Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025!

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025!

by | Dec 31, 2025 | architecture, artwork, Blacksburg, Bryce Resort, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Custom Home, First Friday, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Holiday, In Review, Interior Design, Massanutten Resort, project update, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect, team

Happy New Year! Before we jump into 2026, enjoy a quick recap of our top 10 blog posts of 2025!

1. Expanding Our Footprint

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the history of The Gaines Group Architects: the opening of our third office, establishing a dedicated home right in Roanoke, Virginia!
Read Post Here

2. Massanutten Resort Custom Home Almost Finished

This blog post shows off one of our projects from this year near Massanutten Resort! Take a look for some photos of this beautiful property and even some comparisons of our renderings vs. final product!
Read Post Here

3. Welcome to the Team!

We added a few new faces to the Gaines Group team in 2025! You can learn more about everyone here:

Lizzy
Nicole
Lindsey
Isabel
Claude

4. Dogwood Home Renovation Project Update

This blog post features a beautiful renovation project that made this home feel so warm and inviting!
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5. Citizen Architect Awards

In 2025 we were lucky enough to be recognized with a few awards:

-Best Architectural Firm in the Shenandoah Valley Region by Virginia Living Magazine
-#1 Rated Architectural Firm in Virginia by Top Rated Local
-Top Employer for Interns in 2025 by VTOP
-Charles was named one of the Top 100 Architects in the US by Fixr.com

We couldn’t do it without the support of our clients and community!

Blog Post Here

6. Eastern Mennonite Elementary School Project Update

In this post we see an update to the Eastern Mennonite Elementary School’s gathering space!
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7. A Harrisonburg Architect's Christmas Wish List

Shopping for a late Christmas gift for your favorite Harrisonburg architect? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
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8. First Fridays: A Recap!

We love participating in First Fridays in the Valley here in Harrisonburg! This post goes back over our wonderful artists from 2025!
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9. Spanish Lab and Learning Center

We were so excited to partner with Shenandoah Valley SBDC on this project. See photos of this awesome space here!
Read Post Here

10. Bryce Resort Renovation-Project Update

In this post we share a project update where a vacation getaway is turned into a forever home! Click below to see photos and before and afters!
Read Post Here
Thank you for a wonderful 2025, we will see you in 2026!
Designing for the NRV: Unveiling Airport Acres with Habitat for Humanity

Designing for the NRV: Unveiling Airport Acres with Habitat for Humanity

by | Dec 22, 2025 | Blacksburg, community, team

We are thrilled to unveil our latest collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley: the Airport Acres Townhomes, a vital new project for affordable housing in Blacksburg.

As our firm expands with our new office in Roanoke, VA, we are more committed than ever to serving the entire region, specifically the New River Valley. We believe architecture is about more than just buildings; it is about creating homes and strengthening communities across Southwest Virginia.

A Historic Location in Blacksburg: Located in the historic heart of Blacksburg, this new project will create 11 new townhomes for deserving families.

The location is significant. It is situated in a neighborhood originally built during World War II for working families and returning veterans. We are honored to continue that legacy by bringing affordable homeownership opportunities back to an area that desperately needs them.

Why Affordable Housing Matters in the NRV: Finding affordable housing in the greater Blacksburg area is a well-known challenge, largely due to high demand from the student population.

For our lead architect on this project, Ray Gaines, this mission is personal. Having spent four years in Blacksburg as an architecture student, graduating from Virginia Tech in 1979, this project is a way to give back to the community that once hosted him. By partnering with the Town of Blacksburg—which generously provided a grant to help make this possible—our Roanoke-based team is helping families put down roots in the New River Valley.

Sustainable Design for Real Life: We aren’t just building houses; we are building forever homes. Here is what makes the design special:

  • Accessibility: We believe homes should be livable for everyone. Four of these new units will feature first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms designed to be accessible for those with mobility challenges. This brings our total to 10 fully accessible units across all our Habitat projects.
  • Net Zero Ready: We are aiming for “Net Zero Ready” certification. In plain English, these homes are designed to be ultra-energy efficient. They are built to keep utility bills incredibly low, making homeownership more affordable month after month.

