I am honored to be included in the 2025 Class of CSI Fellows!
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has welcomed me as a valued member since joining in 2003. This organization allowed me to contribute immediately regardless of my years of experience. This gift has allowed me to advance my career and hopefully make a difference in the lives of others.
Fellows in CSI are selected by their peers based on their achievements in the industry and above-and-beyond contributions to CSI at the National, Regional, and Chapter levels. The distinction of Fellow is one of the highest honors given to a CSI member.
The nomination statement for Fellowship in CSI is based on my work as a mentor, advocate, and educator within the construction industry. CSI gave me a voice even as a new member when I started a student chapter of CSI at the UVA School of Architecture right after joining the organization. I have since served at the local chapter level, participated in organizing Region Conferences and multiple trade shows, taught Construction Document Technology (CDT) classes, served on multiple regional and national CSI committees, and presented at National Conferences many times. This organization trusted me to learn and grow as a leader in the construction industry and allowed me to make mistakes along the way. The power of this organization is that it brings all sectors of the construction industry and all levels of experience to the table as equals. The members of this organization have consistently shown up to support my career growth, helped me build skills and confidence, and been there to answer questions along the way. I am forever grateful for what this organization’s members and staff have done to support me.
The work I have done that is being recognized through this honor is an outgrowth of the skills CSI allowed me to develop. I have been able to offer mentorship to students from elementary school level through college, presented over 185 lectures on sustainability and universal design across the country, and taught a variety of classes focused on architecture. I have organized a variety of educational events, regional conferences, and trade shows, and have brought in experts to share their knowledge. In addition, I have supported and guided other professionals to help them better understand building science, sustainability, and universal design. I have also learned over the years that I can give my time and design skills through board service and pro-bono design to help them better serve our communities.
Reading through the nomination package for Fellowship that Ray Gaines and Adrienne Stronge took the time to produce (many thanks to them) feels a bit bittersweet. I have put time into many things that I believe have made a difference in the lives of others. However, I don’t feel like I have done enough, as we still have so much to achieve in this world. I remain dedicated to community service, outreach, and advocacy for a better future for all. While this honor is amazing and I am looking forward to the ceremony and celebration on October 16th in Cleveland, Ohio, I am simply doing my small part to build a more vibrant and inclusive world and hoping I can encourage others to join in that effort.
Congratulations to Arthur Cam Featherstonhaugh IV, FCSI, CDT, Thomas Lanzelotti, FCSI, CDT, and Randall Lewis, FCSI who are also included in the 2025 class of CSI Fellows. It is a true honor to join you and all the Fellows that have come before us in the Construction Specifications Institute.
Please Join Us in Congratulating Charles on this Monumental Achievement!
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! We are so excited for you Charles!
-The Gaines Group Team
