Architecture is more than design, it is a process. At its best, it is an inclusive process that captures ideals and reaches beyond all expectations. When truly successful, each participant is changed by it, and every community is transformed.

Johannes (John) Merkler has dedicated over 30 years perfecting this process. As an Associate at Boston’s AIA’s “Firm of the Year” - Cambridge Seven Associates, he pioneered the Project Manager role, formulated while managing national projects, and coordinated distant team members with local C7A designers. At The Architects Collaborative, one of the largest and most prolific architectural firms of its day, he lead international projects.

At mid-career, for Boston University, he was asked to step up to Project Management, leading Boston University in receiving BRA zoning approval to complete the Boston University Medical Center Master Plan expansion - BioSquare.

Throughout his career, Merkler’s operating philosophy has been “on time and on budget.” As an example he developed novel Value Engineering Workshops to assist clients in meeting their budget and timeline objectives. Between 2003 and 2005 he led VE workshops for the Los Angeles Community College District across 9 campuses resulting in savings of over $30m over 13 projects, while ensuring that the design integrity, construction quality and LEED standards were never compromised.

Active in sustainability design and construction, Merkler’s LEED experience dates from 2001 when he lead the LEED analysis for one of the first LEED “Silver” laboratories in the State of California - Pomona College Seaver Biology Complex.

His practice has evolved to include Owner’s Representation for select higher education institutions. In this role he initiated the UC/I Medical Center, and the Seaver South Biology Research Laboratory for Pomona College (LA), and the $25m renovation of the flagship San Francisco Marriott downtown Marquise  Hotel.

Merkler has solid expertise in all types of project delivery methods - Negotiated Bid, Fast Track, Design-Build and traditional Design/Bid/Build. He is a talented leader and facilitator of stakeholder programming and review meetings. He is equally at ease presenting to Boards of Directors, Design Review agencies as running O/A/C meetings.

He believes that management of the design and construction process from inception to completion is truly a craft, requiring patience, active listening, effective negotiation and an overarching dedication to the goals and aspirations of the owner. The Projects and Skills tabs highlight project objectives and accomplishments.