Built from Within: Russ Geist
CS People Spotlight: Senior Engineering Manager, R&D
Welcome back to “Built from Within,” where we spotlight the people behind the CS oval who are the backbone of Construction Specialties. For our second interview, we’re diving into the engineering side of our industry.
Today, we are excited to introduce you to Russell Geist. Russ just hit a milestone of 20 years with CS in January 2026, and he currently serves as Senior Engineering Manager of R&D.
What are some of the roles you’ve had at CS?
I’ve worn many hats over the years, but most of my journey has been in Research & Development—where creativity meets technical challenge. I also dove into project management and ultimately led teams as the manager of R&D within Louvers-Grilles-Sunshades, (former) Vista Air, Facades Solutions, and most recently STYX™, overseeing the development of some of our most groundbreaking products.
Which role was your favorite?
Project management was a revelation—it opened my eyes to a whole new side of the process. I learned things engineers rarely experience, gaining a unique vantage point.
I had the opportunity to help solve complex challenges for iconic projects, including the Chicago Air Traffic Control Tower, LA Live, 270 Park Avenue, and the ARTIC Center in Anaheim.
I love the thrill of tackling first-off solutions that push us beyond our comfort zones. Now, I channel that experience into mentoring team members, helping them craft innovative solutions and sharing the hard-earned lessons I've learned.
What one project in your career stands out as a highlight?
CHOP Chicago was a career highlight—seeing it in person is electrifying. The building is like a perfectly engineered Swiss watch, with an uninterrupted appearance from top to bottom.
Achieving that seamless look took ingenuity; we integrated multiple systems that worked in harmony, resulting in an architectural masterpiece.
Did you always want to be an engineer?
Surprisingly, no! My childhood dream was to be an astronaut, until I discovered the world of CAD and technical drawings. I loved the precision and creativity of design, and when faced with the choice between engineering and architecture, my analytical side won out. That passion for problem-solving and building things set me on the path to engineering.
What drew you to the construction industry?
The allure was in the challenge—the testing, creativity, and the chance to find cool, real-world solutions I’d never encountered before joining CS. I craved a change from facilities maintenance and found it in projects that let me innovate and collaborate with international partners.
Helping expand louvers globally, I collaborated with organizations like BSRIA in the UK, replicating crucial tests and encouraging the US industry to adopt wind-driven testing standards. Our efforts have inspired organizations like AMCA to develop new parameters, and we’ve consistently raised the bar—continuously pushing boundaries and setting higher standards for performance.
This image captures Russ during one of his memorable, boundary-pushing efforts—a full-scale snow accumulation test conducted inside a giant freezer to determine how perforated louvers perform in extreme winter conditions. The roughly two-week experience ultimately shaped key customer decisions (they opted for a larger hole pattern), and the data has been used to assist other projects.
What’s a typical week like?
No two weeks are the same! One day, I’m deep into new product and model development, the next, I’m mentoring team members as they tackle tough design challenges. I guide colleagues through the ups and downs of decision-making, collaborate with sales and drafting teams, and answer out-of-the-ordinary questions to keep our louvers performing at their best. I thrive on inventing unique designs for demanding projects, often combining louvers and grilles to achieve a signature look.
Have you ever had to say no to a customer?
Very rarely. We work very hard to find a solution. If one exists, we will find it.
How would you describe your piece within the bigger picture?
Our work is always front and center—sometimes it blends seamlessly with the architectural vision, other times it stands out as a striking focal point. We take pride in mastering both approaches, ensuring our contributions are both beautiful and functional.
What’s the most exciting thing you’ve ever done at CS?
Working on One World Trade Center in NYC was unforgettable. Collaborating with top consultants and designers, we engineered and tested mock-ups to optimize pressure drop—ensuring every system met the building’s exacting standards. Being part of such an iconic project was an honor.
We created detailed 3D models using real-world data, ensuring that all systems worked seamlessly together. Simulating the building’s airflow was an amazing technical challenge, and it was thrilling to see our work come to life in such a prominent structure.
Any final comments?
In my 20 years at CS, my team and I have redefined what a louver can be. We’ve helped drive the entire industry forward—translating architects’ bold visions into real-world solutions and turning innovative ideas into new standards. The evolution in the louver industry over the past two decades has been remarkable, and I’m proud that our work, alongside R&D teams and organizations like AMCA, continues to push the envelope.