Business Details
Expert Architectural Design Services in Charlottesville
Henningsen Kestner is a full-service architectural firm dedicated to creating innovative, functional, and aesthetically compelling spaces tailored to each client's unique needs. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team specializes in commercial, residential, and institutional projects across the East Coast, from Florida to Massachusetts. Our approach prioritizes collaboration, ensuring every design maximizes a property's potential while maintaining sensitivity to budget, schedule, and long-term value. We bring expertise in navigating complex regulatory processes, including zoning approvals and historic preservation, and have completed award-winning projects for golf clubs, resorts, educational institutions, and private residences. Our principals hold advanced degrees from top-tier universities and maintain professional registrations in multiple states, supported by a team of skilled architects and interns.We are committed to client satisfaction, evidenced by our high rate of repeat clients and partnerships with leading developers and contractors. Our work reflects a deep understanding of regional contexts, from coastal environments to mountainous landscapes, and integrates sustainable practices through LEED-certified expertise. We pride ourselves on delivering solutions that balance creativity with practicality, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. Our firm's longevity and diverse portfolio demonstrate our ability to adapt to evolving client needs while maintaining a focus on excellence. From concept to completion, we strive to create spaces that enhance community and individual quality of life through thoughtful design.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Multi-Family Housing
Single Family Residences
Golf Clubhouses
Resort Design
Historic Preservation
Educational Facilities
Government Buildings
Mixed-Use Development
Entitlement Processing
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of architectural experience across diverse project types
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals for sustainable design expertise
- We specialize in navigating complex zoning and regulatory approvals
- Our principals maintain registrations in multiple states for regional expertise
- We provide full-service solutions from concept through construction administration
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- LEED Accredited Professional
Services
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services create functional, code-compliant spaces that maximize property value. We handle projects from initial concept through construction administration, ensuring designs meet zoning requirements while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Our team's expertise in retail, office, and mixed-use developments delivers solutions that balance client budgets with long-term operational efficiency.
Golf Clubhouses
Specializing in golf clubhouse design, we create spaces that enhance member experiences while optimizing operational workflows. Our approach integrates site-specific elements with functional amenities, from dining areas to pro shops. With extensive experience in club renovations and new constructions, we deliver facilities that reflect each community's unique character and membership needs.
Historic Preservation
We preserve architectural heritage through careful restoration and adaptive reuse projects. Our team navigates historic tax credits and regulatory requirements while maintaining original character-defining features. This service combines modern functionality with traditional craftsmanship for educational institutions, government buildings, and private properties with historical significance.
Entitlement Processing
Our entitlement services streamline zoning changes, special use permits, and architectural review board approvals. We develop strategic approaches to land use challenges, preparing comprehensive documentation and presenting cases to local authorities. This expertise ensures smoother project timelines and increased approval success rates for complex developments.
Resort Design
We create resort environments that blend luxury with practicality, designing accommodations, recreational facilities, and guest amenities. Our team understands the unique requirements of hospitality projects, from circulation patterns to service infrastructure. With experience in mountain, coastal, and inland resorts, we deliver destinations that enhance guest experiences while supporting operational efficiency.
People
Mark Kestner
CEO | Principal & Co-Founder
Registered architect with 25+ years of experience in diverse project types including religious, historic, and resort facilities. Holds licenses in Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. Graduated from University of Virginia and North Carolina State University. Member of AIA and NCARB.
Chris Henningsen
President | Principal & Co-Founder
LEED Accredited Professional with 25+ years in resort, residential, and healthcare architecture. Licensed in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Graduated from Carnegie Mellon University. Active AIA member with expertise in building code interpretation and adaptive reuse.
Caitlin Byrd Schafer
Registered Architect
15-year architectural professional with experience in project management and graphic design. Specializes in entitlement studies and institutional projects. Graduated from Virginia Tech in 2010. Provides expertise in education and healthcare facility design.
Leah Myers
Office Manager
Manages firm operations with prior experience in executive administration for defense contractors. Brings organizational expertise from both educational and corporate environments to support architectural project coordination.
Frankie Venable
Architectural Associate
Graduated from Georgia Tech with BS in Architecture. Focuses on educational and municipal projects. Believes in people-centered design that improves community quality of life. Joined HKA in 2021 after working in Dalton, Georgia.
Questions
What architectural services does Henningsen Kestner offer?
We provide comprehensive architectural services including commercial design, residential projects, golf clubhouses, resort facilities, historic preservation, and institutional buildings across the East Coast.
How experienced is your architectural team?
Our principals have 25+ years of experience with projects from Florida to Massachusetts. Our team includes LEED-certified professionals and registered architects licensed in multiple states.
Can you handle complex regulatory approvals?
Yes, we specialize in navigating zoning changes, special use permits, and architectural review board processes to ensure smooth project approvals.
Do you work on historic building projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience in historic preservation, including adaptive reuse and restoration projects that maintain architectural integrity while meeting modern requirements.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve East Coast states from Florida to Massachusetts, with completed projects in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
How do you approach resort and clubhouse design?
We create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that enhance guest experiences while supporting operational efficiency through thoughtful layout and site-specific design elements.
