Design From the Perspective of a Masters Student

Design From the Perspective of a Masters Student

by | Sep 30, 2026 | Harrisonburg, Intern, team

Blog written by our very own: Rachel Bernstein

What is design, and how do I do it? And for that matter, what makes it good? Those are questions I find myself asking a lot as someone new to the design world. My name is Rachel, and I am a budding Interior Designer with the Gaines Group. I am also a current student getting my Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture and Design. Sounds fancy, right?

Good design is definitely something to strive for, but what is it exactly? With a B.A in International Relations, I graduated undergrad and went straight into Public Health. Two very different career paths and neither have much to do with Interior Design. So, how did I end up here and how can I learn to define what good design is? Well, although I don’t come from a career background in design, I have spent years training my eye as a professional photographer and I have always had a love for functional design. I think these two experiences have helped me along the way and yet I am still finding new questions to ask and keep pondering what actually makes a design good.

The Gaines Group Building Photographed by Me (Rachel Bernstein)

Lake Moomaw Landscape Photographed by Me (Rachel Bernstein)

In school, I am learning the technical aspects of design from a broader perspective. Every “client” is a made-up person with a bullet list of what they want. I never talk to them; I don’t get to ask follow up questions. I must follow their “Wishlist” but so much of the design still comes directly from my own head and own desires. It’s an amazing way to learn; finding what I like in my head and putting it to paper. My choices are mostly un-inhibited, and I get to challenge myself to work with design solutions that I may not be naturally good at. It’s also not entirely real-world design. With the Gaines Group, our clients are real. I get the opportunity to listen to and discuss with a real person what they want. In a way, I must remove myself and my implicit design bias from the process to ensure that I am truly hearing their design goals. Then, working with the client I can provide informed suggestions and we can make thoughtful design decisions together. I think that is where the start of good design comes from; finding the balance between unbiased design while also using professional knowledge and creative experience to create something amazing.

Handsketch by Me (Rachel Bernstein)

There are also so many more parts of the design process than I ever could have imagined and every day I learn something new. Good design, and a good designer, looks at every moving part and finds a way to make it all work. As someone new to this world, that is so much easier said than done. Watching my colleagues work and find answers to complicated design challenges is incredibly impressive, and I am learning so much just from simply observing them.

At this time, I have two years left of school and I wonder if I were to re-write this blog post in two years, how my answers may differ. I think my answers are correct to some degree, but I do recognize how much more I have yet to learn. So maybe it’s less that my answers will change and more that they will evolve, as I evolve, in the world of design.

Harrisonburg Team Members

October First Friday featuring Barb Camph – Musical Mosaics

October First Friday featuring Barb Camph – Musical Mosaics

by | Sep 23, 2026 | First Friday, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect

Barb Camph
Please come out and support a local artist! Our First Friday in October will feature local legend Barb Camph.
 
October 2, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
 
Series Name: Playing with Glass
 
Medium: Glass Mosaics
 
Artist Statement: I came to stained glass as a full-time profession in my late 40s, but I was attracted to the art several years earlier. The endless color variations, textures, and possibilities captured me! Color inspires me. Color energizes me.
I love to create. The act of creating is soothing and takes me to another place. And with my glass, I can create almost anything I can envision.
At the moment, I am crazy for mosaics. This started a couple of years ago in Costa Rica at my brother’s house. He and his wife encouraged me, found materials, and created projects for me. Since then, I have been fortunate to create pieces for sale, for public art and to decorate OASIS.
Where will this lead? Who knows! But I am so fortunate to be in an environment –family, clients, and Harrisonburg — which encourages and supports my art.
 
Artists Bio: I learned the craft of stained glass in the 1980’s, when we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. At that time, it was a hobby but when we moved to Portugal in 1995, it became my business. I have had many people help me along the way while I learned the business of art.
Several years ago, when I moved to the Harrisonburg area I built the largest studio I could afford. It is decorated with wonderful creations as well as a huge selection of art glass. It is home to two kilns, one of which I have had for almost 40 years!
I often say that “the glass talks to me”. I am so fortunate to be able to work with glass and indulge my creativity.
In Portugal, I taught stained glass every week. In Panama I taught less frequently but did continue to teach. I stopped teaching the art of stained glass when I moved to Harrisonburg since there is already a teaching studio. However, I started teaching mosaics to kids (at the Arboretum and for On the Road Collaboration) and to adults (in my home studio, at my OASIS studio and under the sponsorship of Parks and Recreation).
 
