. The innovative leadership at SVP is guiding us into a strong business future and working hard to attract the right businesses for the valley. Collaboration is the key here in the valley as that is a quality that does not always exist between localities in other parts of the country, and something companies looking for a new home want to see. Here in the valley we have groups that might not agree on everything come together and agree on the things that matter to move our community forward, what a gift to future generations.
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 | 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.