A Strong Partnership in Southwest Virginia This is our fourth project with Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley. We have previously completed 16 units together, including the Church Street Townhomes and the Johnston Street Duplex.

A Legacy of Service: Our commitment to this region goes far beyond a single set of blueprints. Ray actively serves on the HFHNRV Building Committee, helping to guide the affiliate as they explore new construction opportunities in surrounding counties. For Ray, this involvement is the embodiment of the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (“That I may serve”). Whether serving as the Vice Chair of the College of Fellows of the Construction Specifications Institute or leading as Chair of Deacons at his church, Ray believes that architects have a responsibility to use their skills for the greater good. We encourage our peers in the design industry to join us in this mission—whether through Habitat for Humanity or the Building Goodness Foundation—and not hesitate to volunteer their time to build stronger communities.

Insights from ArchEx East: Resilience, AI, and the Power of Connection

Insights from ArchEx East: Resilience, AI, and the Power of Connection

by | Dec 17, 2025 | team

Earlier in November, team members from Gaines Group Architects traveled to Richmond for the 38th Architecture Exchange East (ArchEx). Hosted by AIA Virginia (The American Institute of Architects), this annual event brings designers from across the Commonwealth together to network, explore new products, and dive deep into the latest developments in design and construction.

For a designer, ArchEx is more than just a conference; it is an opportunity to realign with the goals of our profession. Here is a look at one of our designers, Aimee’s, experience as a first-time attendee and the key takeaways from this year’s event.

A Warm Welcome to Richmond

Stepping into such a large event can be daunting, but the “First-Timer’s Breakfast” set a positive tone for the day. My coworkers and I had the chance to mingle with other newcomers and members of the AIA Virginia Board of Directors.

The environment was incredibly welcoming, helping to break the ice and prepare us for the day’s logistics. It was a great reminder that while architecture is about buildings, the industry is built on people.

The Keynote: Designing Resilience

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the keynote panel: “Designing Resilience in a Changing World.”

Hosted by a moderator with riveting questions, the panel featured three speakers from diverse backgrounds discussing how we approach resilience. In an era rapidly shifting toward computer generation and digital interfaces, the consensus was clear: Connection is key.

The speakers emphasized that true resilience in a fast-paced, technological environment comes from valuing those around us and focusing on what is “real.” Genuine interactions and attention to small details are what ultimately make a world of difference in the built environment.

AI and the Future of Practice

Following the keynote, I attended a lecture titled “AI + The Future of Practice.” Interestingly, the themes here overlapped significantly with the morning’s discussion on resilience.

We explored how Artificial Intelligence can improve efficiency, but the speaker offered a profound perspective:

“Architecture is the AI antidote… if we train the model to be noble.”

This concept—that we must keep AI grounded through communal, engaging spaces—was inspiring. If we stay rooted in the reality around us, AI can be a powerful tool for efficiency, provided it is handled with caution and care.

Deep Dive: Building Science & CMU

On the technical side, I attended “Architect’s Guide to Design Innovation, Safety, Performance, Sustainability & Resilience with CMU.” This session was an incredible wealth of knowledge regarding Concrete Masonry Units (CMU).

Beyond the basics, we dove into the building science that ensures safety and longevity:

  • Disaster Resistance: The ability of CMU to withstand natural disasters and serve as fire barriers.

  • Moisture Management: The critical air gaps required for walls to thoroughly dry.

  • Material Science: How concrete mixes involving lime can possess self-healing elements.

  • Structural Integrity: The specific placement of control joints—specifically how brick and CMU joints should be offset to maximize wall strength.