*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 of the Depot!
Harrisonburg Art and Architecture Walking Tour

Harrisonburg Art and Architecture Walking Tour

by | Sep 22, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect

Harrisonburg

We created a Harrisonburg Art and Architecture walking tour and want to share it with you. We still need to add names of architects of some of the buildings that make up the fabric of our town. Please help me complete the tour, send me any missing information or corrections. We also want to add in some interesting stories that go along with the buildings and art. If you are the artist, building occupant / owner, or have just been around a while and have a story to share, let me know. We want to make this tour as inclusive as possible.

Special thanks to the photographers on this project: Hannah Hendricks and Monica Espinoza!

Check it out here. Maybe you will find something new on the list in downtown that you did not know about from Caverns, to Green Book, to Love and Romance?

Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg
Collaboration to deliver better service to our clients

Collaboration to deliver better service to our clients

by | Sep 12, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Commercial Architect, community, Custom Home, Empathy, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders

This amazing event, Charlottesville Architect + Builder Exchange, is building a better industry.

Charlottesville Architect Builder Exchange

This past week Charles and Sam were invited to share how they collaborate outside of projects to deliver better projects to shared clients. Sam with Herr and Company and Charles have worked together on many projects over the years. They have a trusting relationship. It is not just based on the projects though, it is based on each of them showing up for the other consistently.

The story they shared is not a new way of doing business. It is simply treating each other with respect and working towards a common goal: excellent service to our community, integrity in the process, and a desire to do better for our clients. Once the video of the event is posted we will share it. We welcome your ideas of how we can improve more. We don’t have it all figured out and want to continue to grow and improve. Let us know how you deliver better service to your clients through collaboration, trust, and integrity.

Thanks to Jim at Candid and his team for allowing this conversation to happen.

If you have a community group or event that needs a speaker: Charles loves sharing his passion for community, building science, architecture, aging in place, the history of the Chesapeake Wester Depot, using empathy as a design tool, or if you just want him to tell stories – reach out and let’s get it scheduled.

Project Update: 865 East Interior Renovation

Project Update: 865 East Interior Renovation

by | Sep 3, 2026 | architecture, Commercial Architect, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Interior Design, Multifamily Design, project update

Blog by: Jarod Sankar
Interior Design: The Gaines Group Architects
Lobby Contractor: Legacy Building Co.
Game Room Contractor: Sustainable Solutions

If you’re from Harrisonburg, or have any association with JMU, you’ve probably encountered 865 East, the luxury student housing complex located right off I-81 on Port Republic Road. While the complex isn’t new to the area, it is under new ownership and has recently undergone a complete transformation.

The project began with a vision from the property managers. They knew that the building was in an incredible location, offered great amenities, and was well-loved by the community, and they wanted to capitalize on those things with a full facelift on both the apartments and the common areas. Adrienne and Jarod met with the property management team, asked lots of questions, took lots of photos, and looked at lots of inspiration images. Once the main programming and scope were determined, the interior design team got straight to work.

The first step of the project was capturing the right vibe for the proposed facelift. We wanted the space to feel fun and striking, yet inviting, clean, and home-like. For luxury student housing, it’s important to design with longevity and maintainability in mind, without creating a space that feels sterile. Giving the students a sense of home helps make the space feel unique but comfortably familiar. To start the process, we analyzed the information from our first initial meeting with Star and the Asset Living team and generated mood board images that would set the tone for the full renovation. After getting approval from the team to move forward, Jarod 3D-modeled the space and started working through the design for the renovated lobby, game room, and rooftop.

