High School Technical Education is Critical For Our Community

High School Technical Education is Critical For Our Community

by | Oct 14, 2026 | architecture, citizen architect, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Mentorship, Office Culture

A core part of our business strategy is to use our time, skills, and abilities to make our community a better place for all. One of the best returns on investment we can make in this effort is helping the next generation. Charles serves on the MTC foundation and teaches, occasionally, in their summer program. He also helped with the MTC Foundation fundraiser this year running social media and volunteering at the event. Rock the Ridge is the annual fundraiser for the foundation. The foundation uses 100% of the money raised at this event to support Massanutten Technical Center through purchase of equipment and by providing scholarships. This important work supplements the schools budget and gives more opportunities to students in the technical education program.

Rock the Ridge
Rock the Ridge
MTC bistro/kitchen and culinary classroom

High School technical education serves as a primary economic engine for the Shenandoah Valley. Through training in equipment repair, carpentry, HVAC, electricity, and public safety these students will emerge from high school and serve our community. The skills they are learning are hands-on and extremely valuable. An education delivered at MTC gives students specialized skills that will carry them forward in life. Even a carpentry student doesn’t become a framer on a construction crew, the skills learned benefits them in a multitude of ways in the future. We have a particular fondness for the culinary arts program and of course the architecture program. We know that being able to cook amazing food is critical to our happiness. Of course, our bias is that everyone should have exposure to architectural training to allow them to solve complex problems and see the world in a new and vibrant way.

I want to personally thank the entire MTC Foundation committee for their time and energy investment into the students at MTC. This year’s Rock the Ridge featuring Thieves of Burden, Big City Band, and Jack and Davis Reid was amazing.

Support MTC!

If you want to support the MTC foundation and the work being done at the high school level you can make a donation – just send a check to MTC Foundation, 325 Pleasant Valley Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Stay tuned to MTC Foundation facebook page and Instagram for announcements about Rock the Ridge 2027!

MTC Architecture
Building a stronger community in Roanoke

Building a stronger community in Roanoke

by | Sep 21, 2026 | architecture, community, Local Leaders, Office Culture, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect

Our growth in the Roanoke community is an exciting opportunity not just to do work for our clients, but to invest in our community. Charles and Helen both grew up in Roanoke and have deep ties to the area and we all want to use our skills to make it an even better place to live work and play. Our firm philosophy is to use our design skills to build a stronger and more vibrant community with every project. We also love to give our time to organizations that share in this desire to do the work.

Roanoke architect
Roanoke architect

We continue to meet friends and allies in the community, and we are attending a lot of events to connect. Recently Claude and Helen attended the ribbon cutting of the Promissory Hotel and Exchange in Roanoke. The 1912 Beaux-Arts First National Exchange Bank building has been converted into a vibrant cultural destination. Architectural firm Glave & Holmes Architecture collaborated with Balzer and Associates to bring this building back to life. The hotel accommodates 27 unique boutique luxury rooms. The original bank lobby is now a 1,200 person capacity live music hall and event space curated by Across-the-way productions. The Spanish inspired restaurant and wine bar on the first floor, Suerte, offers tapas menu options. This is a perfect example of how design can celebrate the past while building a vibrant future.

Roanoke architect

Both success stories reinforce the importance of building collaborative relationships between builders, developers and planners to deliver a profitable, economical and desirable outcome.  We love to see others doing good work to build a stronger and more resilient community.

Roanoke architect
Industrial Architecture Requires An Integrated Team

Industrial Architecture Requires An Integrated Team

by | Sep 17, 2026 | architecture, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg Architect, industrial architecture, Interior Design, Office Culture, Roanoke Architect

In the industrial and manufacturing industry downtime is the ultimate enemy. Efficiency and productivity are key elements to success. When an industrial facility needs renovation, expansion, or completely new space the plant manager’s concern is downtime, disruption, and safety risks that all impact productivity, wellness or employees, and the bottom line. In this type of work downtime is not a luxury that can happen and a slow disjointed design process will not work.

Logistics Warehouse

We approach industrial design like our other projects, without ego, listening for challenges and opportunities, and thinking about which partners will deliver the best success for our clients. We want to approach every project as an integrated team: owner, architect, contractor, engineer, and other stakeholders depending on the need. We don’t work in a silo that will slow the project. We know that minimal disruption ensures the best outcome.

Our designs all start by sketching out the idea after listening to our clients’ goals and analyzing the opportunities. We learn how products flow through a space, where potential bottle necks occur, and how departments communicate. Working with our client we hear from leadership, managers, operators, and their clients when needed to understand fully how their business moves. The granular questions are often the most telling: Where are the existing safety pitfalls? Does product bottleneck now? How does the assembly line sequence work and could it be better?

