We are pleased to announce that Raaj Patel has joined the Vanir team as our new Deputy Director of Design-Build Programs and Services. Raaj’s role will be broad and provide many opportunities while staying connected to owners. His immediate focus will be on supporting Vanir’s program management team at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, helping deliver unique and complex projects and solutions.
A known leader in the industry, Raaj has more than 28 years of diversified experience in program, project and construction management. He has served as a project manager, construction manager, general contractor, owner’s representative and owner on a variety of highly visible programs for both the public and private sectors. As an experienced program and project leader, Raaj is skilled in public speaking; contract management; and program, project and construction management.
Raaj has also been at the forefront of creating owner value – utilizing industry best practices, such as collaboration, innovation, Lean principles, change management, trust and project culture, to create successful project outcomes. He will stay connected to those industry practitioners with whom he has built strong relationships over the years. Raaj is “extremely excited” that this position will allow him the opportunity to guide, educate and develop through his passion for design-build best practices.
Raaj holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Surrey in England. In addition, he is a Design-Build and LEED Accredited Professional and a licensed general contractor. Raaj also has deep affiliations with CMAA and has served as president of CMAA’s Northern California Chapter. Under his term, the chapter was awarded Chapter of the Year by CMAA National for its active engagement with university student chapters, owners, associations and industry professionals.
