---
title: "The Gaines Group Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/the-gaines-group-architects-pfvwus-pf~1736512676
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1736512676.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "The Gaines Group Architects"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3d63fe4c0e602418_4692-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "141 W. Bruce St. Suite 201, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22815, United States"
latitude: 38.6083
longitude: -78.7875
phone: "(540) 383-4748"
website: http://www.thegainesgroup.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 25
best_of_houzz_awards: 9
followers: 275
last_updated: 2026-09-08
---

# The Gaines Group Architects

Original Houzz profile: [The Gaines Group Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/the-gaines-group-architects-pfvwus-pf~1736512676)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Harrisonburg, VA
- **Serves:** Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Crozet, Broadway, Timberville, Shenandoah, New Market, Mount Jackson, Earlysville, Ivy, Esmont, Scottsville, Keezletown, Linville, Keswick, North Garden, Singers Glen, Free Union, Batesville, Covesville, Fulks Run, Greenwood, Keene, Lacey Spring, Quicksburg, White Hall
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (25 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2012–2021), for Service, Design.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 10,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- Eco-friendly
- Online consultation

The Gaines Group Architects, located in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville Virginia, is dedicated to providing energy efficient, healthy, durable design solutions. New home design is our area of expertise.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Home Restoration
- Drafting
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Structural Engineering
- Barn Design & Construction
- Basement Remodeling
- Mudroom Design
- Basement Design
- Attic Conversion
- Tiny House Construction
- Staircase Design
- Deck Design
- Garage Design
- Site Preparation
- Laundry Room Design
- Modular Home Additions
- Passive Solar Heating & Cooling
- Home Gym Design & Construction
- Prefab Houses
- Construction Drawings
- Tiny House Design

### Areas Served

- Harrisonburg
- Charlottesville
- Crozet
- Broadway
- Timberville
- Shenandoah
- New Market
- Mount Jackson
- Earlysville
- Ivy
- Esmont
- Scottsville
- Keezletown
- Linville
- Keswick
- North Garden
- Singers Glen
- Free Union
- Batesville
- Covesville
- Fulks Run
- Greenwood
- Keene
- Lacey Spring
- Quicksburg
- White Hall

### Typical Job Cost

$20,000 - $3,000,000

We do a wide range of projects that have a wide range of costs.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | The Gaines Group Architects |
| Address | 141 W. Bruce St. Suite 201, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22815, United States |
| Phone | (540) 383-4748 |
| Website | http://www.thegainesgroup.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 275 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/virginiaarchitect
- X (Twitter) — http://www.twitter.com/thegainesgroup
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=16765026&trk=tab\_pro
- Blog — http://www.harrisonburgarchitect.com

## Offers

Web-Based Meetings for Virginia Projects

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [The Gaines Group Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/the-gaines-group-architects-pfvwus-pf~1736512676)
- **Website:** http://www.thegainesgroup.com
- **Phone:** (540) 383-4748

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- 2014 "best of Building Small Architectural Firm" USGBC
- 2013 Engineering News Record 20 Under 40 Middle Atlantic Region
- 2010 Virginia Sustainable Builder Network Best Green Renovation
- 2008 Virginia Sustainable Building Network Best Green Designer

- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2012–2021), for Service, Design.

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/u-s-green-building-council-usgbc-pfvwus-pf~1797160658)
- [NAHB Certified Green Professional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-green-professional-pfvwus-pf~1100930283)
- [NAHB Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/nahb-certified-aging-in-place-specialist-pfvwus-pf~471784673)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 25 reviews**

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Carl Larsson, March 2020**

> Charles came to my 100 year old house to perform an energy audit.  His knowledge and expertise are off the charts, and he was incredibly generous in providing a thorough inspection and list of suggested improvements to work on around the house.  Highly recommend!!!

**★★★★★ — Wayne Sine, July 2019**

> We are delighted with the deck that Charles designed for us. Our mountain home was designed with outstanding mountain views from an upstairs dining room, an upstairs den, and a downstairs family room; however, it needed a deck. It was critical for us to preserve the mountain views from all three rooms when designing a deck. In his first visit, Charles immediately understood our concerns and quickly sketched out a preliminary design. Charles worked with us and our builder on a number of occasions to arrive at final designs and materials that fit our needs. As the picture indicates, there are no structural posts blocking the view from our downstairs family room.  The result is perfect for our family. I would highly recommend Charles.

**Comment from The Gaines Group Architects:**

> Thanks Wayne! I cannot wait to see the deck finished.

**★★★★★ — Tom DuVal, Dec. 2018**

> Charles did an energy audit for us as we prepared for a solar installation.  He wisely pointed out that the first and most important step is to save energy.  After the inspection we went through his extensive checklist of things to improve.  Being realistic, Charles prioritized them by a combination of ease and effectiveness, acknowledging that I might get tired of doing projects so get the good stuff done first.  He explained things clearly and inspired me to get to work!

