John Graef Email & Phone Number

As the Construction Manager with RTD CM, I serve as the Owner's Representative for the County of San Diego, overseeing a $120 million Major Systems Renovation Project (MSRP).The County Administration Center Major Systems Renovation Project is an ambitious program comprising over twenty independent initiatives, each contributing to the revitalization of this iconic landmark. Notable components include a significant FRP seismic retrofit, historic window preservation, elevator overhaul, security upgrades, installation of copper gutters, generator replacements, sewer line replacement, major HVAC renovations, restoration of the historic clay tile roof, and extensive enhancements to both interior and exterior spaces. This project adheres to Title 24 Historic Building Code, Part 8.

I worked with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) to provide construction management services at Coastal Campus, part of the Silver Strand Training Complex—a new $1 billion program constructed by the Department of the Navy and managed by NAVFAC. Located on an active training site spanning 548 acres, the Coastal Campus covers 167 acres, while the remaining area is preserved as a nature reserve with environmental and cultural restrictions.The Coastal Campus project includes 24 individual projects totaling 1.5 million square feet, with a planned schedule extending over 10 years. The $1 billion budget is allocated as follows:$700 million for building construction$200 million for design and equipment$100 million for infrastructure, including utilities, gates, and roadsPreviously, I collaborated with NAVFAC to manage multiple construction projects within an operational Navy hospital. Key projects included a seismic upgrade, HVAC replacement, waste drain replacement, and renovations to the Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Sterile Processing Department (SPD), Operating Room, and Galley.Key responsibilities include:Managed and provided oversight for the technical design aspects of projects.Coordinated with team members to execute project scopes, schedules, and budgets, ensuring alignment with both project and client requirements.Delivered technical support by researching relevant codes, guidance, policies, procedures, criteria, and regulations.Conducted field investigations and reviewed as-builts to assess existing conditions.Estimated costs for COAR and TA using RSMeans and historical data.Reviewed technical reports, designs, and project deliverables to ensure compliance, while supporting commissioning plans, design and construction submittals, and field inspections.

San Diego, California, Us

Oversaw construction of multiple OSHPD capital projects within an operating hospital. Significant projects include construction of a 12 bed observation unit, infant security upgrade (HUGS), central telemetry room upgrade, 2 operating rooms, 11 bed pre-op, 12 bed PACU, and staff locker rooms.Key responsibilities include:Promoted safety throughout the daily execution of project responsibilities.Wrote, distributed, coordinated, and tracked RFIs.Reviewed trade-specific RFIs for potential cost and/or schedule impacts.Developed and updated the project schedule in collaboration with the Project Manager and Superintendent.Tracked weekly trade performance against the project schedule, reviewed the delay log to ensure trade delays were incorporated, and provided team updates.Coordinated job site setup and developed the site logistics plan.Reviewed field inspection reports and communicated deficiencies to the supervisor.Managed record drawings and maintained document control logs to track project documents.Developed and assembled bid schedules, distributed bid packages, evaluated bid proposals, and performed detailed bid tabulations.Reviewed specifications, prepared submittal schedules, and communicated scope changes.Wrote purchase orders, subcontracts, and maintained buyout and contract logs.Maintained project progress photographs.

Dallas, Tx, Us

Oversaw the construction of the Scripps Prebys Cardiovascular Hospital expansion, a $456 million, 383,000-square-foot patient tower that will be the largest cardiovascular hospital in San Diego. The seven-story tower will feature 108 private inpatient beds, 60 intensive care beds, six state-of-the-art operating rooms, six catheterization laboratories, and a central energy plant with enough capacity to support two future towers.Key responsibilities include:Developed project schedules and prioritized tasks to ensure timely completion.Recorded all Project Control/Document Control data, including target dates for task completion.Reviewed job costs to ensure budget compliance.Analyzed project specifications for shop drawing submittal requirements and prepared transmittals and shop drawings.Compared shop drawings against the architect’s plans and specifications for accuracy.Reviewed shop drawings from the general contractor or owner for compliance with estimates and scope of work.Prepared transmittals, submittals, and released checklists for vendors to begin manufacturing.Scheduled the punch list with the Project Manager upon substantial completion and followed up with the Field Supervisor to ensure timely completion.Assisted the Project Manager in preparing monthly billing for all projects.Supported the Project Manager in preparing monthly cost projections.

Dallas, Tx, Us

As the Senior Project Engineer overseeing the Scripps Memorial Hospital – La Jolla seismic retrofit program, a $139 million project mandated by California legislation Senate Bill 1953 (SB-1953), I was responsible for managing the retrofit of a 400,000-square-foot flagship hospital. The project involved six acute care hospital buildings that required structural upgrades. The hospital remained operational throughout construction, with a strict infection control and life-safety program in place. As part of the OSHPD SPC-2 seismic upgrade, various make-ready and build-back projects were required to accommodate the structural upgrades. The affected areas were also required to comply with current building codes, including ADA compliance, fire and life safety improvements, and NPC upgrades. The project successfully met all state-mandated SB-1953 deadlines while maintaining a zero-injury worksite.Key responsibilities include:Assisted the Project Manager in managing construction projects.Developed peer constructability reviews of design documents.Developed and updated the project schedule as directed.Assisted in the coordination, development, and accuracy of project estimates, budgets, revisions, cost coding, and cash flow charts.Analyzed changes to contract documents, including Owner Change Order Requests (CORs) and Subcontractor Change Orders (SCOs).Reviewed cost reports with the Project Manager and assisted in establishing final costs.Worked with the Project Manager to perform thorough and objective bid analyses, considering all applicable components.Prepared subcontractor Schedules of Values and monthly owner billings in coordination with the Project Manager.

