June First Friday at The Depot Featuring Cassidy Walker!

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | May 21, 2026 | artwork, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg

As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.

Series Name: In Blue and Bloom: Washes of Memory from Lithuania

Medium: Watercolor

Artist Statement: “In Blue and Bloom: Washes of Memory from Lithuania is a collection of watercolor paintings created in response to my study abroad experience in Lithuania. Through both monochromatic blue and full-color works, this exhibition explores the ways beauty and trauma coexist within the country’s landscapes, architecture, and cultural memory.

During my time in Lithuania, I encountered a place of remarkable natural beauty, vibrant cities, and enduring traditions. At the same time, I learned about the country’s complex history of occupation, resistance, genocide, and survival. These experiences changed how I understood the places I visited. Streets, forests, and historic sites became layered with both visible beauty and the memories they continue to hold.

The use of monochromatic blue and full color is not intended to separate trauma from beauty. Instead, both bodies of work contain aspects of each. Some blue paintings focus on atmosphere, reflection, and form, while some full-color works depict locations shaped by painful histories. Together, these two approaches demonstrate that Lithuania’s identity cannot be divided into distinct parts. Its beauty and its trauma are deeply interconnected, each informing the way the other is experienced and understood.

Watercolor serves as an ideal medium for this exploration because of its transparency and fluidity. Layers of pigment and water mirror the way memory accumulates over time—sometimes vivid, sometimes softened, but never entirely erased.

These paintings are both personal reflections and acts of witness. They honor Lithuania as a place where resilience emerges alongside
remembrance, and where history continues to shape the present. Through this work, I hope viewers are invited to consider how landscapes carry stories and how art can help us hold complexity, preserving both pain and beauty within the same frame.”

Artist Bio: Cassidy Walker is a multidisciplinary artist working in watercolor, photography, ceramics, and digital media. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in 2025 with a degree in Art, Photography, and Digital Media & Communications.

Her work is deeply informed by close observation of the world around her. Through a variety of media, Cassidy examines places, experiences, and histories, translating them into visual forms that help her process and express what she encounters. Much of her artistic practice centers on themes of trauma, memory, resilience, and the ongoing effort to better understand the complexities of the world.

In Blue and Bloom: Washes of Memory from Lithuania was inspired by Cassidy’s study abroad experience in Lithuania, where she explored the relationship between natural beauty, cultural identity, and historical trauma. Through this body of watercolor paintings, she reflects on how places can hold both visible and invisible histories and how art can serve as a means of witnessing, remembrance, and connection.

*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

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | 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.

In Their Own Words: The Impact of Job Shadowing

by Charles Hendricks | Apr 12, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team

You don’t have to guess whether taking the time to mentor makes a difference. The students who have walked through the doors of The Gaines Group speak volumes about the impact of these experiences:

David Martin, a Virginia Tech architecture student, spent a summer learning the granular details of the profession.

“With only two years of architecture school under my belt, I started this summer off knowing I had a lot to learn… I found myself having to learn the details of building sections, roof plans, wall thicknesses, construction methods… Throughout the process, Charles showed me patience and was always willing to answer any questions I had… In one of Charles’ recent blogs, he talks about being the person you needed when you were younger. From my experience, I would say that he’s putting that into practice, since the help and instruction he provided me that summer has given me valuable insight into the world of architecture.”

Ryan, a high school student from Eastern Mennonite High School, discovered that the day-to-day life of an architect isn’t just about unconstrained sketching.

“I realized that architecture, most of the time, is not designing grandiose creations from your head, but is more of a tailored approach to realize clients’ wishes… I am very grateful to the Gaines Group Architects for taking time out of his immensely busy schedule to mentor me… My perception of architecture has definitely changed and while I am still considering this as a possible career option, I feel as though my eyes have been opened to some of the non-ideal aspects of architecture.”

Chloe, the aspiring interior designer, found that her time with Charles and Jarod provided the exact clarity she needed for her future.

“His knowledge of design and his love for his job inspired me in great ways… After my mentorship experience, I decided that I am going to pursue a major in interior design at Liberty University. Finally, mentorship has taught me that I am capable of way more than I ever imagined. My mentor has done an amazing job helping me realize how successful I can be… His encouragement and confidence in me have boosted my confidence in achieving my dreams.”

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

by Lindsey Kohler-Austin | 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.

Historic Renovation Charlottesville Architect

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.

A Holiday Message from The Gaines Group Architects

by Charles Hendricks | Dec 24, 2025 | Charlottesville, community, Harrisonburg, Holiday, Roanoke

As we approach year end, the lights are glowing a little brighter in our studios—not just from the holiday decorations, but from the warmth of a year that has truly redefined what “home” and “community” mean to us.

It’s been an incredible year of growth, challenges, and deep reflection. We’ve watched some amazing projects move through our pipeline and celebrated the completion of others that were years in the making. From the Spanish Learning Lab Daycare to the Rockingham County Timber Frame House, we have been reminded daily of the immense privilege we hold. It is a profound responsibility to design the spaces of dreams, whether that is a custom family home or a growing business.

Growing Our Impact

This year, our “planning for growth” became a reality as we officially opened our new office in Roanoke. For our CEO, Charles Hendricks, this was more than a business expansion; it was a homecoming to the Star City. By establishing a permanent home in the CoLab in Grandin Village and welcoming Claude Breithaupt to lead our Roanoke team, we are better positioned than ever to serve the Roanoke and New River Valley.

Our mission remains clear: through design, we can make the world a better place for everyone. Whether we are working with Habitat for Humanity or helping a client “future-proof” their home for aging-in-place, we believe architecture is an ethical duty. We design for the “seven generations” ahead, ensuring our impact is measured in sustainability, accessibility, and joy.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we pause on this sacred evening, we want to say thank you.

To our team: For rallying together and supporting one another. From our newest team members like Lindsey, Claude, Isabel, Lizzy, and Nicole you are the heart of this firm. Thank you.
To our clients: Thank you for trusting us with your dreams. Whether we were working on a custom home, business relocation or expansion, or a school addition, thank you for trusting a process we know works.
To our community: To those who follow our Design Matters blog, click through our website, or show up at events like “First Fridays” or the “Festival of Trees”—thank you. Your belief in our mission to create healthy, inclusive environments is what fuels our passion.

We love what we do because we get to do it with you. As we look toward the New Year, we aren’t just looking for “the right opportunities”—we are looking for the right ways to increase our impact on the world.

From all of us at The Gaines Group in Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, and Roanoke: Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

May your holiday be as resilient, warm, and well-designed as the homes in your dreams.

Christmas at the Depot

by Charles Hendricks | Dec 23, 2025 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, community

It is a wonderful time of the year to work at the Depot, really so is every time of year. Our historic Harrisonburg home comes to life during the holiday season, especially with the Christmas lights! Looking back over the years we have shared some magical memories together. Here is a quick peak at the Depot when Santa comes to visit.