Innovation in the Exhibit Hall

Between lectures, we explored the exhibit showroom to see the latest products hitting the market. One standout was a company called Decorative Films.

They showcased films that can filter glass to provide privacy or add unique textures. I was particularly impressed by a film that emulates vertical fluted glass and another designed as a privacy screen for glass-walled offices. The applications are versatile enough that I’m even tempted to implement them in my own home—perfect for bathrooms that need both natural light and privacy.

Overall, ArchEx East was a “must-attend” event for any designer in Virginia. From connecting with colleagues to seeing a plethora of new materials and innovations, the experience was invaluable.

I left Richmond feeling inspired by the balance of human connection and technical precision that defines our work. I am already looking forward to attending next year!

Intern Spotlight: Nicole’s Final Review at James Madison University

Intern Spotlight: Nicole’s Final Review at James Madison University

by | Dec 15, 2025 | Intern, team

Last week, our intern Nicole completed her final pin-up at James Madison University. Nicole is a senior this year, studying Architectural Design. This critique was even more exciting as our CEO, Charles Hendricks, had the opportunity to serve as one of the critics for her review.

Her project focused on a three-generational home designed to support grandparents, parents, a young child and their dog, within a shared framework that balances togetherness and personal retreat. At the center of her design are flexible gathering spaces that use large pivoting doors to open for family interaction or close to create moments of privacy.

Another meaningful aspect of the project is the inclusion of spaces for prayer, both collective and individual. These areas are thoughtfully integrated into the circulation of the home, creating intentional pauses throughout daily life.

The home is constructed from locally sourced interior rammed earth, grounding it in its Moroccan context while taking advantage of the material’s thermal mass to moderate the region’s hot, arid climate. Wooden accents and a woven screen façade add texture, shading, and filtered light as they wrap the exterior.

Throughout the project, subtle “light moments” appear through carefully placed openings that capture sunlight at specific times of day. Cross-ventilation, shaded thresholds, and breathable façade elements also support natural cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Nicole’s design results in a responsive, climate-attuned home that supports the layered needs of a multigenerational family, an impressive culmination of her work this semester.

We are so proud of Nicole’s accomplishments this semester and can’t wait to see what she does with her final semester in the Spring!

Festival of Trees: More Than Just Family Fun!

Festival of Trees: More Than Just Family Fun!

by | Dec 12, 2025 | community, Holiday, Lake Monticello, team

Blog by: Adrienne Stronge

 

For my family and me, the Lake Monticello Community Foundation’s Festival of Trees has been a holiday staple since its very first year. Living here at the Lake, it is a celebration we look forward to every December. My kids love walking through the Ashlawn Clubhouse, marveling at the creativity, and carefully choosing which trees to drop their raffle tickets into.

However, this year was a little different—and extra special.

While my family has attended for years, this is the first year The Gaines Group Architects participated as a firm. I was thrilled to bring my professional team into this personal family tradition. Our entry, themed “Brick the Halls,” was designed to capture that same childhood joy I see in my own kids.

We traded our blueprints for building blocks, decorating the tree with LEGO ornaments and offering a full set of LEGOs as a prize. The reception was fantastic—we saw so many kids (and the young at heart!) pointing out the hidden brick Santas and snowmen, and our tree gathered a “ton” of raffle tickets.

Supporting Our Neighbors

Beyond the fun of the LEGOs, bringing The Gaines Group to this event was about supporting the community I call home. We wanted to support the Lake Monticello Community Foundation (LMCF) because of the tangible good they do in Fluvanna County.

The LMCF’s work aligns perfectly with our firm’s passion for Universal Design and accessibility. Their funding for the accessible playground and the accessible beach access ensures that the lake is a welcoming place for everyone, regardless of mobility. As architects in Charlottesville and residents of this community, seeing these improvements firsthand reminds us why inclusive design matters.

Community Impact: From the Lake to the Valley and Roanoke

At The Gaines Group Architects, we believe architecture is about service. This philosophy drives us across all our locations.

