In Their Own Words: The Impact of Job Shadowing

In Their Own Words: The Impact of Job Shadowing

by | Apr 12, 2026 | Charles Hendricks, community, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Intern, Mentorship, team

You don’t have to guess whether taking the time to mentor makes a difference. The students who have walked through the doors of The Gaines Group speak volumes about the impact of these experiences:

David Martin, a Virginia Tech architecture student, spent a summer learning the granular details of the profession.

“With only two years of architecture school under my belt, I started this summer off knowing I had a lot to learn… I found myself having to learn the details of building sections, roof plans, wall thicknesses, construction methods… Throughout the process, Charles showed me patience and was always willing to answer any questions I had… In one of Charles’ recent blogs, he talks about being the person you needed when you were younger. From my experience, I would say that he’s putting that into practice, since the help and instruction he provided me that summer has given me valuable insight into the world of architecture.”

Ryan, a high school student from Eastern Mennonite High School, discovered that the day-to-day life of an architect isn’t just about unconstrained sketching.

“I realized that architecture, most of the time, is not designing grandiose creations from your head, but is more of a tailored approach to realize clients’ wishes… I am very grateful to the Gaines Group Architects for taking time out of his immensely busy schedule to mentor me… My perception of architecture has definitely changed and while I am still considering this as a possible career option, I feel as though my eyes have been opened to some of the non-ideal aspects of architecture.”

Chloe, the aspiring interior designer, found that her time with Charles and Jarod provided the exact clarity she needed for her future. 

“His knowledge of design and his love for his job inspired me in great ways… 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… His encouragement and confidence in me have boosted my confidence in achieving my dreams.”

Welcome to the Team, Rachel Bernstein!

Welcome to the Team, Rachel Bernstein!

by | Apr 1, 2026 | Harrisonburg, Interior Design, Intern, team

Rachel Bernstein

We are excited to announce the latest addition to the Gaines Group Architects team! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new Interior Design Intern, Rachel Bernstein.

Rachel brings a unique, global perspective to our studio. A 2020 graduate of James Madison University, she holds a B.A. in International Relations with a concentration in Asian Studies and a minor in Chinese. Her journey has now led her back to the world of design, where she is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Interior Architecture and Design at the Academy of Art University (Class of 2028).

As an Interior Design Intern, Rachel will be working closely with our designer, Jarod, assisting across all phases of the design process. While she navigates her Master’s program, she will be immersed in our office workflow, learning firsthand how a project evolves from an initial concept to a completed space. “This opportunity is so exciting,” Rachel says. “From applying what I have learned in school to gaining new, applicable knowledge from the Gaines Group team, I know I am going to learn so much and begin to feel like a confident and knowledgeable designer!”

To get to know Rachel a little better, we asked her a few questions:

Where do you call home?

Harrisonburg is my home now—I have lived here almost 10 years! I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and I also lived in Beijing, China, for a couple of years. I have been so lucky to love every place I’ve lived, so it’s hard to pick a favorite! But making Harrisonburg home has been great. It is truly such an amazing place; I feel so lucky to have found this little town.

What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?

Most people would mention Breaking Bad when talking about Albuquerque. But I’m going to say that the mountains there are called the “Sandias” because sandia means watermelon in Spanish. At sunset, the mountains turn a beautiful watermelon color.

What do you like to do in your free time?

You can catch me reading on my couch or spending time outside in any way possible. I have picked up mountain biking, and now that the weather is getting warmer, if I am not doing homework, I will most likely be on my bike in the forest!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I have recorded a fake news segment with me as the anchor! I worked on a morning show in Washington, D.C., and on my last day, we did a mock recording where I shared stories I had written for the actual live news. It was really fun!

What’s your favorite TV show—the one you’re always watching on repeat?

Gilmore Girls. I am obsessed…

Rachel’s welcoming personality and diverse background make her a fantastic fit for our team culture. We are thrilled to have her on board as she grows her career in interior architecture. Next time you are in the office, be sure to say hello!

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025!

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2025!

by | Dec 31, 2025 | architecture, artwork, Blacksburg, Bryce Resort, Charles Hendricks, Charlottesville, citizen architect, Custom Home, First Friday, Harrisonburg, Harrisonburg Architect, Holiday, In Review, Interior Design, Massanutten Resort, project update, Roanoke, Roanoke Architect, team

Happy New Year! Before we jump into 2026, enjoy a quick recap of our top 10 blog posts of 2025!

