If you are ready to fight back against those high energy costs or simply want your house to be more comfortable, you should consider hiring an energy auditor. They are able to test your home to determine where the problems are and give you a list of things to address. Don’t...

For those that have visited our Charlottesville office you already know, it is a pretty sweet space. But coming next month it is getting even sweeter! Upstart sweet treat chain Bloop Frozen Yogurt is set to open on the first floor of our building on Pantops. The store is...

Does Going Green cost more?

For those looking to build a new home, what is your motivation? Do you want a house that is new or do you want a new home that is specific for your needs? A custom home should be designed around the way you live, work, and play. It should work with your site and not simply sit on...

If you are like most people over the age of 45, you do not want to move from your house. It is a comfortable place, you know the neighborhood, you know the shortcuts, you are safe and secure. According to the AARP, older home owners overwhelmingly prefer to stay in their current...

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...

According to a report from the Center for Housing Policy, by the year 2050, the population of Americans aged 65 and older will have more than doubled to nearly 90 million – a growth rate faster than any other age group in the country. The report concluded that as a country...

The trees are blooming, the grass is growing, and my allergies are going crazy, Spring has certainly sprung! This is great news for those looking to get a head start on those annual maintenance items around the house. So where do you get started? Here are the top 10 things to get...

The Blue Ridge Home and Garden Show is just around the corner. This will be our first year at the event and we are hoping for plenty of attendance and lots of familiar faces coming out to visit us. As usual the home show is hosting educational workshops at the event on topics...

I believe that as an architect I have an ethical duty to design solutions that are energy efficient, durable, and healthy. It is my job to understand the materials that are available in the market today, know how to use the materials effectively, and to know the impacts on indoor...