Christopher Kiel, the son of Richard Kiel and Diane Rogers Kiel, has made a significant impact on the field of construction and facilities management. With a strong educational and professional background, he has demonstrated his expertise in various roles throughout his career. Influenced by his parents, Christopher has developed a confident, knowledgeable, and clear approach to his work, making him a recognized figure in the industry.
Recently, Christopher Kiel was appointed as Virginia Tech’s university building official. In this key position, he is responsible for enforcing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for construction work on all Virginia Tech-owned facilities across the Commonwealth of Virginia. His role extends beyond the main campus in Blacksburg and includes locations such as Roanoke, the greater Washington, D.C., metro area, and other parts of the state.
Kiel’s professional journey also led him to serve as the president of TRICO Companies, LLC. His leadership and experience in diverse roles have contributed to his ability to excel in overseeing construction projects, ensuring safety standards, and implementing sustainable practices. Christopher Kiel’s dedication to his profession and his neutral, yet assertive approach have earned him respect among his peers and colleagues.
Content Compass
Early Life and Education
Academic Background
Christopher Kiel, born to Richard Kiel and Diane Rogers Kiel, spent his early years in a nurturing and supportive environment. Raised by talented and hardworking parents, Christopher was encouraged to pursue his academic interests.
He decided to attend Virginia Tech, a prestigious public research university located in Blacksburg, Virginia. At Virginia Tech, he excelled academically and had the opportunity to learn from leading professors and experts in his field. Christopher graduated with a degree, emboldened by his educational experience and eager to apply his knowledge in the professional world.
Early Career
Christopher’s early career started soon after he obtained his degree from Virginia Tech. He began working in various industries, seeking opportunities to acquire new skills and widen his professional network. His diverse professional background gave him a unique perspective, ultimately shaping his career path and allowing him to establish himself as an industry leader.
To summarize, Christopher Kiel’s early life and education paved the way for his eventual career success. The family support and encouragement combined with his academic achievements at Virginia Tech helped create a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
Professional Experience
Construction Industry Involvement
Christopher Kiel has an impressive professional background in the construction industry, with over 30 years of experience. As a licensed professional engineer in six states, Kiel holds more than 40 International Code Council certifications[^1^]. Throughout his career, he has been involved in a range of commercial and residential projects that included both new constructions and renovation projects[^2^].
Leadership Roles
Kiel has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career, showcasing both his technical expertise and his ability to manage teams effectively. Recently, he was appointed as the University Building Official at Virginia Tech, where he oversees the planning, construction, and inspection of all university facilities[^3^].
Prior to his current role, Christopher Kiel has held positions such as Project Manager at Layr[^4^], Quality Specialist III at Grifols[^5^], and President at TRICO Companies[^6^], a construction contractor company. In all of these roles, he demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to the projects he undertook.
Regulatory and Compliance Expertise
Christopher Kiel is an accomplished professional in the realm of building codes and inspections, as well as safety and standards advocacy. His expertise includes a variety of state and international codes, detailed understanding of the inspection process, and advocating for quality safety measures in the construction industry.
Building Codes and Inspections
Christopher Kiel’s vast knowledge encompasses the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), an essential framework for maintaining public safety and welfare in construction. His experience includes managing construction inspections, which helps ensure that buildings adhere to their respective state codes. Kiel’s proficiency in this area benefits municipalities, as his understanding allows for optimally timed inspections, reducing delays, and maintaining project schedules.
Kiel is also certified by the International Code Council (ICC) in several key disciplines. These certifications demonstrate his extensive knowledge and expertise in the construction industry. By holding such certifications, he is qualified to work on a wide range of projects, conforming to the latest standards and safety regulations.
| State Code | Code Discipline | ICC Certification |
|---|---|---|
| VUSBC | Building | Certified |
| State | Plumbing | Certified |
| Municipal | Electrical | Certified |
| State | Mechanical | Certified |
Another aspect of Christopher’s expertise includes Municipal Plan Check Services. He is skilled in conducting comprehensive code reviews prior to construction, which streamlines the permit approval process and helps ensure that projects are designed in compliance with state and municipal requirements.
Safety and Standards Advocacy
His dedication to promoting safety and standards goes beyond inspections and code compliance. He actively advocates for robust safety measures and ethical construction practices, working to raise the bar in the construction industry. His goal is to create a safer and more sustainable built environment for future generations.
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC)
- State Code Compliance
- Municipal Plan Check Services
- International Code Council (ICC) Certifications
- Code Disciplines
- Construction Inspections
With his confident, neutral, and knowledge-based approach, Christopher Kiel is a recognizable figure in the realm of regulatory and compliance expertise. Catering to the ever-changing landscape of today’s construction industry, he continues to be a resource that both building owners and inspectors can rely on for accuracy and professionalism.
Contributions and Affiliations
Academic and Administrative Support
As the University Building Official at Virginia Tech, Christopher Kiel plays a critical role in providing academic and administrative support. His expertise in building safety ensures that Virginia Tech-owned facilities are operating efficiently and securely. In his capacity as the Certified Building Official, he performs administrative functions such as overseeing new construction developments and ensuring they adhere to state and federal building codes and regulations.
Christopher Kiel also focuses on the Office of the University Building Official, which supports the educational and research goals of Virginia Tech. This responsibility includes fulfilling the role of liaison between university departments and external agencies such as state and local governments in regard to the built environment.
Professional Committees and Boards
In addition to his primary role as University Building Official, Christopher Kiel serves on the Board of Visitors Building and Grounds Committee. This committee is responsible for reviewing and approving projects related to new construction, renovations, and maintenance on Virginia Tech-owned facilities.
By actively participating in these committees and boards, Christopher contributes to the continuous improvement and enhancement of Virginia Tech’s infrastructure, ensuring the institution remains efficient and up-to-date. His neutral, knowledgeable, and clear approach to communication allows him to offer valuable insight when collaborating with various stakeholders in the field of infrastructure and building safety.