As we continue to see costs increase for construction it becomes even more important to follow proper protocol during construction. On a recent visit to a job site, I was thrilled to see taped ducts during construction protecting my client’s investment. If the ductwork is left open on the floor and walls then drywall dust and construction debris will fill those ducts, even if the system is not turned on. Then once the HVAC system is turned on dust and dirt will go through the mechanical system and hurt the durability and possibly destroy the brand-new HVAC system.
Seeing the ducts taken care of during construction speaks highly of the HVAC company and contractor and shows they not only understand the installation standards but care about the client. This simple practice does not take much time, but it is often not done. As we continue to see the cost of construction increase, it becomes even more important to protect the systems being installed. So remember: taped ducts during construction protect your investment.
It’s #NationalMascotDay and our team enjoyed reminiscing about our days proudly representing our schools and favorite teams. A few of us are brainstorming a mascot for the Gaines Group (we are open to suggestions!) Until then, enjoy a few photos of our team members showing off their school mascot pride.
Pictured above is the JMU Duke Dog showing off a Gaines Group shirt, Charlie posing with the University of Tennessee mascot, and Charles with a Virginia Tech Hokie bird (mocking the bird).
Architect, family man, explorer, and coach; all of these are hats worn by Gaines Group team member Paul Tassell. Paul began his career at the Gaines Group in 2002 and we are excited to share more about him and his journey below.
Paul grew up in Albemarle County where from a young age, he was drawn to the arts. He remembers spending much of his time sketching and drawing which snowballed into an interest in architecture. Following this interest, he attended Virginia Tech to study architecture and design. Through his studies, he enjoyed being exposed to architecture from both the artistic and the building science side. During his 4th year, he had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Europe with the architecture department visiting 9 countries over 4 months. These travels greatly influenced his appreciation of architecture and its global influences.
After graduation, Paul moved to Charlottesville to be close to his family and began his career with the Gaines Group. His talent was quickly recognized, and he continued to grow within the firm and eventually achieved his architectural license in 2016. As he reflects on his 20+ year tenure thus far at the Gaines Group, he most appreciates working at a small firm that allows him to work on every part of a project. He especially enjoys producing conceptual renderings at the beginning of a project and figuring out the many building details.
Paul has been an integral part of countless projects but says his favorite was designing an addition to his daughter’s preschool which is housed in a historical building in Charlottesville. He also enjoyed working on the Minor-Nelson House addition which turned into an investigation to recreate a historically accurate front porch and detailing.
Outside of being an architect at the Gaines Group, Paul spends much of his time with his wife Linde and two daughters, Ainsley (9) and Mabyn (6). They are an adventurous family with a history of being involved in both Boys and Girls Scouts. Their love for the outdoors has taken them on many trips to Virginia State Parks, Yellowstone National Park, and even a visit abroad to France. A soccer player himself, you can also find Paul on the sidelines coaching different teams. “Coach Tassell” has been working with different skill levels since 2006 and has recently been able to coach both of his daughters.
These photos are from our Meadow Branch project in Winchester, Virginia where “green design” meant focusing on tree-saving measures. At first glance, these aerial photos capture the beginning phases of construction, but the real story is these beautiful oak trees and the surrounding trees around the property boundary. Preserving these trees and incorporating the centuries-old landmarks into the center of the site was critical to this design.
The above photo shows the trees remaining at the center of the site.
These photos show Phase II of the Meadow Branch project progress and you can catch a glimpse of our design for Phase I completed in the background. If you look closely, you can see the orange fence line outside the boundaries of the drip line. This extra care to preserve the historic trees along with the technical expertise of the arborist involved will give the trees the best chance of survival. We always enjoy seeing aerial photos of our projects taking shape, thank you KBS Builders for these photographs!
Phase II of Meadow Branch Apartments with Phase I completed in the background.
As this project continues to take shape, we are looking forward to seeing these trees become a central part of the design!
We are grateful for the string of modern home designs we have been trusted to work on over the years and now the modern house on the mountain is taking shape. Surrounded by a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this modern home takes advantage of the magnificent views and is designed for family living. In addition to the modern aesthetic, the homeowner plans to build a few custom details (not in place yet, but we are excited to share these later.) Some of the other modern homes we designed can be found here, here, here, and here.
Charles recently visited the site on a foggy day as the foundation went in. It was great to see the closed-cell foam vapor barrier installed below the basement slab. This will keep the basement efficient and comfortable once construction is finished.
The framing is well underway and the form of the house is starting to take shape. This home along with the next-door home we designed, has spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The design of the home frames the views while providing distinct spaces for the life these clients want to live in this place. Many of the design elements are centered around spending time together as a family, enjoying their hobbies, and appreciating the surrounding landscape.
The clients have specific uses planned for this detached garage that will enable them to thrive in this space.
Amongst the many activities that will take place in this room, the clients will be able to soak in these beautiful vistas.
Of course, this room feels like you are floating in the trees, can you imagine sitting here and reading as the sun sets?
The vaulted ceilings with exposed beams offer warmth and bounce the light deep into the space.
As the house continues to take shape, we love how it fits on the site and captures the views.