1. Expanding Our Footprint

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the history of The Gaines Group Architects: the opening of our third office, establishing a dedicated home right in Roanoke, Virginia!
Read Post Here

2. Massanutten Resort Custom Home Almost Finished

This blog post shows off one of our projects from this year near Massanutten Resort! Take a look for some photos of this beautiful property and even some comparisons of our renderings vs. final product!
Read Post Here

3. Welcome to the Team!

We added a few new faces to the Gaines Group team in 2025! You can learn more about everyone here:

Lizzy
Nicole
Lindsey
Isabel
Claude

4. Dogwood Home Renovation Project Update

This blog post features a beautiful renovation project that made this home feel so warm and inviting!
Read Post Here

5. Citizen Architect Awards

In 2025 we were lucky enough to be recognized with a few awards:

-Best Architectural Firm in the Shenandoah Valley Region by Virginia Living Magazine
-#1 Rated Architectural Firm in Virginia by Top Rated Local
-Top Employer for Interns in 2025 by VTOP
-Charles was named one of the Top 100 Architects in the US by Fixr.com

We couldn’t do it without the support of our clients and community!

Blog Post Here

6. Eastern Mennonite Elementary School Project Update

In this post we see an update to the Eastern Mennonite Elementary School’s gathering space!
Read Post Here

7. A Harrisonburg Architect's Christmas Wish List

Shopping for a late Christmas gift for your favorite Harrisonburg architect? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Read Post Here

8. First Fridays: A Recap!

We love participating in First Fridays in the Valley here in Harrisonburg! This post goes back over our wonderful artists from 2025!
Read Post Here

9. Spanish Lab and Learning Center

We were so excited to partner with Shenandoah Valley SBDC on this project. See photos of this awesome space here!
Read Post Here

10. Bryce Resort Renovation-Project Update

In this post we share a project update where a vacation getaway is turned into a forever home! Click below to see photos and before and afters!
Read Post Here
Thank you for a wonderful 2025, we will see you in 2026!
Designing for the NRV: Unveiling Airport Acres with Habitat for Humanity

Designing for the NRV: Unveiling Airport Acres with Habitat for Humanity

by | Dec 22, 2025 | Blacksburg, community, team

We are thrilled to unveil our latest collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley: the Airport Acres Townhomes, a vital new project for affordable housing in Blacksburg.

As our firm expands with our new office in Roanoke, VA, we are more committed than ever to serving the entire region, specifically the New River Valley. We believe architecture is about more than just buildings; it is about creating homes and strengthening communities across Southwest Virginia.

A Historic Location in Blacksburg: Located in the historic heart of Blacksburg, this new project will create 11 new townhomes for deserving families.

The location is significant. It is situated in a neighborhood originally built during World War II for working families and returning veterans. We are honored to continue that legacy by bringing affordable homeownership opportunities back to an area that desperately needs them.

Why Affordable Housing Matters in the NRV: Finding affordable housing in the greater Blacksburg area is a well-known challenge, largely due to high demand from the student population.

For our lead architect on this project, Ray Gaines, this mission is personal. Having spent four years in Blacksburg as an architecture student, graduating from Virginia Tech in 1979, this project is a way to give back to the community that once hosted him. By partnering with the Town of Blacksburg—which generously provided a grant to help make this possible—our Roanoke-based team is helping families put down roots in the New River Valley.

Sustainable Design for Real Life: We aren’t just building houses; we are building forever homes. Here is what makes the design special:

  • Accessibility: We believe homes should be livable for everyone. Four of these new units will feature first-floor bedrooms and bathrooms designed to be accessible for those with mobility challenges. This brings our total to 10 fully accessible units across all our Habitat projects.
  • Net Zero Ready: We are aiming for “Net Zero Ready” certification. In plain English, these homes are designed to be ultra-energy efficient. They are built to keep utility bills incredibly low, making homeownership more affordable month after month.

A Strong Partnership in Southwest Virginia This is our fourth project with Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley. We have previously completed 16 units together, including the Church Street Townhomes and the Johnston Street Duplex.

A Legacy of Service: Our commitment to this region goes far beyond a single set of blueprints. Ray actively serves on the HFHNRV Building Committee, helping to guide the affiliate as they explore new construction opportunities in surrounding counties. For Ray, this involvement is the embodiment of the Virginia Tech motto, Ut Prosim (“That I may serve”). Whether serving as the Vice Chair of the College of Fellows of the Construction Specifications Institute or leading as Chair of Deacons at his church, Ray believes that architects have a responsibility to use their skills for the greater good. We encourage our peers in the design industry to join us in this mission—whether through Habitat for Humanity or the Building Goodness Foundation—and not hesitate to volunteer their time to build stronger communities.

Insights from ArchEx East: Resilience, AI, and the Power of Connection

Insights from ArchEx East: Resilience, AI, and the Power of Connection

by | Dec 17, 2025 | team

Earlier in November, team members from Gaines Group Architects traveled to Richmond for the 38th Architecture Exchange East (ArchEx). Hosted by AIA Virginia (The American Institute of Architects), this annual event brings designers from across the Commonwealth together to network, explore new products, and dive deep into the latest developments in design and construction.

