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!
This expansion is a direct and exciting response to the growth we’ve experienced in the New River Valley. For years, our firm has been committed to serving the communities of Roanoke, Christiansburg, Blacksburg, and Floyd, and planting roots in the Star City is the natural next step in deepening that commitment.
Building Stronger, More Vibrant Communities
Our presence in the New River Valley has allowed us to partner with mission-driven organizations and contribute to the region’s housing landscape. We are incredibly proud of our ongoing collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley on impactful projects like the:
- Church Street Townhomes in Blacksburg
- Johnson Street Duplex in Christiansburg
- Newtown Road Townhomes in Floyd
Furthermore, our design expertise can be seen in the successful multi-family residential project, The Adams at Peppers Ferry in Christiansburg, Blacksburg New School Addition and Renovation, and an in-process aging-in-place small residential addition in Blacksburg, illustrating our dedication to clients of all sizes.
Our Deep Local Roots in the Valley
The Gaines Group isn’t just a firm opening a new branch—we are a team coming home. Our CEO, Charles Hendricks, grew up in Roanoke, attending Northside High School and Virginia Western Community College before going to UVA to study architecture. His personal connection to the city and the Valley informs our vision for growth. That local tie is shared by several key members of our team, who are proud graduates of Virginia Tech, including Founding Principal Ray Gaines and talented designers Emily Scognamillo, Elizabeth McEwen, and Isabel Gonzalez. Their experience in Blacksburg brings an intimate knowledge of the region’s unique architectural landscape and community values.
A New Leader Joins the Team: Welcome Claude Breithaupt
To lead our efforts in the Roanoke area and New River Valley, we are delighted to welcome Claude Breithaupt to The Gaines Group team. Claude joins us as our Staff Architect and Branch Office Lead, bringing with him a wealth of technical expertise and creative vision. Having previously owned Studio Breithaupt in the Roanoke area, Claude is a respected local architect whose work strives to enhance our sense of surroundings and identity. His award-winning history, which includes a Merit Award from AIA Blue Ridge for the Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary Bee Barn, aligns perfectly with our firm’s focus on environmentally conscious, thoughtful design.
We are excited for Claude to bring his fascination with the intersection of science and art—and his deep local knowledge to our new office at CoLab in Grandin Village.
Our Commitment: Healthy, Sustainable, and Inclusive Design
The Gaines Group Architects is driven by a singular mission: to help create stronger, more vibrant communities. We achieve this by designing healthy, sustainable, and inclusive environments that enhance the quality of life for all.
Our work is rooted in providing innovative solutions and a commitment to long-term impact. We build strategic teams with a focus on quality, value, and building science to serve clients across a diverse range of needs, including:
- Custom Homes and Home Renovations
- Industrial and Commercial Projects
- Multi-family and Non-profit work
We look forward to collaborating with the residents, businesses, and organizations of Roanoke and the New River Valley. If you have a vision for a project—whether it’s a dream custom home, a commercial redevelopment, or a community-focused initiative—we are here to help you design a solution that works beautifully, efficiently, and sustainably.
Welcome us to the neighborhood!
Follow our journey and explore our portfolio at thegainesgroup.com.
