In May of 2023, company co-founder and Principal Architect Bob Swinney will retire after a 37-year tenure. Since he joined the firm in 1986, Bob has been heavily involved in every step of success and growth the company has experienced, from naming a new Principal Architect, his late business partner's son - Bart Kline, to hiring many fresh faces and skilled professionals to join the ever-expanding team.
Bob's passion runs deep in the veins of KSA (Kline Swinney Associates), adding a particular eye for detail and an unwavering drive to find the best solution to every project that comes across his desk. As we celebrate our fearless leader's step back to enjoy the fruits of his labor, we are honored to sit down with Bob and discuss his accomplishments and reflections on the past and what's next.
Bob graduated from David Lipscomb High School in Nashville in 1969 and from the University of TN, Knoxville, with a bachelor's degree in architecture, in 1975. He married Judy Hayes in 1980 and happily raised three children together. He then became a registered architect in 1981 and worked as a sole practitioner for a few years. He eventually met his future business partner, David Kline, and formed KSA in January of 1986.
At an early age, Bob was introduced to the architecture career field by working odd jobs for his parents in their construction office. This included running blueline architecture prints on an old ammonia machine! He credits his parents for being the role models he looks up to in life.
““My father was a …. hard worker who also greatly enjoyed life; my mother was [my] role model for her endless kindness to all she met.” ”
Another inspiration for Bob was his late business partner, David Kline, who was well-known in the community and proudly exuded his business savvy and knowledge of architecture.
We asked Bob about his time at KSA, and some of his favorite moments in his 37-years with the company. “Some of my favorite memories from my time at KSA have included our company outings, whether it be kayaking the Cumberland, Axe throwing at a Nashville venue, or zip lining through the woods in Kingston Springs. Also, some of our crazy Halloween parties in the late 80’s rank high on my list.”
Kayaking on the Cumberland - 2018
Bob dressed as a Rooster - 1987
As for favorite projects, he says there isn’t one that stands out above the rest. “I tend to like them all a lot more when they are successfully completed.”
Being a Partner in a firm is no small feat – However, to Bob, there are a lot of wonderful things to come from it. He emphasized that his favorite part of being a Partner at KSA has been the opportunities he has had to meet so many talented and interesting people – from co-workers, consultants, and manufacturer’s representatives to clients and even code officials.
We also asked Bob for some wisdom regarding the field, success, and any life lessons he would like to pass on to the next generation of Architects and Designers. “My strategy for success is to always do your best, even on the most menial of tasks. For those starting out in architecture, or in any career, my advice is to be a lifelong learner. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, try something else!” His biggest life lesson? “Respect and learn from your co-workers.”
Pictured - Tim Piansay, Bart Kline and Bob Swinney
As the company continues to transition during this time, Tim Piansay has since been named KSA’s newest Principal and will now be working alongside Bart Kline as Principal Architect. This exciting advancement within the company comes after 10 years with the firm. We also spoke with Tim regarding this new chapter, and what it meant for him and his family.
“It is extremely rewarding to have achieved this position. I am excited to see where Bart and I will take this company.”
Tim told us that he knew upon starting at KSA that he and Bart would one day be Partners together. It was always David and Bob’s expectation that they would replace them. “I’m happy that I am able to fill Bob’s role in this firm’s legacy.” He says the piece of advice that got him to where he is today is, “do your best, and God will do the rest!” He says it has been many years of challenging work in the making, but it has paid off.
Our final question to Tim was perhaps the most important. We wanted to know what Tim’s kids thought when he told them the news! “They keep asking me, ‘Daddy, does that mean you are the boss?’ They like that I am the ‘boss’ now.” We are too!
So, what’s next? After a nice vacation to the mountains with his wife, Bob plans to continue working with KSA for the foreseeable future. However, he will be doing most of his work from home, rather than the office. He made note that a good bit of his time will also now be spent on household projects at he and Judy’s few acres in Mt. Juliet, such as landscaping and other “various follies.” As for Tim, he plans “to continue to work with Bart to shape the company’s principles and structure to ensure KSA’s continued success, so we can one day pass the company down to our own children.”
