May First Fridays at The Depot Featuring One Of Our Own!

May First Fridays at The Depot Featuring One Of Our Own!

by | Apr 24, 2026 | artwork, First Friday, Harrisonburg

As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.
Series Name: LO•CAL
Medium: Traditional and Instant Film Photography
Artist Statement: “I moved to Harrisonburg from Northeast Ohio eleven years ago. In the decade-plus since, the rolling hills of Rockingham County have shifted from a foreign landscape into the backdrop of my daily life. This exhibition explores the evolution of that perspective, questioning what it means to truly become a “local” when your roots began elsewhere. Working exclusively with traditional and instant film, I look for the textures that define this region. My choice of medium is intentional: film is a physical record of light and time. Unlike the infinite reproducibility of digital images, these photographs are tactile artifacts of a specific moment. This show is my personal map of the Shenandoah Valley. By capturing the mundane and the majestic through the lens of a long-term resident, I hope to offer a version of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County that feels both deeply familiar and newly discovered. It is a tribute to the eleven years it took to stop looking at this place as a destination and start seeing it as home.”
Artist Bio: Lindsey Kohler-Austin is a photographer whose work is defined by a commitment to the tangible and a deep reverence for the deliberate pace of film. Originally from Northeast Ohio and currently based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Lindsey first picked up a camera at the age of twelve—beginning a lifelong journey of observing the world through a viewfinder.

A self-taught artist, Lindsey’s practice is characterized by a complete immersion in the photographic process. From the initial exposure to the final print, every step is handled by hand. By processing and developing her own traditional film and scanning each frame personally, they maintain a physical connection to the work that digital photography cannot replicate. For Lindsey, the limitations of film—the finite number of frames and the lack of an “undo” button—are essential tools that force a slower, more intentional engagement with the subject matter. This is the first public exhibition of Lindsey’s work.

*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 challenges. We are aware of this need and we apologize greatly if this changes your ability to attend.

This event is free and open to everyone. Snacks 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!

A Hand to Hold

A Hand to Hold

by | Apr 17, 2026 | community, Harrisonburg, Mentorship, team

When you get older, it’s easy to forget about the things you saw as challenges when you were younger. As we grow up, we encounter new challenges to overcome; they’re daunting, scary, overwhelming and even exciting at times; but as we tackle our challenges and get the experience under our belts, these tasks become the norm, and we tend to forget about our first encounters. I was a very fortunate kid, as I often had someone there to help me face these challenges and accomplish many of my firsts, but that is not the case for everyone. Can you imagine having to go on your first roller coaster ride all alone? If I didn’t have a hand to hold on my first ride, I don’t know if I would’ve ever gotten on. Without that support, there’s a chance I wouldn’t know what it feels like to ride a roller coaster. Life is a roller coaster in and of itself, and I will gladly offer my hand; over and over again.

I have recently offered my hand to my little sister from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County. So far, she has been very independent and brave. I’m impressed by her confidence and bravery, especially given the challenges life has already thrown at her. Maybe she feels that she must be brave and confident for others’ sake, or maybe she truly is fearless. No matter what the circumstance, I plan to be there for her; a hand to hold, a voice to reason with and a role model to look up to.

I decided to take on a little sister for many reasons, such as to have fun, to learn how to take care of kids, and to add a little whimsy back into my life, but the main reason is to help guide and support someone who may need it. When I was younger, I had a good upbringing, but I was one of four children; as you may suspect, there wasn’t always enough attention and guidance to go around. There were times when I made tough decisions on my own or learned the hard way. I think I would’ve handled those times better with a voice of reason and support. Reflecting on my childhood, I believe I would have benefited from having a mentor. If I could’ve benefited with my good upbringing, imagine how much impact a mentor could have on a mentee with less.

A mentor can have an impact on a mentee, but what many people don’t realize is that a mentee can have an impact on their mentor. All people have different perspectives, but the contrast between an adult perspective and a kid’s perspective is stark. I am always trying to put myself in other people’s shoes to understand where they’re coming from and what they’re going through. Being in the adult world has made my points of view very logical and somewhat restricted. Not everything in life is logical, and my little sister knows this. Her wild, carefree imagination allows her to think outside the box, and she is starting to teach me how to think this way again.

With a mentor guiding a mentee and a mentee rubbing off on a mentor, everyone is getting the best of both worlds. I get an amazing opportunity to help my mentee tackle the daily challenges in her life and I get to learn how to be a better person while doing it. With odds like these, I could never say no. I look forward to seeing how much we grow and all the good we can accomplish while I hold her hand and she holds mine.

Celebrating Our Very Own, Nicole Rowe!

Celebrating Our Very Own, Nicole Rowe!

by | Apr 13, 2026 | Harrisonburg

If you’ve been following us on Instagram lately, noticed our new ad in a local magazine, or felt a little more “connected” to our office life through your screen, you’ve seen the work of Nicole Rowe.

