Top Blog Post of The Month – October 2025

Oct 5, 2025

Emotional Cues and Intense Listening Deliver a Truly Custom Home

by Charles Hendricks | January 21, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect | 0 Comments

I know that the most successful custom home designs don’t start with a sketch. They start with an open conversation and intense listening to goals, passions, and interests.While the architectural concept is very important for every project we engage, that vision is...

The “Starter Home” is Dead But a New American Dream Will Rise

by Charles Hendricks | January 16, 2026 | aging in place, architecture, family, Multifamily Design | 0 Comments

We have all heard the “American Dream” of a white-picket-fenced yard surrounding our 1,600 sf brick 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a deck and big backyard. That sounds amazing in 1980 when that dream cost around $55,000. With the average income of that era you could...

The Backyard Revolution: How Harrisonburg’s New ADU Ordinance will Strengthen Our Community

by Charles Hendricks | January 9, 2026 | aging in place, Harrisonburg | 0 Comments

Harrisonburg has been working on an updated zoning ordinance for several years now. One of the provisions I am excited about and hope to see adopted soon is the increase in density changes allowing Accessory Dwelling Units on most single-family lots.Creating...

Architectural Site Visit: Importance in Design Phase

by Charles Hendricks | January 7, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Commercial Architect, Custom Home, Green Building, Harrisonburg, Lake Monticello, Massanutten Resort, Roanoke | 0 Comments

We traveled all over Virginia and West Virginia in 2025 checking out building sites, offering input on project location, collecting data needed for design, and enjoying some incredible views. We love getting out of the office to help your clients better understand...

Preserving the Past, Designing the Future: Sustainable and Economic Strategies for Historic Home Renovation in the Roanoke Valley

by Charles Hendricks | December 26, 2025 | Blacksburg, Historic Renovation, Not used, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect | 0 Comments

The Roanoke Valley is home to a rich architectural tapestry, from the classic Victorians of Old Southwest to the Craftsman bungalows of Grandin Village. These historic homes are a vital part of the community’s character, but bringing them into the 21st century can...

A Holiday Message from The Gaines Group Architects

by Charles Hendricks | December 24, 2025 | Charlottesville, community, Harrisonburg, Holiday, Roanoke | 0 Comments

As we approach year end, the lights are glowing a little brighter in our studios—not just from the holiday decorations, but from the warmth of a year that has truly redefined what "home" and "community" mean to us. It’s been an incredible year of growth, challenges,...

Christmas at the Depot

by Charles Hendricks | December 23, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, community | 0 Comments

It is a wonderful time of the year to work at the Depot, really so is every time of year. Our historic Harrisonburg home comes to life during the holiday season, especially with the Christmas lights! Looking back over the years we have shared some magical memories...

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

by Charles Hendricks | December 22, 2025 | Blacksburg, community, team | 0 Comments

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...

Expanding Our Footprint: Serving Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley

by Charles Hendricks | December 19, 2025 | architecture, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect | 0 Comments

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...