The Gaines Group, PLC Architecture and Interior Design is celebrating 25 years of success in creating an energy-efficient, durable, healthy, and well designed portfolio of projects. The firm which began in February 1987 when founding partner, Raymond E. Gaines, AIA, FCSI, CCS emerged from a now defunct design build firm as an expert in senior care facility design in Central Virginia. The firm quickly grew from their first design project, a horse barn, to add partner Roger Bryant, CSI in 1989 and began developing a long list of satisfied custom residential clients in some of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the area. The Gaines Group’s creativity, technical ability, exceptional service, and business focus have made it the go-to firm for Central Virginia’s developers and builders. “We are dedicated to making our community a better place, one project at a time” says Mr. Gaines, “We understand how to meet a client’s budget, aesthetic goals, and to be stewards of our resources along the way”. The firm’s multiple awards and recognitions demonstrate their importance to the Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley communities.
The Gaines Group, PLC is built on a family history. Mr. Gaines’ Grandfather, Elmer E. Burruss, was also a practicing architect in Virginia, although he was also an active developer, contractor, and building material supplier. His prominent non-residential projects include the Albemarle County Clerk’s office, Monticello Dairy, Hill & Wood Funeral Home, and the IX Complex. This heritage carries on with the firm culture with Ray’s sister in-law working as the administrative assistant in the office and Ray’s daughter Emily working summers as an intern interior designer. Ray does not stop the family definition at blood relatives as Roger has been with the firm for 23 years, Charles for 12, Carla for 12, Paul for 10, Adrienne for 6, and the newest addition, Amy has been with us for 1 year, which he also considers family. This family first approach is seen in the client relationships, the work culture, and the community investment for which the firm is known.
The Gaines Group’s survival and even expansion of services to include interior design through the rough economy grows from their family first approach as they forge long-term client relationships. Upon joining the firm in 1999, partner Charles Hendricks’, AIA, CSI, CDT, LEED AP passion for building science helped build the firm’s reputation as a leader in the green movement in Virginia. Named the “best green designers” by the Virginia Sustainable Building Network in 2008 and being presented the Virginia Governor’s Excellence in Environmental Design Gold medal in 2008 and the bronze medal in 2009 are among the many recognitions that have been given for their work. Their design of the First LEED certified project in Central Virginia, the design for the first EarthCraft Light Commercial project outside the state of Georgia, and their dedication to educating the building industry on building science issues has left a lasting mark on the community.
