Exploring career options: A high school designers perspective

Exploring career options: A high school designers perspective

by | Dec 22, 2023 | citizen architect, Leadership, Office Culture

For the past 10 years or so, our firm has had high school students, and occasionally college students, here at our office to job shadow for a semester, receiving a class credit. (Check out more of their stories at the bottom of this blog). Each student comes into the experience with different goals and motivations. Some are interested in ruling out architecture as a career and others are looking to expand their knowledge of an architectural career prior to starting college. With each, we adapt their experience as needed to help them achieve their goals. 

Chloe joined us this past semester. She was already confident that she wanted a career in design with a preference for interior design, so we set up a program to allow her to meet with Jarod, our interior designer, and others in the community with an interior design background. While at the office, we encouraged her to learn SketchUp by giving her a house design project to work on. 

The design project is never the important part of the learning experience, it is the questions generated through the design process. Our student job shadow candidates learn how buildings operate, how the industry works, how big a 2 x 4 actually is, what kind of questions to ask when designing, and get to see how we do it. We have had some students go through the process to realize that it was not the right career for them and some that have embraced the profession and confirmed their future plans. Below you will find Chloe’s summary of her experience.

SketchUp rendering of interior layout.

My name is Chloe Emurian, and I am a senior at Buffalo Gap High School. I have always been interested in the design of buildings, so I was placed at Gaines Group Architects with the hopes that I could find just where my passion for design falls, whether that be pursuing a major in architecture or interior design.

Starting out, my mentor, Charles Hendricks, asked me what I needed from the experience to figure out my future plans. He set up meetings with local interior designers so I could learn more about what they do each day and allowed me to attend meetings with him. He also invited me into classes at his office covering different architectural topics. Additionally, I was assigned a project to design a house using SketchUp (a design software used in many architectural and interior design firms). I learned a lot about the software (and the limitations of that software) I was using and a lot about the techniques to design a house. I am hoping as I pursue my degree, I will be able to complete my in-progress house design project. During my time at the firm I learned everything from wall thickness to how big each room should comfortably be, to even a little bit of the structural design required for stairs, second floors, and roofs.

Charles set up visits with interior designers at firms and businesses such as LDD Blueline, Dovetail Cabinetry, and more where I was able to ask designers questions about their careers, as well as talk to them about what they wish they would have known before college and how they got to where they are today.

I want to take a little bit of time to talk about an interview we were assigned as mentorship students. We were asked to interview our mentor and ask specific questions, and I got the opportunity to talk to the interior designer at The Gaines Group, Jarod. His knowledge of design and his love for his job inspired me in great ways. He graduated from the same college I am going to, Liberty University, with the same degree I am going to pursue, and his insight on that program as well as interior design will help shape me into the designer I want to be. This assignment was by far my favorite.

With all the stress of college that my senior year brought, I am so beyond thankful that I was placed at a firm that solidified both my college decision and my career interest. 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; he has shown me ways that I can begin to make a name for myself now by setting up my own personal website and blog. His encouragement and confidence in me have boosted my confidence in achieving my dreams. I am beyond thankful for the opportunities that mentorship presented me, and I can’t wait to see how my future unfolds because of it!

We strongly believe that mentorship is a key part of being a Citizen Architect. Giving back to future generations through On the Road Collaborative or Massanutten Technical Center Summer Academy are keys to this. We also love when we are able to host a student in our office just for a few hours or an entire semester, so please reach out if you know a student who might be interested.

Blogs from previous Job Shadowing Students:

Job shadowing virtually from the university of miami

Job shadowing with gaines group

Learn how job shadowing informs career path

High school students should job shadow

A story of job shadowing during a pandemic

Why you should job shadow while still in high school #futurearchitect

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Exploring a career in architecture: a students perspective

A story of career development by a blue ridge community college student

A story of mentoring in architecture

The Importance of Mentorship

The Importance of Mentorship

by | Oct 27, 2023 | Leadership, Local Leaders

On today, National Mentoring Day, Aliyah shares about the importance of mentorship and her experience.

