News Release

Thomas “Chris” Lewis Named Building Official for Town of Hilton Head Island

June 27, 2024

Thomas “Chris” Lewis, a seasoned professional with 30 years of experience, has been appointed Hilton Head Island’s newest Building Official. Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in commercial construction to the Town, including industrial, institutional, educational, sports facilities, retail, restaurants, and historic preservation.

As a Certified Building Official (CBO), Lewis will play a pivotal role in the Town’s Planning Department, overseeing the permitting and development process and enhancing customer service experiences. Additionally, he will serve as a liaison to the Island’s building professionals. He began on June 10 and is responsible for ensuring compliance, interpretation, and enforcement of all local, state, and federal codes regarding building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, energy, fire, residential, and the American Disabilities Act.

“The building official is a key figure in the inspection process for local buildings, homes, and businesses,” said Town Manager Marc Orlando. “We are excited to have someone with Chris’ vast experience in the field to lead this important function and team of individuals involved with the process. It should give citizens a sense of calm knowing that Chris and his team will be ensuring the Town’s built environment is not just up to code but is safe for everyone.”

Lewis’ career has been marked by public and private leadership positions in the construction industry. Most recently, he spent 16 years with the City of Spartanburg. For six years, he was a Commercial Plan Reviewer performing complete plan reviews for commercial structures and feasibility inspections with business owners and design professionals for renovation projects in existing buildings. He spent the last 10 years as a Senior Building Inspector, overseeing the work of several field inspectors and the plan reviewer. His team worked on building code interpretations and applications for all commercial and residential projects throughout the city.

Before his time with the City of Spartanburg, Lewis worked in the private sector as a Project Manager for Campbell Meek and Associates Architects for 13 years. Among his duties, Lewis accomplished architectural construction drawings and coordinated sub-trade construction drawings, 3D modeling, and rendering for projects.

In addition to his professional roles, Lewis has held leadership positions with the Upper State Code Enforcement Association of South Carolina (USCEA), an organization dedicated to providing current and relevant continuing education for its members. Most notably, he was named president this year and served as vice president in 2022. In 2023, USCEA honored him with the Red Allen Training Award for significantly contributing to training among the organization's members.

“I am excited to embark on the next phase in my career with the Town and use my knowledge and skills to enhance the Town’s building program. I look forward to meeting and working with the community to ensure the safety and quality of all construction projects on Hilton Head Island,” Lewis said.

In his spare time, Chris enjoys fishing and playing the guitar. His office will be at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court, and he can be reached via email at chrisl@hiltonheadislandsc.gov.