For a designer, ArchEx is more than just a conference; it is an opportunity to realign with the goals of our profession. Here is a look at one of our designers, Aimee’s, experience as a first-time attendee and the key takeaways from this year’s event.

A Warm Welcome to Richmond

Stepping into such a large event can be daunting, but the “First-Timer’s Breakfast” set a positive tone for the day. My coworkers and I had the chance to mingle with other newcomers and members of the AIA Virginia Board of Directors.

The environment was incredibly welcoming, helping to break the ice and prepare us for the day’s logistics. It was a great reminder that while architecture is about buildings, the industry is built on people.

The Keynote: Designing Resilience

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the keynote panel: “Designing Resilience in a Changing World.”

Hosted by a moderator with riveting questions, the panel featured three speakers from diverse backgrounds discussing how we approach resilience. In an era rapidly shifting toward computer generation and digital interfaces, the consensus was clear: Connection is key.

The speakers emphasized that true resilience in a fast-paced, technological environment comes from valuing those around us and focusing on what is “real.” Genuine interactions and attention to small details are what ultimately make a world of difference in the built environment.

AI and the Future of Practice

Following the keynote, I attended a lecture titled “AI + The Future of Practice.” Interestingly, the themes here overlapped significantly with the morning’s discussion on resilience.

We explored how Artificial Intelligence can improve efficiency, but the speaker offered a profound perspective:

“Architecture is the AI antidote… if we train the model to be noble.”

This concept—that we must keep AI grounded through communal, engaging spaces—was inspiring. If we stay rooted in the reality around us, AI can be a powerful tool for efficiency, provided it is handled with caution and care.

Deep Dive: Building Science & CMU

On the technical side, I attended “Architect’s Guide to Design Innovation, Safety, Performance, Sustainability & Resilience with CMU.” This session was an incredible wealth of knowledge regarding Concrete Masonry Units (CMU).

Beyond the basics, we dove into the building science that ensures safety and longevity:

  • Disaster Resistance: The ability of CMU to withstand natural disasters and serve as fire barriers.

  • Moisture Management: The critical air gaps required for walls to thoroughly dry.

  • Material Science: How concrete mixes involving lime can possess self-healing elements.

  • Structural Integrity: The specific placement of control joints—specifically how brick and CMU joints should be offset to maximize wall strength.

Innovation in the Exhibit Hall

Between lectures, we explored the exhibit showroom to see the latest products hitting the market. One standout was a company called Decorative Films.

They showcased films that can filter glass to provide privacy or add unique textures. I was particularly impressed by a film that emulates vertical fluted glass and another designed as a privacy screen for glass-walled offices. The applications are versatile enough that I’m even tempted to implement them in my own home—perfect for bathrooms that need both natural light and privacy.

Overall, ArchEx East was a “must-attend” event for any designer in Virginia. From connecting with colleagues to seeing a plethora of new materials and innovations, the experience was invaluable.

I left Richmond feeling inspired by the balance of human connection and technical precision that defines our work. I am already looking forward to attending next year!

Intern Spotlight: Nicole’s Final Review at James Madison University

Intern Spotlight: Nicole’s Final Review at James Madison University

by | Dec 15, 2025 | Intern, team

Last week, our intern Nicole completed her final pin-up at James Madison University. Nicole is a senior this year, studying Architectural Design. This critique was even more exciting as our CEO, Charles Hendricks, had the opportunity to serve as one of the critics for her review.

Her project focused on a three-generational home designed to support grandparents, parents, a young child and their dog, within a shared framework that balances togetherness and personal retreat. At the center of her design are flexible gathering spaces that use large pivoting doors to open for family interaction or close to create moments of privacy.

Another meaningful aspect of the project is the inclusion of spaces for prayer, both collective and individual. These areas are thoughtfully integrated into the circulation of the home, creating intentional pauses throughout daily life.

The home is constructed from locally sourced interior rammed earth, grounding it in its Moroccan context while taking advantage of the material’s thermal mass to moderate the region’s hot, arid climate. Wooden accents and a woven screen façade add texture, shading, and filtered light as they wrap the exterior.

Throughout the project, subtle “light moments” appear through carefully placed openings that capture sunlight at specific times of day. Cross-ventilation, shaded thresholds, and breathable façade elements also support natural cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.

Nicole’s design results in a responsive, climate-attuned home that supports the layered needs of a multigenerational family, an impressive culmination of her work this semester.

We are so proud of Nicole’s accomplishments this semester and can’t wait to see what she does with her final semester in the Spring!