 

When I was in high school, my mom convinced me to join a dual-enrollment vocational program that would allow me to spend half of the school day learning drafting skills. I spent my junior year in engineering design as a prerequisite for the architectural design class I took in my senior year. Both classes were taught by a Black architect. It was the first and last time I had a Black teacher in my architectural education. At the time I did not take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the road ahead of me, and though I am not one for regrets, I do wish that I had.

I did not make meaningful connections with Black mentors or professors until my final year of undergrad at UVA.  I ran into some difficulty with my undergraduate design thesis, which aimed to design a Black student center for the school. I was in desperate need of extra opinions on my work from people who understood where I came from.  Fortunately, there were three Black faculty members at the time that I could talk to outside of class.

I am not the best when it comes to networking. However, this is not because I am not good at talking to and connecting with people. It’s because I generally prefer to be on my own, so my people skills often only come out when they must. Learning to depend on others has been an important part of my journey and takes work every day. The time I spent talking to those people in school affirmed my experiences and encouraged me to continue doing my best despite the obstacles I was facing. They helped equip me with tools to defend myself and the conditions I set for my project.

When I finally had the opportunity to talk with Black advisors, I realized how much easier my time in undergrad could have been. It changed my outlook on my future as a designer and storyteller for the better. Finding people who have gained wisdom from being in the positions that you want to be in is invaluable. They can point you in the right direction for ideas, inspiration, and solutions. Mentorship is a major key to success and using the knowledge of those who came before you can prevent a lot of heartache and headaches.

Aliyah with her teacher in highschool. She holds a poster while winning third in a high school design competition.

Pictured, Aliyah with her high school teacher after she placed 3rd in a regional design competition during her senior year.

2023 Rotary Golf Tournament

2023 Rotary Golf Tournament

by | Sep 29, 2023 | Charles Hendricks, citizen architect, community, Empathy, Leadership, Local Leaders, Office Culture, Rotary, team

‘Tis the season of golf tournaments! On Saturday, Paul participated in the 2023 Rotary Golf Tournament at Heritage Oaks Golf Course to benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Charlottesville. It was a beautiful day to compete together and support an amazing organization.

For those that are unfamiliar with the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville, their “primary mission… is to provide lodging for the families of pediatric patients while the children are receiving medical treatment at the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. The House offers an affordable, calm, comfortable haven – a home away from home – for its guests. For exhausted parents, who are already stressed by the illness of their child, it is a place where families can relax, eat together, and find support from other parents who are in similar situations.” We thank them for everything that they do.

 

Pictured below from left to right: Mike Wolfe of Simpson Strong-Tie, Paul (Principal of our Charlottesville location), Blake Gordon of Titan America Roanoke Cement Company, Eli Strauss of Strauss Construction.

For more information on the Ronald McDonald House Charlottesville and for ways that you can get involved, check out their website here.

Black Women in Architecture

Black Women in Architecture

by | Sep 15, 2023 | architecture, Leadership

By Aliyah D. White.

 

According to The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), just under .5% of licensed architects working in the U.S. in 2022 were Black women. This means that out of the 121,603 licensed architects working in the U.S., 2,492 were Black, and 566 were Black women. Becoming an architect is by no means an easy path – even without considering factors that disproportionately affect people of color. It can cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in degrees and exams. Additionally, it takes an average of 13 years to become a licensed architect according to NCARB. The high cost and required level of dedication are factors that keep many people from pursuing architecture, but the added lack of representation can make it especially difficult for Black women to chase after the profession.

I have been drawn to architecture ever since my 7th grade science teacher pointed out how much I enjoyed doodling houses on my schoolwork. However, that enjoyment has not stayed with me through the years like it may have for many others. It has been a ten-year battle of deciding every day that my chosen path is worth it. For me, architectural design provides a way to find and express stories through space. As an architectural designer, who also writes avidly about the Black experience, this means that I feel a responsibility to uncover the ways Black people have been forced to move through space in history, how we have struggled and flourished through that movement, and how we can find better rhythm while moving through present-day constructed spaces.