While this event supported my neighbors near our Charlottesville office, our commitment to community extends across Virginia:

  • Harrisonburg: Our roots in the Shenandoah Valley are deep, built on years of sustainable design and community partnership.
  • Roanoke: We are excited to announce our new office in Roanoke! Just as we are “bricking the halls” here at the Lake, our Roanoke team is already hitting the ground running, getting involved with local organizations to support the Star City.

Whether we are designing a custom home, a commercial renovation, or volunteering for a local non-profit, our goal remains the same: to design solutions that improve the lives of those around us.

Building a Future Together

Thank you to the LMCF for another amazing Festival of Trees, and to everyone who supported our “Brick the Halls” tree. It was an honor to merge my family tradition with my firm’s values this year.

If you are looking for architects in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, or Roanoke who value community, sustainability, and creative design, let’s connect. Whether you are looking to build a new home or renovate a space for aging-in-place, we are ready to help you put the pieces together.

Learn more about our work and our offices at www.thegainesgroup.com.

Welcome to the Team, Claude Breithaupt!

Welcome to the Team, Claude Breithaupt!

by | Dec 10, 2025 | Roanoke, team

We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our leadership team, Claude Breithaupt! Claude joins us as our newest Architect in Roanoke, bringing with him a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and a wealth of technical and creative experience. He is most looking forward to collaborating on great design with the team.

The Intersection of Science and Art

Claude’s journey into architecture was born from a fascination with the intersection of science and art. Possessing a “mechanical engineering mind,” he has always been drawn to understanding how things work and how they are built—an interest that was heavily reinforced during a high school aviation program where he learned to maintain and fly airplanes.

However, it was a visit to the Kimbell Museum by Louis Kahn in Fort Worth, Texas, during his second year of architecture school that truly solidified his path. There, the integration of structure, form, material, and light “clicked” for him. Recognizing that mastery served as a major inspiration, bridging his technical curiosity with the expressive potential of design.

Roots in Shawsville

Claude calls Shawsville, Virginia—affectionately known as “Shaws Vegas”—home. Located on the historic path of the Great Wagon Road, Shawsville is a place with deep roots (and, as Claude notes, a Dollar General that is usually open during business hours).

While he calls Virginia home now, his work ethic started early with his very first job in Johnston, Iowa, where he pollinated experimental hybrid corn on a research plot for the Pioneer seed company.

Off the Clock

When he isn’t managing projects or designing, Claude stays busy with hands-on, productive activities. He enjoys building custom furniture, metalwork, and welding. He even views working on vehicles as “complex MEP problem-solving,” recently saving himself thousands by pulling the drivetrain out of an AWD BMW on jack stands in his garage!

Claude is also a musician; you might catch him performing around Floyd playing the mandolin or piano. Above all, he values time with his family: his wife Lori, their daughter Ariana, and their two dogs, Winnie and Ophelia.

Fun Facts & Accomplishments

  • A Major Milestone: Claude is incredibly proud of becoming a certified Advanced Open Water SCUBA diver. Despite initially writing it off due to claustrophobia, a friend (and dive instructor) pushed him to try it. He now has over 50 dives logged in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Caribbean.

  • Hidden Talents: Before architecture, Claude was a pro bicycle mechanic for over 10 years. He is a master wheelbuilder who was trained at age 17 by the founder of Wheelsmith in Palo Alto, CA, and has built over 1,000 wheels.

  • The Adventurous Side: Claude has done a terrifying night dive in Maui and has flown a Piper J3 Cub that his high school class overhauled over the course of 18 months.

  • Childhood Ambition: As a kid, Claude wanted to be either a chef or a heart surgeon.

  • Favorite Media: He recommends the book The Stand for an epic read, and enjoys watching The Mandalorian or Antiques Roadshow (his daughter’s favorite).

We are so happy to have him on board. Welcome to the team, Claude!