I'm an architect, Project Manager and Construction Manager with over 30 years of experience in design and construction management. My expertise is with institutions, higher education, and retail/entertainment facilities. I've managed the design and 'roll out' of large retail centers (over 2m sq ft/186k sm) to Nokia stores (1000sf/93sm), $400m BioPharma plants to $40m wet lab biological research facilities; healthcare, and higher education projects from Harvard University to Pomona College. I've worked in both large and small firms, private firms and a large public firm. As Operations Director for the international construction consultancy Faithful+Gould, I managed the PM/CM services in California and Western US region. In addition to my design management skills, I have extensive experience with Value Management, Risk Management and Cost Controls.
With my well honed skill sets, my character and values I can provide a significant contribution to building a successful organization. The collaborative, team approach, mentoring and quality assurance best practices have been my hallmark for many years. At Faithful+Gould, my responsibilities included both strategic and tactical planning with national and international colleagues, total familiarity with an international practice, and line-responsibility for managing the completion of high end, complex hospitality and institutional projects.
My goals are to grow an organization that is focused on high quality, manage the development of cutting edge, sustainable design, and responsibility to bring these projects through construction on time and below cost. Photos and with more details of my projects can be found on the LInkedIn Profile (Portfolio), as well as my website. I am flexible regarding travel, and relocation will not be an issue.
e | john@merklerassociates.com
Li | http://www.linkedin.com/pub/johannes-merkler-aia/13/604/38
w | http://www.merklerassociates.com
c | +1-858-735-9991
s | john.merkler
Faithful+Gould, Operations Director
Project Management
Line management of all PM/CM work in California and reviewing CM work in other regions. Projects for Nokia, Barclay, Pomona College, HealthBridge Healthcare, Hotel Angeleno, LACCD/VE and UC/Irvine. As Project Exec. at Pomona College provided design and construction management for multiple projects with 2 on-site CM staff for over $50M in construction and $4m in design fees. Responsible for all west coast Marriot/Host re-investment projects, other hospitality PM/CM and all Higher Education. For LACCD and other clients, he developed and led all of the Value Engineering work – saving over $30M in costs across 13 projects
Client Relations – Primary responsibilities included managing client expectations for all private sector clients on the west coast. The client types included Higher Education, Healthcare, Data Centers, Mixed Use, Hospitality and with the VP – Transportation.
Corporate communications/revenue projections – Responsibilities included communicating with prospects/proposals/wins through internal corporate network; forecasting revenue, profit and staffing for all projects managed in real time monthly. Represented F+G at all conferences including AIA, CCFC and LEED
Staff Retention/Hiring – Merkler’s corporate tasks included finding and hiring all CM staff in non- estimating/cost control assignments. He consulted on all senior level corporate hires. His re-staffing of key assignments in the CM sector previous decimated, established a freshly invigorated, thriving PM/CM practice. He personally found, induced and hired/assigned 4 key staff members into three different offices.
Business Development – Working closely with corporate senior staff he played a key role in Business Development. Responsibilities included developing overall BD goals for the group, integrating into corporate goals, developing presentations and fee proposals, finding selecting sub- consultants and leading presentations. Market sectors: PM/CM, Cost Management, Owners Representation, Risk
Management, Value Management, Facilities Assessment
Client List - Design Management & CA
Los Angeles Community College District
Marriott
Hilton
Pomona College
Nokia
Barclays Bank
ENARTEC, VP of Architecture
VP of Architecture
Recruited from Boston to inaugurate an architectural design component of a leading specialty engineering firm, and direct a new ‘roll out’ of a prototypical aquarium concept. I was responsible for the development and implementation of a new aquarium prototype - for Ripley Entertainment. Envisioned to be implemented across the US, on a much smaller and economic scale than previous similar attractions. Developed an architectural marketing, sales and staff recruitment program. Completing the first project - a “hyper-fast track” process in Myrtle Beach South Carolina in 1998.
Developed the 'Free Willy' Aquarium in Oregon for the movie star mammal along the central Oregon Coast. Additions to the Chicago, and Monterey aquariums. Developed prototype designs for aquarium attractions around the world - including Japan, China and Argentina.
Project Types: Aquariums, attractions, retail.
CambridgeSeven, Associate
Associate/Senior Project Manager
Design Management, Marketing, Business Development, Construction Administration and Document QS
As an Associate, I managed a wide variety of projects, most importantly the complete Western Development Corp building program from 1986 to 1991. Managing a staff of approx 13 to complete over 2m SF of Themed/Entertainment Retail and of over $160M in construction cost. In this role, I lead multiple contractors and consultant teams on projects in Philadelphia and Chicago, and the client in Washington DC. Before leaving in 1995, I completed the Boston University Medical Center - BioSquare $200m Master Plan and entitlement through the City of Boston’s Redevelopment Agency.
Project Types: Retail, Institutional, Higher Education, Entertainment, Transportation, Aquariums
Architects Collaborative Incorporated, Project Manager
Project Manager
Responsible for development of design and documentation for large $200M, air-rights, "Mixed-Use" project in Boston - Copley Place for Urban Development Investment Corp, and a Higher Education design for the University of Baghdad, Baghdad Iraq. Working with an international team of Quantity Surveyors and constructors in Iraq, redesigned the Gropius inspired 'central core' of the university complex.
Lawrence Technological University, BArch, Architecture
Architecture, Historic Renovation
San Diego AIA - Public Service Award, Award
Chairing the AIA Design Awards for 2000 & 2001
California Woodworking Award - San Diego Museum of Art, Award
Use of wood products by the Woodworking Association
NAVFAC (Naval Facilities)- Design Award, Award
Design Merit - NAVFAC - USS Nautilus Memorial & Submarine Force Museum and Library - 1986
Boston Society of Architects - Export Award, Award
Boston Society of Architects - Export Award - USS Nautilus Memorial - 1986
