Architectural Sketch vs. Built

Architectural Sketch vs. Built

Creating renderings and sketches are helpful for visualizing the final built form. It’s also fun to look back on what the idea began as versus what it looks like in reality. Below are a few pairs of sketches vs. photos of the built forms.

exterior of Elk Rock Manor
Effortless Ideas to Embrace Fall at Home

Effortless Ideas to Embrace Fall at Home

We’re no longer just dreaming about changing colors, leaves falling, and the air getting cooler – Fall is here. As we transition into this new season, the warm and festive colors make us reminiscent of memories spent with family, being together, and even a home-cooked meal. For such a beautiful time of year, everything seems to move at warp speed, making it all the more important to savor the short-lived moments of the season. However, if you’re looking for ways to keep that fall feeling going a little longer, try incorporating some of these simple ideas into your home or business to add a touch of seasonal fun to your environment.

 

Hanging chairs on a porch. View out to surrounding farms fall colors.

 

1. Showcase your heirlooms, antiques, and collectible items.

The fall season is a great reminder to embrace family, friends, and togetherness. Display things that make you happy and remind you of those you love!

2. Bring nature indoors.

Incorporate natural elements such as wood, pinecones, or even seasonal fruit. Bringing in natural elements during any season can bring a sense of joy and bring warmth to the space.

3. Explore introducing bold colors as a temporary accent or more permanent statement.

Warm tones such as deep reds, browns, and rust colors are popular right now for good reason – and they’re not just for the Fall season. Pair these colors with gold or wood accents and don’t be afraid to try a new color in a space that could use a “wow factor”.

Blog written by Asha Beck

Seeking Community-Oriented Architectural Designer

Seeking Community-Oriented Architectural Designer

Now Hiring: Architectural Designer

Location: In-Person, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville

 

outdoor seating area, light beams coming from setting sun over mountains

About the Job:

We are seeking community-oriented team members to join our growing team. Whether you are preparing to graduate, have 5+ years of experience, or fall somewhere in-between, and you would enjoy a firm dedicated to design that builds stronger communities, please reach out to us. We have positions open in both our Harrisonburg and Charlottesville offices.

The Architectural Designer position will support the development of all types and styles of projects with a focus on healthy, energy-efficient, and durable design solutions. You will get experience in all phases of design, as well as client relationship building. Teamwork is central to our approach to every project, and our office strives to foster a collaborative environment. We are looking for someone dedicated to community service who loves all types and styles of architecture.

We also value professional development and growth and will help you along the way to learn and grow as a designer. A strong applicant will have a desire to understand building science and constructability of all project types. While technical skills are important, we are more interested in finding the right addition to our team than in a particular skill set.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Architectural or Interior Design degree from an accredited university
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, Adobe, and SketchUp
  • Reliable, self-motivated, independent, adaptable, and versatile with an enthusiastic collaborative spirit.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and Adobe Acrobat.
  • Excellent critical thinking skills with exacting attention to detail
  • An ability to manage multiple priorities and diverse responsibilities
  • Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of construction documents and the design and construction processes.

 

Job Type:

Full-time: Monday – Friday

  • Salary: Based on experience
  • Range: $54,000 – $62,000

 

Benefits:

  • Flexible schedule
  • Health Insurance (including eye and dental)
  • Paid time off
  • Sick leave
  • Professional development assistance

 

About Gaines Group Architects:

With 36 years of experience in Virginia, this award winning architecture firm works hard to deliver excellent service at an affordable price. With offices in Charlottesville and Harrisonburg, Gaines Group Architects can serve design needs anywhere in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or North Carolina. Constantly looking for the best answer, we work tirelessly to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices in the construction industry.

Check Out These Renovations in Charlottesville and Wintergreen

Check Out These Renovations in Charlottesville and Wintergreen

Two exciting renovations are underway in Charlottesville and Wintergreen! Check out the in-progress photos below.
 

Renovation in Charlottesville

Builder: M3, Inc.
Photos courtesy of M3, Inc.
 
Building the renovation for this home in Charlottesville.
 
This older 1970s home in the Key West Subdivision in Charlottesville is being renovated to have a new primary bedroom suite and kitchen expansion. A new living room expansion is off of the rear as well. An exciting feature of this renovation project is the addition of an entertainment area below the primary suite, which will include a golf simulator. Stay tuned for updates on this space!

Renovation at Wintergreen

Builder: M3, Inc.
 
Scaffolding beside home renovation.
 
Our second project update is in Wintergreen Resort. Over the years, our client has enjoyed this home for family gatherings and ski trips, and they needed more space for their growing family. We helped to turn an existing open-air covered porch into two additional bedrooms and a bathroom. In addition to these bedrooms, there will be a large deck overlooking the mountains which will lead you to a new covered pavilion with a stone-covered fireplace. It’s easy to imagine those cozy, cold days sitting around the fire.
Interior Renovation in progress.
Wintergreen Home exterior.
First Friday Artist Deryl Kennel

First Friday Artist Deryl Kennel

On Friday, October 4th from 5:00pm-7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a First Fridays Gallery Opening at The Depot featuring artist Deryl Kennel! Join us to welcome Deryl and view his photography exhibition “Southeast Asia Collection”, and to enjoy refreshments and community. Get to know him more in his biography below and RSVP for this event on Facebook here!

*Accessibility Note: This building was previously restored from a fire. The elevator shaft is currently not functioning and there is an absence of ramps in the space. Because the show is on the 2nd floor, this may pose an issue for those who have mobility needs. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.

 

First Friday Artist Deryl Kennel holding a camera up to his face.

Bio:

Deryl is a semi-retired consultant in pharmaceutical quality and regulatory compliance after a career with Merck. He is a long-time hobbyist photographer, even having a home dark room in the early days of his interest in photography. He lives in Harrisonburg with his wife Mim. He enjoys golf and gardening.

Artist Statement:

With today’s technology anyone can be a reasonably good photographer.  One no longer has to carry expensive and heavy equipment with them, with various lenses to fit the photo.  Everyone with a smart phone carries a good camera in their purse or pocket.  Also, digital photography allows taking multiple shots and discarding all but the best one, without the expense and trouble of changing film.

Great photos are coming together around us all the time. To capture an extraordinary shot, you just have to be at the right place at the right time and recognize a great photo is happening.

Lighting sets the mood

Color adds energy

Symmetry draws the viewer in

This show is a collection of photographs taken while living and working in Southeast Asia.  Most were taken with a Fuji S7000 or Canon EOS 30D.

“Southeast Asia Collection” Sneak Peek

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This event is free and open to everyoneSnacks and refreshments will be served and we look forward to seeing you there!

Each month we host a new artist in our building’s 2nd floor gallery at the Chesapeake Western Depot at 141 W. Bruce St. (second floor entrance is on Chesapeake). Artwork will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!