Michael joined Grotheer & Company straight out of college in 1997 as a junior mechanical engineer and was elevated to project manager within a couple of years. He became a principal in 2001 and Vice President in 2012. He has been at all levels of the mechanical engineering discipline and has a keen understanding of the plusses and minuses associated with each.
He is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, and a LEED Accredited Professional. Over the years he has provided HVAC, plumbing and fire protection design and analysis for many application types, with specializations in controls, security and historic structures.
His responsibilities span calculations, design, site investigation and survey, cost estimating, submittal and shop drawing review, construction administration and project management, including testing and balancing of air systems and analysis of existing systems for retrofit or replacement.
Knowing your role is an important aspect of being a team player with communication being the glue that holds everything together. Whether being the team lead or in a supportive role, Michael has proven that he can play each role effectively.
Michael has successfully led the company in adapting to changing market conditions — energy efficiency, the shift toward design/build, and accelerated construction schedules — to ensure clients continue to receive the best possible product and service.
Mr. Grotheer started working at Grotheer & Company as a part-time intern in the 1980s while studying engineering at the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.
Shortly thereafter, Phil developed an early interest in robotics and automation through involvement in a special project during his final two years in school. He went on to hold positions at Hughes STX, working on a commercial robot startup venture, and then at a renowned Baltimore machine tool developer, where he designed large automation equipment.
Phil returned to Grotheer & Company in 2002 to learn commercial building HVAC, plumbing, and fire sprinkler design, establishing a long-term commitment to the building design field. After a few short years, Mr. Grotheer began taking on project management roles on many of his jobs. In 2006, he became a principal in the firm and now serves as a principal mechanical engineer and the firm’s Treasurer.
With hundreds of design projects under his belt, Phil takes an active, hands-on approach to all his projects. He thoroughly enjoys getting to know each job early in the design process. Whether large or small, institutional or commercial, each project has its own unique requirements.
Phil believes in asking questions early, stating assumptions clearly, and communicating often throughout the project. Without direct communication with the client, clients may wonder what is happening with their project or why the designer chose a particular path without their consent.
Phil is always looking forward to continuing his relationships with longtime customers and bringing in new ones. He believes engineering is fun and enjoys working with the great people within the firm and his customers, who are considered part of the Grotheer team. He is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in Maryland and is a member of ASHRAE and the ICC.
As part of the family practice founded in 1954, Phil continues to lead mechanical design and client relationships across federal, local government, and private-sector work.
C.J. Van Vooren joined Grotheer & Company in 2004 as a mechanical engineer. Over the years, he grew into the role of project manager, and in 2015 he became a principal with the firm, where he is dedicated to ensuring the continued success of the company.
During his time with Grotheer & Company, C.J. has learned the importance of providing clients with the highest level service possible. He enjoys helping clients determine what their needs are and then providing innovative engineering solutions to exceed their goals.
C.J. understands the challenges associated with a wide variety of projects, from local historic renovations to overseas mechanical upgrade projects for U.S. Government clients. His consistent and attentive performance has earned him a reputation with clients and colleagues as a valuable team member that they can count on to deliver.
Prior to joining Grotheer & Company, C.J. worked for CSC, where he provided engineering support for U.S. Navy ship programs. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2000 with a degree in Ocean Engineering.
C.J. is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, and a LEED Accredited Professional.
