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!

Mentorship in Action at The Gaines Group

Mentorship in Action at The Gaines Group

by | Mar 20, 2026 | Leadership, Mentorship

Mentorship requires opening up your daily life to eager, curious minds. Firm members at The Gaines Group consistently adapt their job shadow programs to fit the specific goals of each student—whether that student wants to verify their passion for architecture or simply figure out if the career is wrong for them before they pay for college tuition.

SketchUp rendering of interior layout.

Charles Hendricks frequently challenges his mentees to design a custom home using SketchUp. However, the goal is never just to create a rendering. The exercise forces students to learn the realities of the industry: wall thicknesses, manufacturing specifications, building codes, all while keeping a design cost-effective.

When a high school senior named Chloe joined the firm for a semester, she already knew she had a passion for interior design. To tailor her experience, she was paired with Jarod, the firm’s interior designer. Jarod shared his daily routine, answered specific industry questions, and discussed his own educational background.

The Architect’s Guide to a Spring Reset: Beyond the Broom

The Architect’s Guide to a Spring Reset: Beyond the Broom

by | Mar 18, 2026 | community, Indoor Air Quality, Not used, resources

As the sun begins to linger a little longer over the Blue Ridge and the first hints of green emerge in the Shenandoah Valley, our focus naturally shifts outward. Here at Gaines Group Architects, we believe a home is a living system—one that breathes, protects, and evolves with the seasons.

While “Spring Cleaning” usually conjures images of junk drawers and dusty baseboards, we like to view the vernal equinox as a vital moment for home stewardship. It’s the perfect time to ensure your sanctuary is performing efficiently, sustainably, and beautifully for the warmer months ahead.

1. High-Performance Hygiene: Check Your Seals

In our region, the transition from winter’s bite to spring’s humidity can be tough on a building’s envelope.

  • The Window Audit: Don’t just Windex the glass; inspect the tracks and weatherstripping. Dirt buildup can prevent a tight seal, letting your expensive conditioned air escape.

  • Airflow Integrity: Replace your HVAC filters. After a winter of closed doors and running furnaces, a fresh filter is the simplest way to improve your indoor air quality. Remember, the air leakage in your home might actually be making it dirty by pulling dust and allergens from your attic into your living spaces.

2. Protecting the Valley’s Heritage

Many of our favorite projects involve historic Harrisonburg gems. If you live in an older home, Spring is the season for a “check-up”:

  • Masonry & Mortar: Walk the perimeter of your home. Look for “spalling” (flaking brick) or cracked mortar caused by the winter freeze-thaw cycle. Addressing these small gaps now prevents significant water damage later.

  • Gentle Restoration: When cleaning original wood or stone, skip the harsh chemicals. We advocate for pH-neutral, eco-friendly cleaners that preserve the patina of historic materials rather than stripping them.

3. Water Management: The Architect’s Priority

Architecture is often in a battle against water. To keep your foundation dry and your basement healthy:

  • Gutter Cleaning: Falling debris from winter storms can clog your drainage system. Ensure your gutters are clear and, more importantly, that downspouts are directing water at least five feet away from your foundation.

  • The Grading Check: Take a look at your flower beds. If the soil has settled and is sloping toward the house, spring is the time to regrade it to shed water away from your living space.

4. Biophilic Refreshes

A “clean” home should also be an inspiring one. As the Valley blooms, bring that energy indoors:

  • Lighten the Load: Swap heavy winter drapes for breathable linens. This doesn’t just change the look; it changes the thermal gain of your rooms.

  • Indoor Air Gardens: Visit the Harrisonburg Farmers Market for native plants. They act as natural air purifiers, reinforcing the “biophilic” connection between our built environment and the natural world.

  • When choosing supplies for your spring refresh, opt for No-VOC options. We’ve often asked, ‘Is your home making you sick?‘—and reducing chemical off-gassing from cleaners and paints is the best place to start.

Stewardship is Design in Action

Spring cleaning isn’t just a chore—it’s an investment in the longevity of your home. By treating your house as a high-performance system rather than just a collection of rooms, you ensure it remains a place of comfort and sustainability for years to come.

Need a hand reimagining your space for the new season?

Whether it’s a sustainable renovation or a custom new build, we’re here to help you design a home that works as hard as you do.

Be the Person You Needed When You Were Younger: The Power of Mentorship

Be the Person You Needed When You Were Younger: The Power of Mentorship

by | Mar 13, 2026 | Leadership, Mentorship

We all remember what it was like to stand at the edge of our futures, unsure of which path to take. The question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a heavy burden for a high school or college student trying to map out a career they have never actually experienced.

Looking back, many of us can pinpoint the exact moment a professional took us under their wing, answered our questions, and showed us the ropes. They were the people we needed when we were younger. Today, the most impactful thing we can do as professionals is to become that person for the next generation.

At The Gaines Group Architects, mentorship is not just a nice addition to the work week; it is viewed as the key to a healthy profession. Being a “Citizen Architect” means giving back, which is why the firm actively supports organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County and regularly hosts high school and college students for job shadowing and internships.