**Comment from The Gaines Group Architects:**

> Tom, thank you for your kind words. If you have any questions just let me know.

**★★★★★ — William Roy, Oct. 2018**

> We were looking to put an addition on the side of our house that would provide us a flexible space that today could be a play space for our children but one day possibly be an inlaw suite with kitchen and bathroom. We even wondered if this room could be a garage someday for someone else. Charles had the vision and plan figured out for us. He guided our conversations with two builders as well. His ideas helped not only plan a functional space but also a creatively repurposeful space. He was a joy to work with and understanding of our first time building questions.

**Comment from The Gaines Group Architects:**

> William,
>
> Thanks for writing a review. It was a pleasure working with you and providing you the information you needed to make a solid decision.

**★★★★★ — Benny Mehta, April 2018**

> We had some water exposure concerns on a 7,000 sq. ft. commercial cinder block building. Charles came out to inspect the same and made very effective suggestions on the causes and various remedies to overcome the problems. He was very professional and prompt. All of this was done even without charging any fee for his expertise!!
>
> This was our second great experience with Charles as an architecture professional. Charles and his colleagues at the firm were generous in guiding and training our daughter for a year during high school in her aspirations to become an architect. She now is studying architecture at one of the best architecture colleges which would not have been possible without the guidance provided and foundation that Charles and his firm laid for her.
>
> Thank you!!

**Comment from The Gaines Group Architects:**

> Benny, thank you so much for your kind words. I am always happy to help a fellow small business owner. Also, your daughter was a joy to have in our office.

**★★★★★ — Ethan Zook, Oct. 2017**

> After performing some basic house design on computer software, the staff of Gaines Group worked closely with us to design a zero energy, solar-powered, insulated concrete house.  They were highly responsive during the building process by visiting the site and giving us suggestions.  We had a great experience with this firm and would highly recommend hiring them to design your new house plan.

**★★★★★ — Earl Zimmerman, Oct. 2017**

> A great professional with expertise in architectural design. I especially appreciate how Charles has been working with us to build an appropriate, retirement home that incorporates energy efficiency, right-sizing for our needs, aging-in-place design, and beautiful architectural aesthetics.

**★★★★★ — Vada Kelley, Oct. 2017**

> The Gaines Group Architects are creative out-of-the-box thinkers who crafted excellent designs for our whole house remodel project. Their expertise and unique ability to solve problems with excellent design sensibility was refreshing. Charles and his team were such a delight to work with. I highly recommend them and will use them again!

**★★★★★ — Ann Marie Gathright, Dec. 2016**

> I do not hesitate to refer Charles Hendricks to anyone looking for someone with the highest integrity.  With a true commitment to serve and a desire to match his clients' vision with the best in class resources.  I look forward to working with Charles on our first floor renovation project.

**★★★★★ — A M Yoder & Co., Inc., May 2016**

> Charles Hendricks has been a valued partner on several new construction and renovation projects. The strength of the entire Gaines Group team, from concept, through design, structural engineering and planning, has resulted in carefully planned, thoughtfully executed beautiful homes with A M Yoder & Co.

**★★★★ — mastljkb, Dec. 2015**

> Charles is an excellent teammate to have on your house project. He is professional, respectful, and creative. He works hard to see his ideas succeed. We would hire him again.

**★★★★★ — leamanp, Nov. 2015**

> USCBC's "best small architectural firm" states it well!  In particular, Charles Hendricks goes WAY beyond expectations by ensuring quality processes and products are ready for rolling projects out to the public.  He has been a phenomenal partner with Eastern Mennonite School!
>
> Charles helped the school develop conceptual designs for repurposing an office building into a contemporary aesthetically pleasing and functional elementary school.  We now enter the fundraising phase and Charles' work makes our potential bright.

