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!
Construction continues on this Keezletown custom home
Construction continues on this custom home in Keezeltown, VA, just outside of Harrisonburg. The compact floor plan works to facilitate the life our clients want to live on this beautiful property by minimizing wasted space and connecting to views.
Giving kindness feels good #365actsofkindness #rocktownresilient
Giving kindness feels good for both those receiving kindness and those giving. After a rough year and a lot of negativity thrown my way because I decided to run for political office I started being intentional about giving kindness. The acts were not new, as a Rotarian service above self is a regular activity, but being intentional about it daily is new. I want to live in a community filled with kindness, not hate and divisive actions and language. Please join me in spreading kindness in 2021.
Life of an architect – work anniversary
My first day at work for a small architectural firm, Raymond E. Gaines, Architect, in Charlottesville, Virginia was January 4, 1999. I have now been "in the profession" for 21 years.
Design Matters for a healthy and happy future
Design Matters for a healthy and happy future. Ask for better solutions, celebrate beauty, and demand more quality. Design Matters.
Top blog posts of 2020
Check out the top blog posts of 2020 and give some feedback on what you want to see featured in 2021
Our team continues to build knowledge – Deborah now hold her CDT Certification
Our team values education and we work hard to stay on top of the latest developments in the construction industry. ...
365 intentional acts of kindness, please join me #rocktownresilient #365actsofkindness
I have decided that this coming year I am going to do 365 intentional acts of kindness. Please join me in making our world a little brighter for others. #rocktownresilient #365actsofkindness
Energy-efficiency home hacks
Here are some energy-efficiency blog posts I have written over the years. I hope these will help you narrow down those vampire loads, cold room mysteries, high energy bill conundrums, and generally help you save money, live more comfortably, and improve your indoor environmental quality.
Help my small business survive
I need your help. If I have designed a project or answered questions for you - custom home, renovation, addition, business, school, church, energy-audit, phone consultation - would you please write an online review for me?
Kelton Station Apartments, Williamsburg: under construction
Adrienne and her team, led by Ray Gaines are working on luxury living communities around the commonwealth. One ...
Design for Connection
As human beings, we need a sense of belonging, connection, we need to gather. Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and improve our immune systems. As I think about the projects I have worked on over the last few years, many of them have a common theme of providing a place for connection.
Why architecture?
Why architecture? Because we make clients happy, builders look good, reduce call backs, improve energy efficiency, and help create beauty in this world. #designmatters