The Lasting Impact of Local Mentorship

The Lasting Impact of Local Mentorship

by | 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/

 

Great Construction Documents Save Our Clients’ Money And Increase Contractors’ Profits

Great Construction Documents Save Our Clients’ Money And Increase Contractors’ Profits

by | Jul 29, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Building Science, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect

True value is created when a beautiful design is translated into highly detailed, clear, concise, and correct drawings. The process of dimensioning and noting a drawing the right way saves on time to build, makes the goals clear, and reduces questions during construction. We know our client want a beautiful design, and when we add beautiful drawings showing that design, everyone wins. For both the homeowner and the contractor, our work during the construction documents phase is where some of the real magic happens. With our team, we work through the design’s buildability aspects, ensure we have the right materials, trace the thermal envelope, and save our clients money through our integrated design approach.

When we take time to invest in well-detailed drawings, we are protecting the builder from having to “figure out” things during construction. We work to make sure the drawings illustrate the final design with the right details and notes included.

We hear from our contractors all the time that they love our drawings and the work we do to solidify the selections, structural design, and work through the unique framing conditions. By coordinating everything on paper before the contractor gives our client a budget time and money is saved. 

Whether you are a homeowner dreaming of a comfortable, healthy space or a builder looking to streamline your workflow and elevate your build quality, our drawings are the key. We believe that smart design and clear, correct, concise, and complete drawings deliver the highest value to our clients and contractors. 

Your Home Might Have A Dew Point Problem.

Your Home Might Have A Dew Point Problem.

by | Jul 27, 2026 | architecture, Building Science, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, Custom Home, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Indoor Air Quality, resources

Anyone who has been in the construction industry for a while has heard the phrase – “you don’t want to build it too tight.” This is a reference to how buildings used to dry out, BEFORE air conditioning and insulation. Some still refer to allowing your home to breathe, but we completely changed how we build from balloon framing to platform framing, from using windows to catch a breeze to cool your home to mechanical systems that filter, clean the air, and cool your home. Your house no longer needs to breathe through random gaps in the exterior thermal envelope. It needs to be as tight as you can make it, with a proper ventilation system to complement the heating and cooling system.

Architects and builders who understand building science work to protect your home and the indoor air quality problems that might occur if you “let your home breathe.” In our mixed humid climate, one of the biggest problems could be dew point. This is the exact temperature at which airborne moisture transitions from gas to liquid. If that conversion happens inside a wood-frame wall, you have a recipe for mold, rot, and potentially structural failure.

Achieving an efficient, healthy, and resilient home requires understanding how to avoid some common construction mistakes.

Air Leakage

Air leakage is the highway for moisture transport through your thermal envelope. In our mixed humid climate, on a hot, humid day, that moist air wants to push inside your air-conditioned home. In the winter, warm air escapes to the dry cold air. Your home is always trying to reach equilibrium with the outside air. Air pressure forces movement through any cracks around plumbing, electrical outlets, framing, doors, and windows. It carries gallons of water vapor along with it. When this air hits a cold surface inside the wall cavity, it instantly hits the dew point and becomes liquid.

Insulation

Not all insulation works the same, and not all insulation can be used for all wall
assemblies. We often use open-cell spray foam because it is airtight and vapor
permeable. Closed-cell spray foam looks very similar, but it is a vapor barrier. Using this product in a wall above grade can work, but you must make sure it is done exactly right. If it pulls away from framing, allowing even the smallest leak, you could end up with a dew point issue. Also, if you use a vapor barrier and there is a liquid leak in the wall, you might not find it until you have a much larger problem. Using fiberglass batts and cellulose can also work, but the air sealing process is labor intensive and often does not last as long.

Vapor Barriers

We don’t want a vapor barrier in our climate due to the vapor drive that happens in different directions in the different seasons. Adding a vapor barrier can stop airflow on the cool surface you are trying to protect. Using the right vapor permeable solutions allows vapor to pass through the material while your HVAC system works to dry out the air to further protect your walls. Did you know that OSB, some paints and wallpaper, and many house wraps are vapor barriers?

A healthy, durable, comfortable home with good indoor air quality controls the dew point. You have to have the right HVAC system and fresh air as part of the holistic solution. Focusing on proper air sealing, insulation location and values, and HVAC can solve the challenges that many modern homes face of high humidity, mold, and rot.

August First Friday at the Depot Featuring Bonnie Fisher!

August First Friday at the Depot Featuring Bonnie Fisher!

by | Jul 17, 2026 | community, First Friday, Harrisonburg

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

August 7th from 5:00-7:00 PM

Series Name: An Interlude of Water

Medium: Hand-cut Montage

Artist Statement: “An Interlude of Water

The stillness of a hot, lazy summer evening broken by the laughter of good friends as fishies bite and the sun slowly slips towards the horizon.

