Public art can grow a community From a Harley Davidson to a well proportioned building, there can be beauty created by the human hand. We can design something that has grace and beauty or something that does not. This is a choice that is made by someone in the process to an end....

I have heard from some of you and I know you agree, 2016 was not the best of years…. There seemed to be a cloud of negative over much of the year. Certainly this happens each Presidential election cycle, but this year seemed somehow more sticky. In addition, I faced some of...

Many people make resolutions for the new year. These often fall by the side of the road as you carry on in a busy life. Here are some things to check your home for that will provide payback through reduced energy bills and increased comfort all year-long. Remember to insulate...

The architectural details in Williamsburg are truly special. The brick walls have moss growing over the top softening their surface and providing color. The variety of fence styles and types are diverse and varied. I have to imagine there is significance to the different styles,...

One of the best decisions I have made in the last 8 years was to join Rotary. This organization amplifies the good you can do in your community and around the world. Rotary International is a service organization whose stated purpose is to bring together business and professional...

As you know, it is a difficult decision to hire a design professional. Before you start the process there are limited ways to figure out who will do a good job. The best way to sustain The Gaines Group is by you telling people about us in your own words. Thanks in advance for...

Thank you so much for reading and supporting my blog. I dropped the ball in the middle of the year, and as a result wrote 137 fewer blog posts this year than last. We are still closing in on 19,000 views this year and a total since starting of over 98,000. Here are the top 10...

Another day trip idea for your holiday break – Williamsburg, Va Here is another day trip idea for your holiday break – Williamsburg, Va. This city is located in the northern part of the Hampton Roads area. It was founded in 1632 as a fortified settlement on the high...

I recently was invited to speak at the Department of Energy in Washington DC. The drive up that morning was supposed to only take a couple of hours, but fortunately I had a warning from a local about the orange line being down. The trip took 4 hours up and 3 hours back. It was...

My Christmas wish for you – 2016 It has been another great year at the Harrisonburg Gaines Group Architects office. We started off a team of three – Charles, Deborah, and Hannah (and James, but he sits in Charlottesville). We worked hard on a variety of projects...