Project Update: The Elkton Castle

by Charles Hendricks | Aug 5, 2026 | aging in place, architecture, artwork, Building Science, community, Custom Home, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Not used, project update

Elkton Castle Project Update:

As architects we have the best jobs in the world. We get to listen to our clients dream about how they want to live, then we get to design a place to facilitate that dream.

Designing this home for our incredible clients is a great example. In the first meeting it was clear they had a strong idea of what they both wanted. They had a vision for their home, but were not sure how to put it together. So we listened, took notes, documented goals, sketched, tried again, refined, and developed a concept for them.

While the home being built is designed around function, it is also what they described as their dream home. It allows for mobility, welcoming guests, and captures the incredible views. The dining room is designed for bringing family and friends together. The kitchen allows for gathering as well. There is a detached space to facilitate a hobby interest. There are outdoor gathering spaces including a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, and a screen porch. The movie room is designed specifically for enjoying favorite movies at full volume. There are whimsical elements that highlight their personality. It is their dream home they described.

This home- or castle as we are calling it, is a prime example of designing a home to facilitate the dream life our clients want to live. Stay tuned for more updates including a magical wooden wardrobe.

The Lasting Impact of Local Mentorship

by Charles Hendricks | Jul 31, 2026 | community, Empathy, family, Harrisonburg, Leadership, Local Leaders, Mentorship, resources, team

Why investing in local non-profits builds community:

Blog post written by Hannah Cundiff

At Gaines Group Architects, we believe that businesses investing in local non-profits that provide mentorship opportunities can help support generational change building a stronger community for years to come. Almost everyone has had a mentor at one point in their lives. Whether a teacher, coach, church leader, or even just an older friend, having a mentor helps with development at a young age and can help you grow as a person as you get older. That is why we actively support local non-profits like Big Brothers Big Sisters, whose proven mentorship model creates a ripple effect of generational change.

In 2025, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham served 127 local youth. Their mission is simple yet powerful: create and support one-on-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. And the results speak for themselves. In 2025 alone:

100% of Littles graduated high school.
97% agreed they felt closer to their bigs
91% increased their disapproval of risky behaviors.
88% improved their familial relationships.
88% experienced an improved sense of social accecptence with their peers
87% improved their grades.
77% increased confidence to do well in school

Big Brothers Big Sisters Harrisonburg Rockingham

The impact of mentorship isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something our team lives out.

I serve as a mentor to two “Littles” through a student organization at James Madison University. Even though they are fellow college students, you are never too old to benefit from a mentor. When I first met them, both were quiet and kept to themselves. Over the past few months, watching them come out of their shells and step into super active members, and wanting to become “bigs” themselves has been incredibly rewarding.

I also know the value of mentorship firsthand. Throughout high school and college, one of my older friends has helped me navigate hard times in high school, overcome the anxiety of transitioning to college, and step confidently into JMU’s massive Marching Royal Dukes colorguard. She still checks in on me today. I see her as an older sister figure, and I remain deeply grateful for her guidance.

At Gaines Group, this passion for mentorship spans our entire team. Aimee Lawson, one of our designers, is a Big Sister with BBBS. She frequently shares updates on the fun activities she plans with her Little and the incredible growth she has seen in just a few short months. (Read more about Aimee and her Little here).

Investing in a local non-profit like BBBS shows that a community that comes together to support mentorships has a stronger bond between people, improves the overall community, and builds a better future.

More Information:

https://thegainesgroup.com/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-harrisonburg-rockingham-county/

https://bbbshr.org/

Project Update: George’s Flowers Progress is Blooming!

by Charles Hendricks | Jul 21, 2026 | architecture, community, Not used, project update, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect

Project Update in Roanoke: George’s Flowers is Blooming!

We are really excited to see the progress taking shape at George’s Flowers near Tanglewood Mall. The existing building, which housed Audiotronics did not represent the innovative brand of George’s Flowers, so we jumped at the opportunity when he asked us to design a solution. The building, which was built with few windows to the outside, is being opened up to allow in the light, and so we can see all the cool things inside that George’s will create.

The interior spaces are being completely reworked to make this a functional and FUN place to work and shop. The display space will allow for even more must-have items to be displayed. The new coolers will keep the floral arrangements crisp and looking fresh. This is a straightforward commercial renovation that we hope will grab the attention of all who drive by, especially anyone who needs to grab some flowers on their way home from work!