Logistics warehouse
industrial renovation

Learning how the facility operates helps us provide guidance on the changes needed. Even in new construction, we need to understand the flow of materials and people. The site access, circulation both interior and exterior, and vertical and horizontal shifts all feed the best solutions. We are not just designing a shell; we want to provide design for highly functional machines that complement the optimized workflow.

Our designs also ask the question, how will the team using the space feel about the space. Is it safe? Comfortable? Even Fun? Providing a space with healthy indoor environmental quality promotes employee retention and productivity. Bringing in daylight strategies where possible along with proper ventilation and zoning can help employee morale. This can also reduce fatigue and potential for safety challenges.

loading dock
milking facility

When time is the critical element which it is in most of our industrial projects, using an integrated approach to design saves time, money, and smooths out the unknown. It allows our design team to work hand in hand with the contractor, engineers, and clients to deliver the highest and best solution.

September First Friday at The Depot-Featuring Our Very Own Aimee Lawson!

September First Friday at The Depot-Featuring Our Very Own Aimee Lawson!

by | Aug 19, 2026 | community, First Friday, Harrisonburg, Office Culture

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

September 4th from 5:00-7:00 PM

Series Name: BFE: Best Friend Energy – Featuring Your Local Paws

Medium: Linocut Block Prints

Artist Statement: “This collection, titled “BFE: Best Friend Energy” features block prints of local adoptable pets. These future “best friends” are currently at Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA awaiting adoption. Each print originates from carefully carved linoleum blocks. The intention in each carving matches my intention in helping them find their new best friend. I chose each subject carefully, choosing those with a little more difficulty in getting adopted such as those with longer stays, elderly pets, and pets with disabilities, in hopes of increasing their chances to get adopted. I focused on capturing the character of each of them through their spirited poses and facial expressions. I believe that no matter what, they are each deserving of a loving home and a new best friend.” 

Artist Bio: Throughout my life I’ve always had a strong bond with animals and my family had household pets my entire childhood. I loved having so many pets growing up and it would feel like something was missing if I visited friends and family that did not have pets. My significant other and I have two cats, and a dog, two of which are from the RHSPCA, and I can’t imagine our world without them. They bring so much joy and happiness to our home.

In addition to my love of animals, I grew up with a love for art. I attended many art camps as a child and took many art classes. My specialty has been in 3D art, specifically pottery. The ability to sculpt and shape a material into something entirely different has always fascinated me. I found pottery to be the most instinctive form of art for me to express my creations until recently. When I was in high school, I took a 2D art class where I first learned how to carve lino prints. I added that skill to my repertoire and only decided to delve deeper within the last year. This past year I began feeling encumbered by pottery and started looking for other forms of art to express myself. That’s when I rediscovered linocuts. I saw it as the perfect combination of 3D and 2D art. You take a 3D linoleum block and carve away at it to reveal something new. The result is this deep, gestural form in a block. This block then gets printed and translated into 2D. Seeing the final block print reveal its 2D form is such a magical feeling.

When it was time to choose my art show theme, it was clear to me that the only thing that could make that 2D reveal even more magical was to put it toward a good cause. That’s where my love for animals and art came together to make this show. All proceeds from this art show will go to the RHSPCA. So please come show your support and feel the Best Friend Energy!

 

*Special Note: Staff from RHSPCA will be present here at the Depot for our First Friday opening to answer any questions and provide more information about their services and any future “best friends!” 

 

*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!

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.

August First Friday at the Depot featuring Derrick Chirinos!!

August First Friday at the Depot featuring Derrick Chirinos!!

by | Jul 17, 2025 | artwork, citizen architect, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Office Culture

Join us for First Friday Harrisonburg in August at the Depot on Friday, August 1st from 5pm – 7pm for the Exhibition “ICONS” by artist Derrick Chirinos!!

Derrick Chirino

As always, this event is free and open to everyone, and refreshments will be provided by Gaines Group Architects.
Series Name: Icons
Medium: Photography, Digital and Film
Artist Statement: In Icons, Derrick Chirinos swaps out live subjects for mannequin heads to capture the small, everyday moments we often take for granted. These silent figures live out ordinary routines: sipping coffee, taking a stroll, laughing with friends. Each scene becomes a time capsule, a reminder that our time on Earth is brief. As our planet’s protections waver and tomorrow feels more uncertain, these photographs stand as proof that at one point: we moved, laughed, and lived freely.

Artist Bio: Derrick Chirinos (He/Him), is a photographer and filmmaker local to the Harrisonburg area who sometimes attempts to control the chaos in his process and other times lets the art come to life on its own terms. Since expanding his skillset to processing and physically altering film to convey a moment in time, Derrick not only unlocked what he thought was possible in art but hopes to inspire others to think outside the image as well. Since 2019, he has exhibited in Brooklyn, NY, JMU, and at his alma mater Eastern Mennonite University.
*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!