The pond collection swirls and twirls like the eddies at the shoreline. Developing slowly to capture the quiet aspects of what creatures could quietly inhabit a pond within the Shenandoah landscape.

The past eight months have been a creative frenzy of exploration, joy, and personal contentment, from envisioning a cohesive grouping of collages that share a color palette to letting my imagination play. The resulting collection has stretched my artistic skills and broadened my perception of interpretation and idea development.

My Process:  

Each collage starts as a line drawing, creating a detailed map of the imagery to be included within the work.  Moving the drawing to the wooden panel entails many bits of hand-cut paper, acrylic mediums, and acid-free paste. A sticky mess, but it so satisfies the need for detail my brain requires. All papers used are colored with acrylic paint applied with painting tools or a Gelli plate. A lot of time is spent pressing (lever press, heavy books, etc) and drying the glued papers before and after mounting on the wooden surface. Acrylic varnish provides a protective sealant for the completed collage. From concept to finished work, the process takes, on average, four weeks.” 

 

Artist Bio: I’ve always been one to dabble in new trends and techniques.  Treading water, seeking the thing that would capture and devour my imagination. In 2018, when life was overwhelming and my soul needed an escape, I fell back in love with collage. Over the intervening eight years, my artistic practice has settled into an obsession, forcing a growth in style and technique with results that personally bring me joy. A relocation to Harrisonburg, Virginia, has allowed me to establish a permanent studio space, adding momentum to my artistic journey.

 

*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!

 

Welcome to the Team, Calvin!

Welcome to the Team, Calvin!

by | May 28, 2026 | architecture, Charles Hendricks, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team

We are excited to announce that Calvin Bixler has joined the Gaines Group Architects team as our newest intern! Calvin is eager to jump in and support the firm across a variety of projects as he begins his professional journey in the design field.

Academic Foundations

Calvin comes to us with a strong academic background, having completed his first year of studies at Princeton University. As he works toward his degree, he is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and holding his first official position in his chosen career field.

Beyond the Studio

When he isn’t assisting the firm, Calvin stays busy with an impressive array of technical hobbies. He is currently in the middle of a major mechanical project: converting a 1984 Pontiac Fiero from an internal combustion engine to a fully electric drivetrain. When he isn’t under the hood of a car, he enjoys playing single-player video games, particularly Minecraft.

Getting to Know Calvin

  • First Job: Calvin’s work history began at the EMU dining hall, where he worked in the dish room and served meals.

  • Favorite Characteristic: He takes great pride in his strong work ethic, a trait that makes him a fantastic addition to our team.

  • Furry Friends: Calvin is a cat lover and has a long-haired black cat named Bear.

  • Pop Culture Pick: If there is one show you can find him watching on repeat, it is Game of Thrones.

Please join us in giving Calvin a warm welcome to the team!

Welcome to the Team, Hannah!

Welcome to the Team, Hannah!

by | May 28, 2026 | architecture, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team

We are delighted to introduce the newest member of our design family, Hannah Cundiff! Hannah joins us as an Intern, bringing a passion for art and a fresh perspective to our studio!

A Passion for Design

Hannah’s journey into the world of design was sparked at a young age while watching HGTV. This early exposure, combined with a lifelong interest in art, fueled her desire to create beautiful and functional spaces for people to enjoy. Currently a rising senior at James Madison University (JMU) pursuing a BFA in Architectural Design, Hannah is eager to dive into the professional world and learn everything that architecture offices have to offer. She is particularly focused on strengthening her digital skills and gaining experience working directly with clients as she prepares for her senior thesis.

Roots in Roanoke

Hannah calls Roanoke, Virginia home. She is a proud local who enjoys sharing fun facts about her hometown—did you know the iconic star on Mill Mountain stands 88 feet tall? Her path to architecture also includes a background in the service industry; her very first job was as a Sales Associate at Rack Room Shoes.

Off the Clock

When she isn’t in the studio or the classroom, Hannah enjoys a variety of hobbies to unwind. You can often find her playing video games like Animal Crossing or Minecraft, reading, or hanging out with her roommates. She is also a fan of Superstore, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games.

Hannah is very family-oriented and loves spending time with her mom, dad, and little brother.

Fun Facts & Accomplishments

  • A Major Milestone: Hannah is incredibly proud of getting into JMU and the ARCD (Architectural Design) program.

  • Childhood Ambition: Before she set her sights on architecture, Hannah dreamt of becoming an art teacher.

  • Hidden Talents: Most people don’t know that Hannah was in colorguard for six years!

  • The Adventurous Side: Back in 8th grade, Hannah showed her adventurous spirit by climbing a 50-foot rock wall on the side of a mountain.

We are so excited to have Hannah join us for this small part of her architecture journey!