Design Matters

Thoughts of an Architect

A Message from The Firm

Our blog, Design Matters, is a place for our team to share our knowledge, community events, projects, resources, and opinions. It is a place for you to keep up with us and for us to hear from you. Thanks for reading!

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Should you install Solar PV on your Roof? Part 2

By Charles Hendricks | August 29, 2023 | architecture, Building Science

Here is part 2 to answer should you install Solar PV on your roof? Check out part 1 as well as one of our ...

Should you install Solar PV on your Roof? Part 1

By Charles Hendricks | August 28, 2023 | architecture, Building Science

Over the last couple of weeks, several people have posted questions on social media about adding solar ...

First Friday Artist: John A. Hancock

By Asha Beck | August 23, 2023 | artwork, First Friday

On Friday, September 1st from 5:00pm-7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a First Fridays Gallery Opening at The Depot ...

Project Update: Meadow Branch Apartments Phase II

By Asha Beck | August 18, 2023 | architecture, project update

Phase II of Meadow Branch Apartments, a multi-family Luxury Living Community in Winchester, is underway. We are ...

Casa Cielo: Blending the in-between spaces

By Asha Beck | August 15, 2023 | architecture, artwork, project update

Designing custom homes in the Shenandoah Valley, like Casa Cielo, is a gift. We absolutely love working with our ...

Welcome Aimee Lawson to the Team

By Asha Beck | August 14, 2023 | architecture, Office Culture, team

A big welcome to Aimee Lawson, our newest team member and Designer! In June, Aimee joined us all the way from ...

Welcome Aliyah D. White to the Team

By Asha Beck | August 8, 2023 | architecture, Office Culture, team

We are thrilled to welcome Aliyah D. White to our team as one of our newest full-time Designers! Aliyah grew up in ...

Air Quality in the Home: VOCs and Envelopes

By Asha Beck | July 31, 2023 | aging in place, Building Science, Green Building, Indoor Air Quality

Recently, Charles spoke at “Living Well in Your Lifetime Home,” a workshop featuring three certified ...

First Friday Artist: Delaney Westwood

By Asha Beck | July 26, 2023 | artwork, community, First Friday

On Friday, August 4th from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm, we are excited to feature artist Delaney Westwood! Delaney is an ...

Welcome Jarod Sankar to the Team

By Asha Beck | July 21, 2023 | architecture, Office Culture, team

Still working towards graduation, Jarod Sankar jumped into the Gaines Group Architects in April at a full sprint ...

Massanutten Technical Center Summer Camp – Architecture

By Charles Hendricks | July 11, 2023 | Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, community

This summer I taught a class for Massanutten Technical Center Summer Camp in Architecture. This was my third time ...

Harrisonburg headquarters

By Charles Hendricks | June 30, 2023 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, Office Culture, team

We have been so busy over the last month we failed to post photos from our big party! Here is the press release ...