Top 15 Blog Posts of 2023

Top 15 Blog Posts of 2023

by | Jan 2, 2024 | architecture, Office Culture

2023 has been full of community events, new and on-going projects, service opportunities, first Friday art openings, learning, meeting new people, and general office fun. Needless to say, there was plenty to blog about.

Below we’ve compiled our top 15 blog posts of 2023. Click on each link or picture to check them out!

#1 Gaines Group Architects Elevates New Partners

We rang in the 2023 New Year with the exciting news that many of our team members became partners. It’s no surprise that Gaines Group Architects Elevates New Partners has topped our blog charts of 2023.

 

#2 Casa Cielo: Blending the in-between spaces

This contemporary glass house is not only aesthetically beautiful but the story behind the design is meaningful too. Visit Casa Cielo: Blending the in-between spaces to view the rich colors and read the inspiration behind this custom home.

 

#3 Harrisonburg Headquarters

With the addition of new partners came the official naming of the Harrisonburg office location as the Gaines Group Architects headquarters. The Harrisonburg Headquarters ribbon cutting and celebration was filled with community, food, drinks, and artists galore.

 

#4 Should you install Solar PV on your Roof? Part 1

After seeing a flood of questions on social media about Solar PV (Photovoltaic), we asked one of our Architects, Charles Hendricks, and Eric Beck, owner Green Hill Solar, a Solar PV company, to answer a few of them. Should you install Solar PV on your Roof? Part 1 has a wealth of information on Solar Pv for your home and is the first of a two part blog series.

 

#5 #Hilltop House is in the final days of construction

This beautiful custom home garnered a following as it developed. Even in the construction phase, the #Hilltop House is in the final days of construction blog post shows the artistry of the modern, industrial materials bringing a warm character to the home.

 

#6 Celebrate the women of Gaines Group Architects #InternationalWomensDay

On #InternationalWomensDay we Celebrated the Women of Gaines Group Architects: Adrienne, Deborah, Carla, Mariya, and Asha (team additions since are also Aliyah and Aimee)! We appreciate them every day, but especially on International Women’s Day we took the opportunity to celebrate them and all of the knowledge, diversity, and skills that they bring to Gaines Group Architects and the community.

 

#7 Black Women in Architecture

In Black Women in Architecture, team Designer Aliyah D. White shares her experience going into the architectural field, the struggles that women of color experience in the industry, and what women of color bring to the architectural table.

 

#8 Project Update: Meadow Branch Apartments Phase II

Meadow Branch is one of our latest multi-family projects, and it has some unique features, including a dog spa, permeable pavers, and the preservation of many on-site trees! To see some of the incredible drone pictures from KBS and to read more about the special features, visit Project Update: Meadow Branch Apartments Phase II.

 

#9 Aging In Place – Part 1: Where to begin?

Aging In Place Part 1: Where to begin? is the first of a two-part series. In this blog, Asha breaks down the basics with a summary of an Aging in Place interview episode of certified aging-in-place specialist, Charles, and Beth Bland of Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) on the WSVA Early Mornings podcast. This design is all about making a home adaptable as we all inevitably age and abilities change. No matter who you are, this is a must-read.

 

#10 Should you install Solar PV on your Roof? Part 2

Part 1 was so popular that we had to continue with Should you install Solar PV on your Roof? Part 2. This blog post expands on the first in the series to help give you the information you need to decide if installing solar is for you.

 

#11 Sometimes Being an Architect is a Roller Coaster

Charles gives his perspective on the challenging yet rewarding emotional nature of architecture in Sometimes Being an Architect is a Roller Coaster.

 

#12 #hilltophouse is complete

Click #hilltophouse is complete for pictures of the finished custom home, Hilltop House.

 

#13 Thinking of Building a Custom Home? Start Here First!

Thinking of Building a Custom Home? Start Here First! is a well visited blog, and it consistently makes it to our top lists each year. Although it’s not a blog post written in 2023, we include it because it’s your go-to resource guide for beginning your custom home.

 

#14 Time to Renovate Your Home? Here are some things to consider when doing a renovation and addition.

Another blog post that consistently ranks high on the “most-visited” scale each year is Time to Renovate Your Home? Here are some things to consider when doing a renovation and addition. This is your go-to resource guide for renovations and additions.

 

#15 How often in a day do you get to use your soul? How Sambo changed my life as an architect.

Finally, number 15 is: How often in a day do you get to use your soul? How Sambo changed my life as an architect. Charles writes about the impact of Sambo on his architectural career, realizing that he could marry his love of problem solving and design with his desire to serve others in my community

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

Red Wing Academy at First Friday

Red Wing Academy at First Friday

by | Nov 24, 2023 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture

Red Wing Academy is back this year to play music for our special Holiday and First Friday event on Friday, December 1st from 5:00 – 7:00pm. We absolutely love supporting and partnering with Red Wing Academy each year, and it is such a pleasure to get to host a small group of these talented students each year for our holiday celebrations.

Red Wing Academy is hosted by Eric Brubaker of The Steel Wheels as a four-day intensive camp, leading up to a performance on-stage with the band at Red Wing Roots Music Festival. It’s open to non-beginner violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar, mandolin and banjo students ages 5 – 19. Students receive individual and group instruction from highly trained music teachers and are coached by members of The Steel Wheels throughout the week. It’s an incredible opportunity to play with and learn from music experts.