## Selected projects

- [Harrisonburg Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrisonburg-home-pj-vj~439454)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: Contemporary home built on an infill lot in downtown Harrisonburg. The goal of saving as many trees as possible led to the creation of a bridge to the front door. This not only allowed for saving trees, but also created a reduction is site development costs.
- [Hillcrest Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillcrest-cottage-pj-vj~6963250)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 22
- [Harrisonburg Park House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrisonburg-park-house-pj-vj~5962895)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 30
  - Description: Modern cottage nestled into a wooded landscape. The design works hard to keep the open and light feel in all the rooms. The open floor plan makes the modest size feel large. There is a feeling of connection to the trees from the inside with all the glass used in strategic locations around the house.
- [Pleasant Valley Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pleasant-valley-home-pj-vj~6461253)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: One story custom home on a finished walk-out basement featuring aging-in-place design principles. This energy-efficient modern home is designed to capture the views and wow the guests.
- [Harrisonburg Aging in Place Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrisonburg-aging-in-place-custom-home-pj-vj~2218461)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Aging in Place home built in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This home is designed as a lifetime house with wide doors, open floor plan, no step entry, and energy efficient systems.
- [McGaheysville Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mcgaheysville-home-pj-vj~149031)
  - Location: Massanetta Springs, VA
  - Photos: 29
  - Description: Luxury living done with energy-efficiency in mind. From the Insulated Concrete Form walls to the solar panels, this home has energy-efficient features at every turn. Luxury abounds with hardwood floors from a tobacco barn, custom cabinets, to vaulted ceilings. The indoor basketball court and golf simulator give family and friends plenty of fun options to explore. This home has it all.
- [Harrisonburg Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrisonburg-farm-house-pj-vj~1932702)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: This contemporary Harrisonburg Farmhouse was built by Beck Builders.
- [Park View Carbon Neutral House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-view-carbon-neutral-house-pj-vj~2768711)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 18
- [Harrisonburg Net-Zero Energy Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrisonburg-net-zero-energy-farm-house-pj-vj~2768641)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: This modern farm house is designed to produce all the energy it needs from a solar PV array located on the rear roof. It sits humbly in the trees on a sloping lot. The front porch catches the amazing western views. The open floor plan allows for family gathering spilling out onto the front porch.
- [White Hall Prarie Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-hall-prarie-home-pj-vj~2400286)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 22
- [Franklin St. Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/franklin-st-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~5421896)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A historic house in downtown Harrisonburg needed a modern kitchen. We designed a demolition of an existing deck and enclosed porch. This allowed for the expansion of the existing kitchen footprint and an open bright new kitchen.
- [Crozet House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crozet-house-pj-vj~53802)
  - Location: Crozet, VA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This traditional home is inspired by Jefferson's tradition at the Academical Village.
- [Camp Manakin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/camp-manakin-pj-vj~66875)
  - Location: Manakin Sabot, VA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This prarie style inspired home fits into the gentle sloping hillside. It features an attached greenhouse, large overhangs, and a wonderful covered deck.
- [Old Farm Road Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-farm-road-renovation-pj-vj~32638)
  - Location: Charlottesville, VA
  - Photos: 23
  - Description: This home was renovated with aging-in-place in mind. The existing home had water and termite issues. The home renovation focused on energy-efficiency, luxury, and comfort.
- [Glenmore House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glenmore-house-pj-vj~53800)
  - Location: Charlottesville, VA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: This custom home exudes style and grace. The entry foyer stair was custom designed for this home. The dining room is impressive with vaulted ceilings and bold colors. The living room is a two-story space with a coffered ceiling.
- [Crossroads Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crossroads-farm-house-pj-vj~32637)
  - Location: Harrisonburg, VA
  - Photos: 38
  - Description: Prarie-style custom home designed with aging-in-place in mind. This home features a large open floor plan and connections to a rear patio.
- [Net Zero House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/net-zero-house-pj-vj~53799)
  - Location: Charlottesville, VA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A net-zero house designed for the specific site to maximize the passive elements while implementing active solar technology.
- [LEED for Homes Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/leed-for-homes-project-pj-vj~32714)
  - Location: Crozet, VA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: LEED for Homes Certified Farmhouse
- [Old Trail - Parkview](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-trail-parkview-pj-vj~53796)
  - Location: Charlottesville, VA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Row house with a basement level garage.
- [Old Trail Custom Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-trail-custom-home-pj-vj~53798)
  - Location: Crozet, VA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Two story row house with a basement garage.

[See all 30 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/the-gaines-group-architects-pfvwus-pf~1736512676)

## Ideabooks

- [Strasburg Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79689461/list/strasburg-farmhouse) — 11 ideas
- [charlottesvillearchitect's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/928193/list/charlottesvillearchitect-s-ideas) — 17 ideas

[See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/charlottesvillearchitect)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Love the paint colour. What is it?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I have oak cabinets and find this colour seems to compliment these cabinets well

A: Unfortunately, we did not do the color selection for this project, so I don't have the code to share.

**Q: what is the paint color on the cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)*

what is the paint color on the cabinets?

A: Seaside Vintage Glazed done by http://lantzwoodworking.com/

**Q: what is the roof pitch and wall heights for this garage?** *(in Photo Questions)*

.

A: 10/12

**Q: information on shower** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you share the information on the shower please!!

A: I believe that is just camera angle.

**Q: What material is used for the walls to absorb the impact?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: It is just drywall.

**Q: I love your pendant lights.  Do you know where they are from?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Your welcome.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*