It’s a new year and the Gaines Group is welcoming a new face to the team. Annie Frazier is the most recent addition to the Harrisonburg team and she is eager to begin her journey. Although she doesn’t have design-related credential initials behind her name (yet), she is approaching her role at Gaines Group with enthusiasm and a readiness to serve.
Annie joined the Gaines Group PLC at the beginning of 2022 and started a new chapter in her career path. She is a native of Richmond, Virginia but has considered Harrisonburg to be her home since she graduated from JMU in 2012. She currently resides in the “friendly city” with her husband and two young daughters.
Annie’s decision to pursue a career in architectural design stems from her deep appreciation and recognition of the impact intentional design has on those who inhabit a space. Prior to working at the Gaines Group, she held multiple leadership positions in a residential long-term care community. It was during this time she played a pivotal role in transitioning the community from an institutional environment into newly designed, home-like “households”. Through thoughtful design and a shift in culture, these environments fostered independence, a stronger sense of identity, and engaging community life. This experience greatly impacted Annie and served as a catalyst for her to follow a career path in the design industry.
When searching for opportunities in the field, Annie instantly connected with the Gaines Group’s mission to make a difference in the community through design. She is eager to work alongside the team and learn all aspects of the construction and design industry. She will be supporting the Harrisonburg team with operations in the office and aspires to contribute to future designs as she grows her skillset and completes design-related coursework.
Outside of work, Annie enjoys living an active lifestyle and is often playing in the mountains either on her skis, trail running, or toting one of her daughters in a hiking backpack.
#libraryshelfieday happens on the fourth Wednesday in January and offers a unique opportunity for book lovers to show off their collections. Our bookshelves are a reflection of who we are as designers and our personalities. Our bookshelves change over time as our season in life changes and we find new interests. Whether the books are organized by author, color, size, or topic, each bookshelf featured below will give you some insight into the person that put it together. Which is your favorite #libraryshelfieday photo? Post a photo of your #libraryshelfieday in the comments!
#worldtelevisionday exists to bring awareness and acknowledge the power television has, in 1996 when this holiday was first created it was to bring attention to the effect television had on decision-making by spreading information. While television is important to understand what is happening in society, we decided to look at the fun side of television.
In honor of #worldtelevisionday our team is sharing their most binge-worthy shows to get you through the weekend! Through the pandemic, television has become a more crucial part of our lives, no one can say they haven’t spent an entire night binging their new favorite show. The pandemic highlighted just how important media is to people, and how it can actually work to keep us sane through hard times. While we are all one cohesive team we have very different tastes in what television shows we watch in our free time. Deborah love spooky mysteries, and of course, Charles is all about the classics.
From spooky murder mysteries to sweet baking shows we all define binge-worthy in our own way. Maybe our favorite shows will be your next weekend obsession?
Our team values education and we work hard to stay on top of the latest developments in the construction industry. We also work hard to make sure we have the basics covered. That is where the Construction Document Technology certification comes in.
We found out today that Deborah Smith, AIA, CSI, CDT has passed the CDT! This is one tough exam and the knowledge gained through the study sessions preparing for it will impact her ability to deliver the best service to our clients. Congratulations to Deborah!
https://youtu.be/kzRXTAg_akw
The CSI Construction Documents Technology certification provides a comprehensive program of study for anyone seeking to enhance and demonstrate knowledge of writing, interpreting, enforcing, and managing construction documents. Passing the CDT means you join an elite group of professionals in the industry known for their comprehensive knowledge of the writing and management of construction documents.
I can tell you from my experience in the past from passing the exam then moving on to teach a class for the exam – this exam is difficult. There is a ton of information and it is information that everyone in the construction industry should have. The CDT teaches you how the process should go if everything goes perfect. This certification has tremendous value and I believe should be a requirement for everyone working in the industry. I am thrilled that we now have 60% of our staff holding a CDT or higher certification.
Take the Construction Documents Technology (CDT) exam to better serve your clients.
I have written about the importance of the Construction Documents Technology exam many times in the past. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing how a project should happen if the project goes perfect. I say this because I have never had a perfect project, something always happens, but knowing how to get it back to where it should be is critical for success (happy clients). The Construction Documents Technology (CDT) exam study process teaches you how the construction process should happen and helps you avoid problems.
When asked why she wanted to sit for the Construction Documents Technology (CDT) exam, Meg Carpenter in our Charlottesville office said “I want to become a Construction Document Technologist (CDT) because it will not only strengthen my knowledge and abilities as a career professional in my own field, but it will also help strengthen my relationship amongst all other parties involved in the project delivery process. I will be a more efficient architect for my clients and a clearer communicative partner for contractors and engineers, which will result in smoother project delivery and better professional relationships. I believe that becoming a CDT certificate holder will not only benefit me personally, but positively impact my field, related parties and all future facilities. “
In the construction industry it is easy to put your head down and try to avoid problems by showing up on time, doing what is expected, and performing to the best of your ability. The problem is, as I have heard it so many times – “CONSTRUCTION HAPPENS!” What do you do when just doing what you ‘thought’ was expected is not what was actually expected? What do you do when your interpretation of the documents is not the owner’s interpretation? How do you show potential clients that you understand how the process works and that you are a leader in the industry that deserves the opportunity? One good way is earning a CDT Certificate through the Construction Specifications Institute.
I am a “Construction Document Technologist.” This is the first step in the CSI certification ladder. In the competitive economy that we face, I find that you have to prove yourself time and again that you understand the construction process. CSI’s professional qualifications do just that for you. CDT is the “foundation you need to gain the competitive advantage” you need in today’s economy.
I encourage you to take the step and register for the CDT exam today. I can tell you it has benefited my career growth, allowed me to solve problems before they became big problems, and has saved my clients money repeatedly.
