Gaines Group Architects

My photography from the past few months – architectural photography

As an architect in Harrisonburg, I spend most of my time balancing function with beauty. I see harmony in forms and shape. Here is some of my photography from the past few months. From a trip to Baltimore to a custom home in Harrisonburg I enjoy taking pictures of structures and...

Vote for the best architectural details – best of the best

We have been asking you to vote for the best architectural details. Here are the winners from the last five weeks. Vote for your favorite of the favorites and we will announce the top detail! To thank you for voting each week, you will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift...

When Should I Hire a Registered Architect?

When selecting a restaurant you could go to a fast food joint if you don’t mind getting assembly line quality food.  However, if you want a meal that melts in your mouth, you will seek out a restaurant that has a chef. A Chef is someone that understands the subtle...

Labor Day 2013 – Architecture: An industry in recovery

“To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart.” – Sr. Thomas Watson Becoming an architect takes a huge commitment, unrelenting passion, and of course lots of time and money. It can be a rewarding career if you are...
insulation

Spiders are a Good Indication of Energy Efficiency

A tangle of spider webs inside your home is usually a strong indicator of air leakage. Spiders travel on moving air and build their webs where there is plenty of insect activity. This usually coincides with gaps and cracks in your thermal envelope. As air leaks in, spiders have a...
LEED Project

Questions to Ask When Looking for the Perfect Green Products

When you are selecting building products, you may never find a perfect, green solution. Here are some questions you can ask to make sure you select the best green products: Can I reuse what I already have? Can I donate or recycle what I no longer want? What product can I choose...

Citizen Architect – Design Matters

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...