Robert J. Proutt

Education

JD, University of Baltimore School of Law
BA, History, University of Virginia

Range of Experience

Established commercial construction leader and strategist with proven understanding of all facets of construction, including development, design, marketing, procurement, preconstruction, delivery methods, contract negotiation, scheduling, field operations, turnover and closeout.  Experienced attorney possessing sophisticated legal skills with emphasis on construction issues.  Excellent manager of people focused upon relationship building and collaboration.

Professional and Business Experience

Proutt Consulting LLC
Owner and Founder, 2006 to Present

Utilizing thirty-five years of experience in commercial construction and  the practice of law to assist owners in managing the design/construction process. Provide leadership and advocacy so that the owner’s expectations for budget,
schedule and quality are met. Emphasizing collaboration, communication and cooperation within the design/construction team to meet owner’s goals.

The Mullan Contracting Company
Executive Vice President, 2002-2006

Responsible for the day to day operation of 102 year old general contractor/construction manager.  The first year was spent completing and closing four difficult projects.  Staff was evaluated and replaced as necessary.  New estimators were hired and a business development department was established.  Daily interaction with project managers, superintendents and staff.  Communicated with owners and architects.  Emphasis on quality, schedule and safety.

Legal expertise was used to draft and negotiate owner contracts, negotiate subcontractor contracts, respond to bonding company issues, document and pursue claims, and in claims avoidance.

Proutt Construction, Inc.
Owner/President, 2001-2002

Started construction management company in order to provide quality construction services through negotiated work. Recruited highly skilled estimator and senior project manager.  Volume of work in first 16 months was $13 million.  Company was voluntarily closed in July, 2002, after careful assessment of future business versus personal risk.

Riparius Construction, Inc.
President, 1995-2001

Recruited to restructure struggling construction company.  Increased annual volume from $8 million in 1994 to $92 million in 2000.  Staff increased from 17 in 1994 to approximately 80 in 2000.  Established business development group and human resources department.  Reassigned key executives and recruited experienced project managers and superintendents.  Management structure changed from horizontal to vertical.  Utilizing key personnel, managed the entire process including preconstruction, operations, accounting and business development.  Coordinated activities with sister development company.

• Grand Award: Commercial, Building Team Project of the Year Award from Building Design and Construction Magazine for the T. Rowe Price Project.
• Craftsmanship Awards presented by the Building Congress & Exchange
• ENR Top 400 Contractor, 1998
• ENR Top 100 Construction Manager at Risk, 1998
• ABC Safety Award, 1999\

Rosenberg Proutt Funk & Greenberg
Founding Partner, 1987-1995

One of four founding partners of a general practice offering highly sophisticated legal services in a small, personalized setting. Developed general litigation practice with emphasis on construction law.  Represented owners, contractors, subcontractors and engineers.  Practice included trial and appellate work in State and Federal court.  Arbitration through the American Arbitration Association.

Venable Baetjer and Howard
Associate, 1982-1987

Offered position of associate in litigation department upon graduation from law school without any prior legal experience.  Immediately assigned to major litigation before the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals defending the State of Maryland in a multi million dollar claim by Hensel Phelps arising from the contruction of Phase I of the Baltimore Subway System.  Received excellent annual reviews, and was on track to be partner.

Charles Engineering Company
1974-1982

Learned all aspects of this small, family operated general contactor specializing primarily on work from the major oil companies.  Work included finishing concrete, operating heavy equipment, paving, lay out, installing underground tanks and relating piping, estimating, superintending, project management, and bookkeeping.

While employed by Charles Engineering, attended law school at night from 1978-1982.  Member of Law Review.

Memberships

• Board Member – Goucher College (2011-present)
• Maryland State Bar Association  
• Associated Builders and Contractors (1995-2006)
• AIA Baltimore  (1995-2008)
• Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations

Professional Activities

• Guest lecturer on the topic of mechanic’s liens at University of Maryland School of Law
• President, Building Congress and Exchange Foundation, 2000
• Seminar on Project Delivery Methods
• Training session for Maryland Nonprofit Association re design/construction
• Civil Mediator