This project is a great example of why you need an architect for your commercial renovation project. We have spent time listening to our client’s goals and working with the contractor and suppliers to make sure it all fits inside the existing building. The coordination with HVAC, plumbing, cooler suppliers, and the contractor has been key to keeping the project moving on a fast timeline so there is little downtime for this commercial business. We are maximizing the opportunities that the existing shell building provided and adapting it so it meets the image and reputation of this amazing business. Our integrated design approach that invites in the contractor team has reduced the timeline and questions during the build, which saves our client money and maximizes the contractor’s profit potential.

Stay tuned for more images of this conversion in Roanoke!

Project Update: George’s Flowers in Roanoke is Now Under Construction!

by Charles Hendricks | Jul 10, 2026 | architecture, community, project update, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect

George’s Flowers is now under construction!

Blog by: Hannah Cundiff

Growing up in the Roanoke Valley, there was really only one florist shop that you’d see: George’s Flowers. Since 1981, they have served the area, delivering to many surrounding cities such as Danville, Moneta, Salem, Hollins and more. Being a Roanoke native, I have driven past their original location a countless number of times. George’s is a small but iconic business in the Valley and is finally getting the upgrade they deserve. But why are they relocating?

The former location on Franklin Road neighbored the Roanoke River. What people may not know is that the area is prone to flooding, and George’s was unfortunately affected by these recurring floods. This created ongoing challenges for them, and the move to Ogden Road became the ultimate solution.

Audiotronics_60f217168d352ac82cd1072e08e29ed3

The business will soon be moving into the former Audiotronics building on Ogden Road. Our part in the process was to design the renewed space to fit George’s Flowers perfectly. Overall, the move is perfect for them, as it gets them out of the flood zone, and into a more business-dense area of the city.

As George’s Flowers gets ready to bloom in their new spot, there’s a real sense of anticipation in Roanoke. This move means not just a bigger and better space for creativity and beauty to flourish, but a bigger and better space that will also better serve their community. Moving to such a lively area in the the city is going to amazing for their business and we are so excited to see the final pieces come together for them!

To learn more about the project and move, visit these links:

George’s Flowers Website

The Roanoker Magazine

WDBJ 7

WSLS 10

Intern Spotlight: Calvin’s First Year at Princeton

by Charles Hendricks | Jun 26, 2026 | Not used

Reflection, Experience, Knowledge

Join our intern Calvin, as he reflects and walks through his experience during his first year in Princeton’s architecture program.

After finishing my first year of college, there were many aspects of the experience that were different from the expectations I had a year ago. At Princeton, nobody can declare their major until the spring of their second year. Knowing this, I was expecting the opportunities offered in the architecture program to first-year students to be limited. However, the schedule is much more flexible than I anticipated, and I was still able to take three architecture courses this year: one theory course in the fall and two studios in the spring. Second-year students have even more opportunities; I am currently enrolled in one urban studies and two architecture courses for the upcoming semester.

Being an independent person who doesn’t like to ask for help, I was not expecting to be involved as much in the studio culture. However, I often found myself talking with classmates, both about our projects and unrelated topics. Each student has their own desk, which I believe contributes to the collaborative environment. On Sunday afternoons when I would often be by myself, I would take breaks and look at the work that my classmates had on their desks. Taking two studios this past semester taught me even more time management and planning skills than I already had. At the start of every week, I would create a schedule for what tasks I have to do each day, which helped me stay on pace to manage all my assignments and spread out similar work such as long readings. Planning my time well allowed me to keep up with my coursework, participate in club athletics, and work a few nights a week in the dining hall.

Both my studio classes involved interesting assignments that helped me think about architecture in different ways. The first, entitled “Geometry and Architectural Representation,” focused on abstract modeling and design. Over the course of the semester, I created a three-dimensional shape and built it as a model, drew sections and obliques of it, inverted it, and finally sheared and built a new split model. The second studio, “Introduction to Architectural Design,” focused on more concrete buildings that can be inhabited. For most of the semester, we were focused on designing a building for the train and bus station on campus. The professors slightly modified the site to include a slope and removed a side road to create elevation challenges.

Despite all the surprises, many aspects went the way I expected. My studio classes were challenging and time consuming, although very enjoyable. They were different from the worksheets, readings, or papers for other classes and working on them never really felt like doing schoolwork. Overall, I enjoyed my first year and am very excited to further my education in architecture.