Built from the Field Up
GBS was founded on a simple belief: that building automation done right is an act of responsibility — to the owners who depend on it, the occupants who live and work inside it, and the environment that surrounds it.
Built from the Field Up
Genesis Building Systems was built by people who came up through the field. We understand what it means to be on a job site at 5am, to troubleshoot a sequence that won't commission, and to stand behind work when something doesn't perform as expected.
That field-first perspective shapes everything we do — how we engineer systems, how we communicate with contractors and owners, and how we approach problems that don't have easy answers. We don't outsource accountability. We own it.
Operating across Northern California, GBS serves commercial, institutional, and industrial clients who need a controls partner they can trust — not just to install a system, but to make it work and keep it working.
Christopher A. Cavnar
Founder & President
Chris Cavnar founded Genesis Building Systems on the belief that exceptional building automation begins with exceptional relationships. Backed by nearly a quarter century of experience spanning HVAC, mechanical systems, engineering, commercial controls, construction management, and building automation, Chris has dedicated his career to improving how commercial buildings are designed, operated, and maintained.
His journey began in 2005 serving in the United States Navy as an Engineman Second Class Petty Officer — maintaining and repairing HVAC, refrigeration, hydraulic, and auxiliary mechanical systems aboard the USS Shoup during overseas deployments. Following his service, he earned an Associate of Applied Science in HVAC/R from Bellingham Technical College, including the HVAC/R Research Degree Program, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in HVAC/R Mechanical Engineering from Ferris State University, including the associated degree program.
Since entering the commercial building automation industry in 2012, Chris has held virtually every technical and leadership role in the profession — Controls Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, Controls Sales Engineer, and Automation Construction Manager. Over eight years in sales and business development, he secured more than $35 million in commercial BAS contracts across healthcare, higher education, commercial office, manufacturing, government, mission-critical, and industrial facilities.
Chris has consistently led automation departments while maintaining healthy margins and revenues averaging $6–8M annually, year over year. That breadth of experience — from field technician to department leader — is the foundation GBS is built on.
Outside of work, Chris is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife of 15 years are raising a large family together — a life that keeps him grounded in the same values of responsibility, commitment, and purpose that define everything he builds.
Guided by faith, Genesis Building Systems reflects the friendships, opportunities, and purpose that have come from above and have been placed in our lives. Those values shape every decision, every relationship, and every project.
Purpose Driven Responsibility
Controls Systems Fluency
Genesis Building Systems is fluent across the major commercial building automation platforms. That breadth means we can work within your existing infrastructure, recommend the right architecture for your project, and deliver without being locked to a single manufacturer's product line.
Distech Controls
Over a decade of Distech Controls project delivery — from ECY controllers and ECLYPSE connected devices to full BACnet/IP network architecture. Deep familiarity with Distech programming, graphics, and commissioning workflows.
Johnson Controls (JCI)
Extensive experience with the Johnson Controls Metasys platform including NAE/NCE supervisory controllers, FEC/VMA field controllers, and the full Metasys UI. Proficient in JCI programming, graphics development, and system integration.
Honeywell
Hands-on experience with Honeywell building automation systems — including controller programming, graphics, and system commissioning on commercial and institutional facilities.
Open Protocol & Integration
BACnet · Modbus · LonWorksPlatform-agnostic integration capability across BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, Modbus TCP/RTU, and LonWorks. We connect third-party systems, bridge legacy equipment, and design networks that communicate reliably regardless of manufacturer.
To deliver building automation systems that perform with precision, built by people who take responsibility for every wire, every sequence, and every outcome.
What We Stand For
Accountability
We own our work from first drawing to final commissioning. If something isn't right, we make it right — no excuses, no finger-pointing.
Precision
Building automation is an engineering discipline. We approach every sequence, every point, and every submittal with the rigor that discipline demands.
Integrity
We tell clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. Honest assessments, realistic timelines, and transparent pricing — every time.
Purpose
Every system we build serves people — the facility manager who depends on it daily, the occupants who never think about it, and the owner whose investment it protects.
Why GBS
Engineering-First Approach
Every project starts with proper engineering. We produce complete submittals, panel drawings, and sequences before a single wire is pulled.
End-to-End Capability
From estimating and design through installation, programming, graphics, and ongoing support — GBS handles the full project lifecycle in-house.
Northern California Focus
We're not a national firm with a regional office. GBS is a Northern California company — we know the contractors, the AHJs, and the market.
Long-Term Partnership
We build relationships, not just systems. Our clients come back because we deliver — and because we're still there when they need us years later.
Let's Build Something Together
If you're looking for a building automation partner who takes the work as seriously as you do, we'd like to hear about your project.