 

 

Gaines Group Architects sponsors the camp each year as a way to support the next generation of musicians in our community. A focus on musical instruction not only teaches kids how to play, but studies have shown that it accelerates brain development in young children, particularly in the areas of the brain that are responsible for processing sound, language development, speech perception, and reading skills.

A special Thank You to Meg with Tiller Strings for making the partnership possible!

Red Wing Academy string players.

Below, read more about Red Wing Academy and see clips of their performances at EMU and on-stage at the Red Wing Roots Music Festival.

“We see the old lines between instruction and play dissolving, bringing the spirit of traditional American music into the classroom, and fusing the culture of festivals with expert training in string instruments and live performance.
 
Red Wing Academy’s mission is to nurture both the wings and the roots of the newest generation of old time musicians. We provide emerging, student musicians with the skills, talents, and community to go beyond classical training into the culture of improvisational performance and group play, the hallmark of a genre that has always celebrated spontaneity and place as part of its sound and tradition.”

 

This event is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served, there will be artists and craft vendors, and there will be opportunities to take photos with Santa himself! We look forward to seeing you there, and you can RSVP at our event page here.

First Friday Artist: Wood and Wool

First Friday Artist: Wood and Wool

by | Nov 23, 2023 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture

On Friday, December 1st from 5:00 – 7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a special Holiday Celebration/First Friday event at the Depot and host Lynn and Phil Adams of Wood and Wool. Lynn specializes in needle felting and Phil in wood turning. Their holiday-themed creations will be available for sale and make perfect holiday gifts!

Join us to welcome Wood and Wool, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the holidays with the community. Also don’t miss our other featured artists and vendors, Randy Harman, Russ Eanes, and David Sutton with music by Red Wing Academy. Check out work by Wood and Wool below and RSVP for the event here.

This event is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to take photos with Santa himself. We look forward to seeing you there, and you can RSVP at our event page here.

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). This month, artwork by our featured artist, Randy Harman, will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!

First Friday Artist: David Sutton

First Friday Artist: David Sutton

by | Nov 22, 2023 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture

Don’t worry if you’ve missed him at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market because we’re excited to announce another artist at our special Holiday Celebration/First Friday event, David Sutton! Join us on Friday, December 1st from 5:00 – 7:00pm to welcome David and view his beautiful hand-turned woodwork which will be for sale – perfect gifts for the Christmas holiday. Also, don’t miss our other featured artists and vendors, Randy Harman, Wood and Wool, and Russ Eanes with music by Red Wing Academy. Read more about David and “Port Farm Wood Turnings” below. RSVP for the event here.

Artist David Sutton

Bio:

I grew up in Penn Laird, VA and went to Montevideo High School and became interested in wood turning as a part of shop class. After college I had a career with the University of Florida with their aquatic plant program. After I retired to Port Republic, Virginia I pursued my interest in plants. I joined the Harrisonburg Farmers Market in 2007 to offer plants and produce. I remembered how much I enjoyed turning wood during shop class so I bought a lathe and began to make rolling pins and added them to my offerings at the Market. Many of the wood products I now offer come from suggestions of customers.

 

About Port Farm Wood Turnings:

Most wood is from local trees. I try to showcase the natural beauty and grain characteristic of the wood while trying to items items that have a functional use. All wood products are food safe and water resistant. 

This event is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to take photos with Santa himself. We look forward to seeing you there, and you can RSVP at our event page here.

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). This month, artwork by our featured artist, Randy Harman, will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!

First Friday Artist: Russ Eanes

First Friday Artist: Russ Eanes

by | Nov 21, 2023 | artwork, citizen architect, community, First Friday, Harrisonburg Architect, Local Leaders, Office Culture

On Friday, December 1st from 5:00 – 7:00pm, we are thrilled to host a special Holiday Celebration/First Friday event at the Depot and host author Russ Eanes. Russ will be signing and selling copies of his latest book, Pilgrim Paths to Assisi: 300 Miles on the Way of St. Francis. Join us to welcome him, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the holidays with the community. Also don’t miss our other featured artists and vendors, Randy Harman, Wood and Wool, and David Sutton with music by Red Wing Academy. Read more about Russ and his books below. RSVP for the event here.

Artist Russ Eanes

Bio:

Russ Eanes is a writer, walker, and cyclist from Harrisonburg. Formerly the Publisher and Executive Director for MennoMedia, he has written and published two books about his pilgrimage experiences in recent years.

His latest book, published this year, is Pilgrim Paths to Assisi: 300 Miles on the Way of St. Francis. He is also author of the bestselling The Walk of a Lifetime: 500 Miles on the Camino de Santiago. In addition to writing, he works as a publishing consultant and tour host and guide, specializing in active travel for older adults.

He and his wife Jane have six children and eight grandchildren.

This event is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served and there will be opportunities to take photos with Santa himself. We look forward to seeing you there, and you can RSVP at our event page here.

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). This month, artwork by our featured artist, Randy Harman, will remain on exhibit through the month. Come view the show anytime and get a tour the Depot! We will have food and drink available!