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.
by Charles Hendricks | Aug 25, 2025 | Accessibility, architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, resources
Three key pillars can take your new home to your dream custom home:
Accessibility: Designing for Life’s Changes
A truly well-designed home anticipates the future. We work to design using universal design principles that make the home easy to use, maintain, and navigate for everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. This isn’t about designing for inabilities; it’s about creating a home that works seamlessly for a person carrying groceries, a child playing, or a family member with a temporary injury. Our team is trained in these principles, including the NAHB Certified Aging in Place Specialist certification, ensuring we can provide the best possible solutions.
Smart Technology for Seamless Living
Modern life is made easier with smart technology, and our custom homes are designed to integrate these luxury systems seamlessly. We can incorporate technology for:
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- Climate Control: Manage heating and cooling with ease to ensure year-round comfort.
- Security: Monitor your home remotely for peace of mind.
- Entertainment: Control your audio and visual systems from a single point.
- Lighting: Create the perfect ambiance for any occasion with automated lighting systems.
These smart features are designed to be user-friendly, giving you effortless control over your environment and helping you manage your home’s systems proactively.
Durable Design for Timeless Aesthetics
Your home should be a reflection of your unique style and a source of comfort for years to come. We achieve this by focusing on durable, time-tested materials that require low maintenance. Our designs also emphasize a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces through large windows and doors, allowing natural light to fill your home and creating a sense of openness. This attention to detail, from the structural elements to the finished trim, ensures that your home will not only be beautiful on day one but will continue to be a cherished space for your family for generations.
By combining timeless design with strategic, forward-thinking features, we design homes that are as durable and adaptable as they are stunning.
by Charles Hendricks | Aug 22, 2025 | Charlottesville, Harrisonburg Architect, Not used, resources
Designing for a Better Living Experience
Our core philosophy revolves around creating what we call “high-performance dream homes”. What does this mean for you?
- Lower Operating Costs: We focus on design solutions that can reduce your utility bills, particularly energy consumption. This translates into more money in your pocket over the long term.
- Increased Comfort: A well-designed, high-performance home maintains consistent temperatures, has healthy indoor air quality, and minimizes drafts or cold spots around your home. You’ll simply feel more comfortable in every season.
- A Healthier Environment: We prioritize materials and systems that contribute to a healthy indoor environment, free from harmful toxins and allergens. Our design process is focused on creating a space where you and your family can thrive.
- Durability and Longevity: We design with resilience in mind, aiming for homes that are built to last, require less maintenance, and stand up to the elements for decades to come.
For us, sustainable design isn’t an optional add-on; it’s fundamental to how we approach every project. It’s about making smart choices that benefit you directly, both now and in the future.
Our Integrated Design Process
We understand that coordinating a custom home design can feel overwhelming with many different professionals involved. Our team is structured to simplify this process for you. We aim to “pull all building elements into a single elegant and functional design.” This means we integrate various aspects from the very beginning:
- Architectural Design: Creating the overall vision and layout of your home.
- Interior Design: Ensuring the interior spaces are cohesive, beautiful, and functional.
- Energy Consultation: Expert guidance on maximizing energy efficiency.
- Structural Design: We work with an integrated approach to maximize the use of building materials to achieve a safe and comfortable home.
by Charles Hendricks | Aug 14, 2025 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Not used, resources
Here are 5 questions to ask yourself before designing your custom home!
by Audrey | Apr 11, 2025 | architecture, Charlottesville, community, Empathy, Harrisonburg Architect, resources, team
Destination Marvin: My Visit to Warroad
Part Three: People
By: Adrienne Stronge
While the primary objective of my trip was to learn about Marvin, the added benefit was meeting and growing relationships with two of our favorite Harrisonburg teams. RS Monger & Sons sponsored my trip, and I was accompanied by three people from their team. Also on the trip were people from Herr and Company, contractors we work with often.
Our team photo. L-R Laurie Gabriel (Herr & Co), Ralph Viafora (Herr & Co), Dakota Higgs (Mongers), Brad Nicholson (Mongers), Abigail Welsh (Mongers), Adrienne Stronge, Tim Conklin (Marvin)
Networking with the teams we work with is always important, but there is something to be said about travelling together. Before this trip, because I’m based in the Charlottesville office, I knew none of these people. I was travelling with strangers. Now that we are home, I consider every one of the people I travelled with friends.
Dinner on our last night. L-R: Laurie Gabriel (Herr & Co), Abigail Welsh (Mongers), Adrienne Stronge, Brad Nicholson (Mongers), Dakota Higgs (Mongers)
We bonded over last minute travel cancellations that resulted in the team driving to Dulles at 5am on travel day. We enjoyed visiting local Warroad bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. We all stepped out on a frozen lake and braved -20-degree temperatures. We capped our trip with the insanity that is the Mall of America and an amazing dinner at the steakhouse across the street.
Standing on a frozen lake that was frozen to 42” thick.
Standing on the frozen lake.
The forecast on one of our mornings in Warroad
The Lego Store at Mall of America.
Friendships in this industry are important. I now know that I can call up any one of these people with a question and they would be happy to help point me in the right direction. This not only makes my job easier, but when we work together as a team, it results in a better project for our clients.
Team photo in front of the Marvin plane.
On the trip, I mentioned one solution that I had recently used in a project, and Abigail with Monger & Sons knew exactly which job I was talking about and mentioned some solutions for the doors that were slightly different thanks to a recent change in the product line. These are the kind of discussions that help us all to create the best product possible for our clients, and I am so happy to have more close contacts in the industry with whom to discuss solutions.
Click here for Part One
Click here for Part Two
by Audrey | Apr 9, 2025 | architecture, Charlottesville, community, Harrisonburg Architect, resources
Destination Marvin: My Visit to Warroad
Part Two: Community
By: Adrienne Stronge
Our company mission has always been to serve our community, which is a mission shared by Marvin. It was great to see how a deep community commitment can play out at a larger scale.
Warroad and Marvin are inextricably linked. The company was founded in 1912 as a family run lumber company, and now the fourth and fifth generations are still mostly in Warroad, leading the growth and expansion of the business that now employs over 8,000 people across 16 cities, including Roanoke, VA.
Standing in front of the Marvin plane that flew us to and from Warroad.
Just by employing most of the town’s population, the company has an enormous impact on the community, but the company and its founding family have contributed so much more. Any time they have seen a need in the community, the company or Marvin family members have helped to fill that need. The library, hockey rink and heritage center were contributed by the family. There is a performing arts center slated to open soon that was developed by a huge donation by a family member. Even things like the retirement community and daycare were family contributions.
The town library.
An impressive window in the Cultural Center.
One of our favorite stops was a place called “The Shed”. Bob Marvin was a serious collector of classic cars, and instead of hoarding his personal collection, he created a museum of sorts where all his cars are displayed and open to the public for free.
Row of cars in “The Shed”
Row of cars in “The Shed”
Row of cars in “The Shed”
During our tour of the town, we were shown where many of the current family members live, and they all live in modest houses and send their children to the local public schools. The current CEO, Paul Marvin, even made time to meet with our groups and introduce himself, speaking volumes about his approachability.
While our contributions may differ in scale, we share Marvin’s dedication to our local communities. We strive to make a positive impact through sponsorships, volunteering, and ensuring that the work we do helps our neighbors and our community.
Click here for Part One
Click here for Part Three
