Let me introduce Briley Saiyasak, one of our newest members. She is an emerging professional in the design and construction industry. She has recently joined Jacobs in their Nuclear Projects and Consulting department providing design services to the Department of Energy.
Briley came to UT in 2017 from Mount Juliet, just east of Nashville. She graduated in 2022 from the UT College of Architecture & Design with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Industrial Design. She met her husband, Caleb, here and decided to stay in Knoxville.
I asked her why she chose this field. ” Growing up, I was always making things and loved being creative. I chose architecture because I felt it would give me an avenue to express creativity while also getting to work closely with people. I also love figuring out how things work and learning about the minute details of things, so the more technical side of architecture, scratches that itch for me as well!”
Briley learned about CSI when she attended the CSI Products Show in 2022. When she was asked why she joined the chapter, she explained, “ to learn as much as possible and to form connections that help make me a better architect. CSI seems like an organization that promotes practical ways to improve our industry, and I feel like I’d be crazy not to want to be a part of that.” She said that she wants to pursue her CDT credential after she completes her ARE exams, which she has already started.
Briley also has an interest in working with students at UT. “I never knew a student chapter even existed when I was in school, and I feel like growing student interest early in our careers is a great way to teach students about the profession and what it really means to be a well-rounded architect.”
During her down time, she enjoys reading – “no genre is off-limits”, painting, embroidery, or sewing. Back in middle Tennessee Briley has lots of family including three younger sisters, who are triplets. Here in Knoxville, she and Caleb are enjoying their golden doodle named Nutmeg and are expecting a second doodle, Pepper. “We are excited because then we’re going to have a couple of ‘Spice Girls’!!!
As you can tell, this young architect is bubbling over with energy and enthusiasm. Reach out and introduce yourself at our next CSI event.
William Sunquist, CSI Named CSI Chair
Posted: Mon, Jul 01, 2024
The Construction Specifications Institute will be elevating William Floyd Sunquist, CSI, to Chair of the CSI Board of Directors as of July 1, 2024. The Knoxville Chapter has a soft spot for William who joined CSI in 2004 upon the encouragement of Jim Odle. At the time, William had called upon Jim as a product representative with General Shale. William asked Jim for advice on how to get his products specified in the Knoxville area, and Jim encouraged him to join CSI and get involved with the chapter. William quickly followed Jim’s lead and became actively involved in our chapter. He rose to Knoxville Chapter President in 2008.
His career took him to Chattanooga in 2010, where he continued to stay involved in CSI, serving in numerous positions in the chapter. By 2011 he was serving at the Gulf States Region in most of the executive committee positions. In 2019 he was elected as GSR Director to the Institute and in addition chaired the Membership Connection, Nominating and the Investment Oversight Committees. His excellent potential for leadership was recognized by his peers at the Institute level.
In 2020 the Chattanooga Chapter nominated William and he was elevated to Fellowship. After his term as Director, the Nominating Committee placed William on the slate for Institute Secretary and then Chair-Elect, both elections that he won.
Another passion of William’s is his love for public libraries. He has been a board member and fundraiser for the Chattanooga Public Library and is part of the Friends of Tennessee Libraries. He sits on numerous other boards including UT Chattanooga’s Interior Design School Advisory Board.
A number of people from Knoxville journeyed to Chattanooga to their chapter’s awards banquet where William was celebrated for his next role in CSI. See the EVENTS section below to view that celebration.
Congratulations William! You have the vision for building CSI through the people of CSI, who know all about design and construction. Let’s get started!
New Member News – Chris Leibensperger, CSI
Posted: Fri, Jun 28, 2024
May I introduce one of our newest members, Chris Leibensperger. He is part of the architectural team at R2R Studio here in Knoxville, where he is currently pursuing his architectural license. The firm focuses on a variety of project types including commercial, residential, interior architecture, and brand development design.
Chris said that he has been able to work on several different projects in the East Tennessee area including the Shops at Bexhill, Southern Craft BQQ in Greeneville, Patriot’s Chicken in Blaine, Monkee’s Retail at the Orangery Village, Sweet P’s BBQ in Fountain City, Tennessee Stud Cidery in Pigeon Forge and the Town Center Plaza in Gatlinburg. He said that his favorite part of the profession is the “wide range of design challenges each project presents, and the impact each project will have on people as the space is used.”
Chris is from Western New York, between Buffalo and Rochester. He graduated from SUNY Alfred State College in 2009. He came to Knoxville in April of 2021 and joined R2R Studio. When asked what drew him to study architecture, he said, ” I grew up building with Lego’s and always seemed to create buildings, towns, or houses. In high school I focused on construction and technology classes [where] my passion and interest in how a building came together really took off.”
Chris said that he joined CSI to better understand the science of buildings, the different trades in the industry and to network and build relationships. Before moving to Tennessee, he had started getting involved in the local NY CSI chapter. Once here in Knoxville, he was invited to a chapter meeting by Gary Bergeron, FCSI. He hopes to continue to grow and learn, both personally and professionally.
Chris has a daughter who is 6, a son who is 4, and an 8-year-old black lab mix named Bailey. He enjoys hiking, golf, and an occasional nice glass of bourbon. Please reach out and introduce yourself to Chris and welcome him to CSI Knoxville.
Come Grow with Us!
Posted: Sat, Jun 22, 2024
The Knoxville Chapter is growing and we want you to join the fun too! In the past month the chapter has welcomed 4 new members - Michaelanne Collins from BarberMcMurray, Chris Leibensperger and Maureen Sotak from R2R Studio, and Chuck Whited from Main Street Studio in Cleveland, TN. Lots of new talent and faces at our meetings each month. Don't miss it!
Suzan Jordan Wins Gulf States Region's Highest Award
Posted: Tue, Jun 11, 2024
Suzan Jordan, CSI, CDT, CCPR, was presented the Robert V. Bishop Award this week at the CSI Gulf States Region Conference in Jackson, MS. This is the Gulf States Region’s highest honor.
Ms. Jordan is a Dupont Tyvek Senior Certified Building Envelope Consultant. She is an authority on the subject of moisture management and the building envelope. She often has classes at CSI meetings and with architects, building officials and building contractors educating the design and construction industry about best practices concerning the building envelope and moisture management. She has remarked that the networking opportunities and relationships fostered in CSI provide avenues to reach more prospective clients and help her be seen as a trusted resource to designers and contractors.
She is a member of the Knoxville Chapter and has served in many roles in both our chapter and the Gulf States Region. She is a familiar face at all Gulf States planning meetings, Region conferences and Institute conventions.
The award is given to a Gulf States CSI member who has rendered extraordinary service to the Construction Specifications Institute and especially the members in the Gulf States which include Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. The CSI Gulf States Region Operating Guide states, “This award will be given to a member having at least ten (10) years of continuous membership and who has portrayed exceptional and meritorious service and devotion to the Gulf States Region and to the principles of The Construction Specifications Institute. This award shall be considered as the highest recognition that can be given by the Region.”
Recipients of the Robert V. Bishop Award serve as the jury for nominees submitted for this honor. Their service continues to embody the dedication and lifelong service to the Gulf States Region displayed by Mr. Robert V. Bishop, FCSI, CCS. The Knoxville Chapter has one other Robert V. Bishop Award recipient - Kathy Proctor.