Though I have dealt with these issues my entire life, they are only recently coming to the forefront of many peoples’ minds due to a heightened awareness of racial disparities in the country and abroad. In large part, this is due to a lack of representation – and consequently a lack of understanding the adversities people of color face as they move through the constructed environment. When Black women do not get to enter the room, we lose the opportunity to influence decisions and solve issues regarding the ways people move through space. Moreover, the people who are gaining entry are missing out on the unique perspectives and understanding we bring to the table. To be a good architect is to be a good listener while in the service of others. To be a great architect is to be a great empathizer while in the service of others.
In the Community: Kids Choir with Mariya

In the Community: Kids Choir with Mariya

by | Mar 7, 2023 | community, Leadership

We’re so proud to have such involved people at Gaines Group Architects who are committed to giving their time to the community. This week we highlight Mariya Chesnov. Mariya is a designer on our team that previously attended Massanutten Technical Center (MTC). You can learn more about MTC here.

 

Outside of her designer role, Mariya helps to lead the kids choir program at First Russian Baptist Church in weekly practices and services on special holidays and celebrations, like Christmas and Easter. Below, Mariya answers a few questions about her involvement with kids choir.

Kids stand in a line in the front of church and one holds a mic to sing. Other kids sit in pews behind.
Kids sing at First Russian Baptist Church

 

How did you first start helping with kids choir?

I started doing kids choir back in 2021 after I got baptized. I’ve always loved serving so I wanted to have a new way to serve the Lord. I love kids and singing so that was one of my top options.

What do you do specifically?

Specifically, I do the poems and verses for the choir. When we participate in church I basically give each child a small poem to learn to say in church.

Can you tell me a little bit more about what it’s like to work with the kids?

It can be stressful and challenging with 50 kids at times but I am so happy I joined because I get to serve the Lord with some of my closest friends with a passion that we have in common. There are many other ways to serve but to me children are so pure and wholesome. It is a beautiful reminder to me that the Lord wants us to be like them, trusting, humble, and forgiving.

 

Thank you Mariya for your time, energy, and gifts that you share with the kids in our community.

A rising tide raises all ships

A rising tide raises all ships

by | Feb 22, 2023 | citizen architect, Leadership

A rising tide raises all ships is an interesting concept, but what does it have to do with our local economy? Look to Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP).

The economic health of a community is a complicated thing to fully understand. There are many moving parts to a local economy and it is constantly changing. Do you have a thriving business community? Is it growing or shrinking? Are there available workers with the right skills? Are there potential sites for future expansion or relocations? Are the local businesses supported in a way to allow them to thrive? Is there training available to ramp up the workers skills as needed? There are so many variables that impact our local economy and this doesn’t even start to consider government regulations, taxes, land cost, construction cost, cost of living.

With so many things that could impact viability for a new business to locate here or for an existing business to expand across multiple jurisdictions – who’s there to help? That’s the role of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership (SVP).

As an organization, SVP has been working across the valley to provide the forum for cooperation and collaboration that encourages businesses to establish operations in the Shenandoah Valley. They do this through capital investment and job creation, serving as an advocate for existing business expansion, and assisting with regional workforce development efforts.

As the current Vice-Chair of the Shenandoah Valley Partnership and a long-time board member, Charles has invested his time and energy in supporting these efforts for the last 7 years. He is now also serving on the Forward 2028 campaign to support the SVP 5 year capital campaign. SVP is focused on three key areas to support local economic vibrancy: talent attraction & retention, business retention expansion & attraction, and sites & infrastructure. If you are invested in seeing a vibrant local economy, please reach out to learn more about how you can invest in the Shenandoah Valley Partnership and support the idea that a rising tide raises all ships.