Mentorship requires opening up your daily life to eager, curious minds. Firm members at The Gaines Group consistently adapt their job shadow programs to fit the specific goals of each student—whether that student wants to verify their passion for architecture or simply figure out if the career is wrong for them before they pay for college tuition.
Charles Hendricks frequently challenges his mentees to design a custom home using SketchUp. However, the goal is never just to create a rendering. The exercise forces students to learn the realities of the industry: wall thicknesses, manufacturing specifications, building codes, all while keeping a design cost-effective.
When a high school senior named Chloe joined the firm for a semester, she already knew she had a passion for interior design. To tailor her experience, she was paired with Jarod, the firm’s interior designer. Jarod shared his daily routine, answered specific industry questions, and discussed his own educational background.
