Gaines Group Architects

Design Matters – thoughts of an Architect

insulation

Quality matters for insulation installation and maintenance

I find a lot of missing insulation, air leaks, and thermal bridges when doing energy audits. There are many things in a home that can be installed wrong that lead to poor thermal performance (uncomfortable rooms). I find air leaking around light switches, doors, window trim, and...
16 Apr 19
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Harrisonburg Custom Home

Home in the woods – Project Update

Finding a building site in the city surrounded by trees is rare. This is the second opportunity we have had to design a home for just such a site. How cool is it to be minutes from parks, shopping, and work, but feel like you are in the country. The goals of this home in the...
15 Apr 19
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Energy efficiency

Our society needs public places to sit and talk

I have never been very good at small talk. “Hey, how you doing, how is work, family doing ok….” Small talk doesn’t allow you to get to know someone and I yearn for deeper connections. However, it is sometimes scary when you engage in small talk and someone...
13 Apr 19
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Red Wing Roots Festival

Music, Father, Daughter, Love

I am updating this post and deleting parts. I just don’t have words for the heartbreak and the words I shared before are not enough. Over the last few years both girls and I have attended Red Wing Festival together and consider it a highlight of our summer. I enjoy the...
07 Apr 19
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First Friday Art Opening

First Friday Art Opening: From the Valley to the Bay: a book in the making

Come see us at the Depot this Friday for the First Friday Art Opening.  We are hosting a group of art teachers from Rockingham County. Their show From the valley to the Bay: a book in the making will look at how our local actions impact the Chesapeake Bay. Each month we host a...
31 Mar 19
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Washington DC

Inspirational Architecture in Washington DC

Each year I get the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. to give a presentation at the Department of Energy for the NEED project. It is always a highlight for me to make this trip which I also combine with a visit to some of the museums and / or monuments. The inspirational...
29 Mar 19
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facebook logo

Blogging and Social Media for the Construction Industry

Blogging and Social Media use for the Construction Industry is an interesting topic for me that continues to evolve in how I see it. Social Media in our industry is brand new to some even today, a waste of time to others, and old hat to many. I used to do presentations on how to...
28 Mar 19
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2019 Senior Expo
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2019 Senior Expo

Are you coming to the 2019 Senior Expo this Sunday, March 17, from Noon – 3 p.m.? I will be speaking at the event at 1 p.m. and would love to see you there. This event will feature free health screenings, giveaways from local vendors, door prizes, live music by Mr. Ed and...
14 Mar 19
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Eastern Mennonite School

First Friday Art Opening – Eastern Mennonite School Artists

We are excited to kick off our 2019 First Friday Art Gallery season. Come visit, enjoy some food and drink, and check out these young artists work. I am looking forward to seeing you again – it has been too long! Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor...
25 Feb 19
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Weiler Orthodontics

Ice on the roof shows clear signs of energy loss vs energy-efficiency

Ice on the roof shows clear signs of energy loss vs energy-efficiency. We were fortunate not to have a huge ice storm that some parts of the country are facing. In our area, there was only a light coating of ice that was quickly melting as I drove to work. I could see on the...
12 Feb 19
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living coral
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Living Coral, Pantone color of the year can bring vibrancy to your home

The Pantone Color of the Year, Living Coral, is a bright color that energizes and brings warmth to a space. It is a rich color that builds on recent past colors such as Ultra Violet, Greenery, and Rose Quartz all drawing from nature. I think it ties nicely with our valley...
11 Feb 19
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attic access panel

Cold Weather Problems In Your Home

There are many cold weather problems in your home, or at least the typical home I see when doing energy audits. Comfort problems exist in almost every room. There are common issues in most homes that can easily be fixed. It just takes time to identify the places where you can...
01 Feb 19
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Message from Charles Hendricks

Design Matters is a place for me, Charles Hendricks, to share thoughts, community events, projects, and opinions. These are my thoughts and do not represent the ideas and thoughts of others in our business. Please comment on my blog posts, share your thoughts with me, or just let me know you have been here. Thanks for reading!

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Charlottesville Office:

1430 Rolkin Court, Suite 302
Luxor Commercial Park (across 250 from DMV Building)
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Office: 434-979-5245
Fax: 434-979-9126

Harrisonburg Office:

141 W. Bruce St. Suite 201
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Office: 540-437-0012

Latest Projects

sunroom renovation
Thessalonia Church
Belvedere Office
Montessori School of Charlottesville
eastern mennonite elementary school
83 south main apartments harrisonburg
speech and language center
Modern Cottage
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