While our architects spend their days focused on blueprints and building science, Nicole spends hers focusing on how we tell our story. Today, we are incredibly proud to share that her storytelling and creative strategy have earned her a spot as one of the Top 50 Interns in the state of Virginia!

Out of 121 nominees from across the Commonwealth, Nicole—a standout student at James Madison University—was selected for her initiative, leadership, and the tangible results she has delivered here at The Gaines Group.

As our Marketing Intern, Nicole has become the creative engine behind our digital presence. Architecture can sometimes feel like a complex, technical world, but Nicole has a gift for making it accessible, beautiful, and engaging. From designing eye-catching ads to managing our social media posts, she has helped us bridge the gap between our drawing boards and our community.

Celebrating a Local Talent

We love seeing JMU Dukes succeed, especially when they are making a difference right here in Harrisonburg. Nicole represents the bright future of Virginia’s workforce, proving that marketing is just as essential to a successful firm as the structures we build.

Nicole will be officially recognized on July 30 in Richmond during Virginia Intern Day. We are so lucky to have her on our team, helping us share the story of why Design Matters with all of you.

Congratulations, Nicole! Thank you for all your hard work!

Gaines Group Architects Named Top Employer for Interns!

Gaines Group Architects Named Top Employer for Interns!

by | Apr 9, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Leadership, Mentorship, Office Culture

I remember my first day at the firm. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived. I knew autocad. I had an architectural degree. I had worked various jobs since I was 12, but this was the first office position. The first time that I was being asked to draw things and they would pay me for it. I understood design, but I didn’t know the 27′ rule in a kitchen, the stair formula, how far a 2 x 12 would span, or why insulation values were important. Those were not things we learned in architectural school. That first day though, I found out that my opinion mattered. The questions I asked made a difference. I could contribute to the team. I needed mentorship, but I also got to mentor those around me.

Over my 27 years at the firm I have been mentored and served as a mentor. I have learned so much from others on the team and hopefully shared some wisdom along the way. I continue to learn from our team. There is so much to know in our industry and it continues to evolve and change.

For the third year in a row our firm has been recognized as a Top Virginia Employer for Interns. This is a meaningful recognition for me personally. We have hosted dozens of high school students in job shadowing, college students as summer interns, and helped launch many into careers in architecture. This annual award celebrates the importance of providing hands on experiences, direct access to senior leadership, and a glimpse into real world skills and experiences.

Congratulations and thank you to all of the 161 employers that have put time, energy, and resources into allowing students to advance in their knowledge. Thank you for opening doors for students to explore career options.

Welcome to the Team, Rachel Bernstein!

Welcome to the Team, Rachel Bernstein!

by | Apr 1, 2026 | Harrisonburg, Interior Design, Intern, team

Rachel Bernstein

We are excited to announce the latest addition to the Gaines Group Architects team! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new Interior Design Intern, Rachel Bernstein.

Rachel brings a unique, global perspective to our studio. A 2020 graduate of James Madison University, she holds a B.A. in International Relations with a concentration in Asian Studies and a minor in Chinese. Her journey has now led her back to the world of design, where she is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Interior Architecture and Design at the Academy of Art University (Class of 2028).

As an Interior Design Intern, Rachel will be working closely with our designer, Jarod, assisting across all phases of the design process. While she navigates her Master’s program, she will be immersed in our office workflow, learning firsthand how a project evolves from an initial concept to a completed space. “This opportunity is so exciting,” Rachel says. “From applying what I have learned in school to gaining new, applicable knowledge from the Gaines Group team, I know I am going to learn so much and begin to feel like a confident and knowledgeable designer!”

To get to know Rachel a little better, we asked her a few questions:

Where do you call home?

Harrisonburg is my home now—I have lived here almost 10 years! I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I also lived in Beijing, China, for a couple of years. I have been so lucky to love every place I’ve lived, so it’s hard to pick a favorite! But making Harrisonburg home has been great. It is truly such an amazing place; I feel so lucky to have found this little town.

What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?

Most people would mention Breaking Bad when talking about Albuquerque. But I’m going to say that the mountains there are called the “Sandias” because sandia means watermelon in Spanish. At sunset, the mountains turn a beautiful watermelon color.

What do you like to do in your free time?

You can catch me reading on my couch or spending time outside in any way possible. I have picked up mountain biking, and now that the weather is getting warmer, if I am not doing homework, I will most likely be on my bike in the forest!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have recorded a fake news segment with me as the anchor! I worked on a morning show in Washington, D.C., and on my last day, we did a mock recording where I shared stories I had written for the actual live news. It was really fun!

What’s your favorite TV show—the one you’re always watching on repeat?

Gilmore Girls. I am obsessed…

Rachel’s welcoming personality and diverse background make her a fantastic fit for our team culture. We are thrilled to have her on board as she grows her career in interior architecture. Next time you are in the office, be sure to say hello!