Welcome Myles Perdue to the Team

Welcome Myles Perdue to the Team

by | Jan 31, 2023 | architecture, Office Culture

Meet Myles Perdue, one of our newest designers at Gaines Group Architects. Originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands on the Island of St. Croix, Myles has called Winchester home since he was 5 years old. Over the last 4 years he has attended James Madison University, picking it for their architectural program. He found that JMU Architecture has a different approach to design that intrigued him over other architectural programs. The first time he stepped on campus and got to explore Harrisonburg, he knew that this could be home away from home.

Myles’ interest in architecture focuses on the relationship of the built environment and the human experience. He loves the way that architects are able to sculpt spaces that have a positive impact on people’s lives. He says “I have seen cold dark spaces that zap the energy out of a room and bright warm spaces that invigorate those in that space. I hope to design better spaces that encourage and uplift the people using those spaces.”

Joining Gaines Group Architects in a part-time capacity while finishing his four years at James Madison University, he is gaining valuable experience. Upon graduating in May, Myles will go full-time with our team. Outside of Architecture, he has also worked on campus as an orientation peer advisor and residential advisor. He loves the idea of giving back to the JMU community and this support of his peers is just one way he accomplishes this goal.

In his free time, he enjoys being involved in campus organizations and hanging out with friends. He loves to eat out and some of his favorite spots are Hokkaido, Billy Jack’s, and CiCi’s. Myles plays dodgeball and volleyball intramural staying active and reducing stress. He also likes to relax watching Netflix reality shows like Love is Blind and Married at First Sight. Another way he gives back to his community of peers is volunteering with JMU SafeRides, an organization dedicated to the fight against drunk driving. They operate Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 pm – 3:00 am.

Myles says that his mother, Anabel, always encourages him to be great and supports him through everything. He is a strong believer in finding inspiration in everything, including family and friends. He is inspired by people who don’t let barriers get in the way of their goals and those that can resist the urge to bite their fingernails.

Is happiness created by “Place” Harrisonburg?

by | Aug 31, 2011 | architecture, Harrisonburg Architect, Leadership

JMU is ranked as the 20th Happiest School in the country by Newsweek & the Daily Beast in a poll just released. The poll looked at six categories, weighted equally using a measure of how close or distant each school is to average: dining, housing, nightlife, number of sunny days per year, student-teacher ratio, and the average indebtedness at graduation. With these factors you can clearly see how the place, Harrisonburg, the school is located has a major impact on the ranking. In a town that is vibrant, community based, and beautiful shouldn’t people be happy? Downtown has seen major gains in the last few years with the addition of the Friendly City Food Co-op, Jack Brown’s, and Beyond. Family life is enhanced by the new and improved Children’s Museum, the established You Made It, and incredible downtown library. The Farmer’s Markets in the area are rich with good local healthy food options. The community is supportive of each other and want success for their neighbors. We have great locally roasted coffee. There are active leaders engaged in the promoting healthy community. Our non-profits are focused on a bright future. Of course JMU being in the middle of all this life is a happy place to go to school, learn about community, and begin a career! Congratulations JMU on your ranking!

JMU photograph