Design Matters
Thoughts of an ArchitectA Message from The Firm
Our blog, Design Matters, is a place for our team to share our knowledge, community events, projects, resources, and opinions. It is a place for you to keep up with us and for us to hear from you. Thanks for reading!
Intentional Design is the best way to build affordably
When we design a home it is sort of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle where you don't have a picture of the finished product. We start the process by establishing the goals or program - the number of rooms, types of rooms, budget goal, view opportunities - the program is always custom. The most common piece that does not want to fit is the budget. The wants almost always outweigh what is possible with the amount of money available. Building affordably with high value per square foot is critical. Intentional design is the best way to build affordably.
Design Matters, having a plan before construction is the key to success
We talk about it all the time, design matters. Having a plan together before construction starts is the key to success. This goes for all products.
You are not invited to attend this fundraiser!
You are invited NOT to attend! We need your help to support two local non-profit organizations in our ...
Help build an even stronger Downtown Harrisonburg!
Help build an even stronger Downtown Harrisonburg!
The air we breathe and why design matters
We have never thought so much about the air we breathe as we do now. After a year of working remotely, I returned to the office this week, sharing space with four other businesses. I also had a few people drop-in, from delivery drivers to clients to friends that I had not seen in a year. This was a huge change after a year of almost never leaving my house. Of course, after this past year of a virus that spreads through airborne particles, this is a huge change. The air we breathe has a direct impact on our health and mine and the design of our buildings matters.
Young Construction Professional Networking
Join us tonight for another CVCSI Young Construction Professional Networking Virtual event. Tonight we welcome ...
Home Renovations for a post-covid world, Guest Post by Gabby Koontz
Home Renovations for a post-covid world
Is your home resilient?
Most wish lists for a new dream home have some very similar elements: lots of light, an open plan, and a nice kitchen. If I am involved there is also some discussion about efficiency, durability, and comfort. However, I have not heard from many clients that they want a resilient home. As we move forward I do think this may be a driving factor in the design of custom homes. So is your home resilient?
Construction Industry virtual meetings – CVCSI
There are two excellent opportunities in the coming week for construction industry members to network and learn in virtual meetings. Check them out below and register to get the zoom link.
High School Students should job shadow
I hosted, virtually, two Eastern Mennonite high school students this past semester in our office as they explored a career in Architecture. I have had the opportunity to mentor students (here is another story and another here and one more here) for a number of years now and I always learn a lot from them.
Tiny House Architects – Gaines Group Architects gain national honor
Our team at Gaines Group Architects was honored to be named one of the "Best Tiny Home Architects in the US" and the only firm named in Virginia and West Virginia.
Custom home in Keezletown under construction
Custom home in Keezletown under construction