The lobby was the top priority. The space called for a statement, and with its tall ceilings, balcony, and expansive entrance with glass windows, the “bones” were there. We wanted to capitalize on the existing conditions but bring it up to date by incorporating warm wood tones, moody colors that create depth, statement lighting, and a 2-story tall green wall. We also relocated the lobby desk to a more central location, so the staff would have better sightlines, and would be able to access other utility spaces more easily without leaving the desk unattended. The new design proposal was fully 3D-modeled and rendered, giving the project management team marketing material for promoting the upcoming renovation.

Left: Before; Right: Our Rendering

Left: Before; Right and slider images: Renderings and after

Next, we tackled the game room. The current space had all the right conditions – natural light, easy access, and a large space. The game room was a great amenity for the apartment complex, but it was underutilized due to a poor layout and outdated finishes. The property management team’s goal was to make this space inviting and fun, and the wheels in our head began turning the moment we got back to our desks. Our vision was to create a space that would serve all needs – and addressing the layout and how the space would be used was our first step. We reconfigured the space to house a pool table, a foosball table, and a shared snack bar with couches and ottomans for game day fun or large gatherings. Alongside the new large group seating, we also added banquet seating with partitions to create pockets of more private spaces, so multiple people could use the room at once without feeling like they are impeding on another group. The finishes complement the lobby renovation, bringing in those warm wood tones, subtle JMU color influences, and capitalized on the existing space’s industrial flair.

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS:
Just like the lobby, we created photorealistic renderings that the project management team used to build excitement for the renovations and drive leasing.

Lastly, we refreshed the rooftop terrace space. With incredible views, a wet bar, and a covered pavilion, the space already had strong potential. With just some minor tweaks to furniture, colors, and listening to how the space is primarily used, the space took on a whole new look. We added some fun pops of color to brighten the space, some furniture that allowed for suntanning which is what the space is commonly used for and updated the soft furniture under the pavilion.

We’re excited to celebrate 865 East’s new look and enjoyed having a hand in their complete renovation!

To see more photos and learn more about the complex, check them out here:

Click Here
Project Update: Brighter Chiropractic!

Project Update: Brighter Chiropractic!

by | Aug 21, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Commercial Architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership, Local Leaders, project update

Charles and Dr. David Heller were talking over breakfast at a morning Rotary Club of Rockingham County meeting. Dr. Heller was opening a new business in an existing shopping center in town. As a doctor and entrepreneur, he had a clear vision and had checked all the boxes to reach his goal of serving his community and promoting better health. Then Charles asked, “Did you check the use group for the space to make sure it works for your Chiropractic Clinic?”
Dr. Heller had already hired a contractor to execute his vision. Hiring a contractor is an obvious first step, but when opening a new space and renovating, many questions must be answered. As architects we know these questions well and know how to efficiently answer them. Dr. Heller had completed his training, formulated his plan, and found the space. The remaining questions focused on building code and ADA compliance. These issues are often overlooked until after construction has started. Sometimes there are no issues, but if issues arise, the project stops and usually costs a lot to get back on track.
For example, Charles was contacted by a retail shop. They were moving from one end of the shopping center to the other. Seems simple. However, when they went to pull the sign permit they found out the new space, which they were already moving things into, did not allow for retail. Again, the same shopping center and even the same building. At some point in the past that particular unit’s building code use had changed to assembly instead of retail. This resulted in needing a building code analysis and change of use application to revert to retail. This cost the business owner valuable time and money to bring the space into compliance.
So back to Dr. Heller’s story: His new practice has opened its doors. He already has a long list of clients due to all his brand-building work prior to opening. His work ethic has been incredible to watch. Our role was fairly simple, stemming from that morning conversation. We documented the ADA compliance, verified the building code use group, made sure the space worked for the needed uses, and created the documents for the builder to quickly execute the plan.
Our goal as designers is to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of those using the spaces we design are protected. Our work helps our clients efficiently reach their goals. This project is a great example of how we can support local small businesses and an incredibly hard-working entrepreneur.
We are proud of you Dr. Heller and wish you many years of success moving forward.

Click the Brighter Chiropractic logo below to learn more!