Dallas, Tx, Us

As a Project Engineer on the Huntington Hospital West Tower project, a $170 million, six-story hospital tower in Pasadena, California, I contributed to the construction of a 237,734-square-foot facility. The project included 96 private patient rooms, 32 acute care beds, a clinical laboratory, pharmacy, cafeteria, pedestrian tunnel, and a patient bridge.Key Responsibilities:Assisted in the development and management of the project schedule, ensuring timely completion of each phase.Coordinated with subcontractors and vendors to ensure accurate and on-time delivery of materials and services.Monitored daily construction activities, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and quality standards.Prepared and reviewed cost estimates, change orders, and progress reports in collaboration with the Project Manager.Assisted in resolving technical issues, reviewing design documents, and conducting on-site inspections to ensure compliance with specifications.

Dallas, Tx, Us

As a Project Engineer on the Ohio State University Medical Center expansion, a $1 billion program, I contributed to the largest project in the history of the university. Formerly known as "ProjectONE," the project has now been renamed the Wexner Medical Center. This highly congested, multi-phased project includes a comprehensive cancer center, a research institute, and a critical care center. The 20-story hospital tower will house 276 cancer beds and 144 critical care beds.Key Responsibilities:Assisted in the development and management of the project schedule, ensuring all phases were completed on time and within scope.Supported the Project Manager in monitoring the project’s budget, tracking costs, and preparing detailed financial reports.Managed daily site activities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and project specifications.Assisted with design reviews and provided technical support to resolve issues and ensure coordination among all project stakeholders.Collaborated with the construction team to oversee logistics, ensuring minimal disruption to existing medical operations during construction.Led field inspections to assess construction progress and quality, reporting findings to the project team for immediate action.Contributed to the preparation and review of change orders, RFIs, and submittals to ensure timely approvals and issue resolutions.

Providence, Ri, Us

As the Project Intern working on The Pennsylvania State University Forestry Resources Building, I contributed to the construction of a four-story, LEED-certified building designed to consolidate various aspects of the forestry program under one roof. The $22 million, 98,000-square-foot building was part of the East Sub-Campus development, which also included the construction of five additional buildings.Key Responsibilities:Assisted in the development and management of the project schedule, ensuring all phases were completed on time and within scope.Coordinated with subcontractors and vendors to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of materials and services.Supported project management in maintaining the budget, tracking project costs, and ensuring financial goals were met.Monitored daily construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, safety standards, and LEED certification requirements.Assisted in reviewing and coordinating submittals, RFIs, and change orders, ensuring timely approvals and prompt resolution of issues.Conducted regular site inspections to assess construction progress and quality, providing detailed reports to the project team.Collaborated with design and construction teams to resolve technical issues and ensure the project stayed aligned with the original scope and goals.Ensured all construction practices adhered to the sustainability criteria required for LEED certification.

Providence, Ri, Us

As the Project Intern for the Pennsylvania State University Food Science Building, also known as the “PSU Creamery,” I contributed to the construction of a four-story building designed to replace outdated facilities. The $45.7 million, 130,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility houses teaching and research laboratories, classrooms, offices, production space, and a pilot plant for research testing by food companies.Key Responsibilities:Assisted in the development and management of the project schedule, ensuring all phases were completed on time and within scope.Coordinated with subcontractors and vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.Supported project management in tracking and maintaining the project budget, ensuring all financial goals were met.Monitored daily construction activities to ensure compliance with project specifications, safety standards, and quality control.Assisted in reviewing and coordinating submittals, RFIs, and change orders, ensuring timely approvals and resolution of issues.Conducted regular site inspections to monitor construction progress and quality, providing detailed reports to the project team.Collaborated with design and construction teams to resolve technical issues and ensure alignment with the original project scope and goals.Ensured all construction practices adhered to sustainability criteria and other regulatory requirements.

As the Co-Owner of Trotwood Painting and Roofing, I am responsible for managing all aspects of the company’s operations, from strategic planning and project oversight to team leadership. With a focus on delivering high-quality service and ensuring client satisfaction, I work to ensure our painting and roofing projects not only meet but exceed expectations.Key Responsibilities:Project Management: Oversee 15-20 simultaneous painting and roofing contracts, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.Team Leadership: Lead and manage a team of 20-25 skilled employees, fostering a collaborative, motivated work environment.Client Relations: Build strong relationships with clients, achieving a client satisfaction score exceeding 95%, with 100% of clients expressing interest in future projects.Estimation & Budgeting: Provide accurate estimates and manage project budgets to ensure profitability and customer satisfaction.Marketing & Business Development: Drive marketing efforts, including enhancing our digital presence and community outreach, to generate new business opportunities.Operational Oversight: Manage daily operations, including scheduling, logistics, and resource management.Financial Management: Oversee accounting, tax management, and financial planning to ensure the company’s fiscal health.Quality Assurance: Implement quality control processes to maintain high standards in every project.

Bachelor'S Degree, Architectural Engineering

Minor - Architecture

High School Diploma