L e a d e r s h i p

Robert J. Trauth, NCIDQ, LEED AP is Managing Director of Trauth, LLC; a professional in the field of real estate project development and advisory services with nearly forty years of experience in commercial architecture, interiors, construction management, leasing, facility management, general contracting, and property development throughout the United States.

Prior to forming Trauth, LLC, Mr. Trauth was employed by Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. the world’s leading owner and operator of showroom buildings and trade show facilities including the Merchandise Mart, 350 West Mart Center and many other design centers across the country.  As a Project Director in Construction Services, Robert was responsible for on-going management, development and tenant improvement of over 6.2 million square feet of space in the Merchandise Mart, 350 West Mart Center, Washington Design Center, Boston Design Center, and LA Mart.  Mr. Trauth managed an average of 50 projects per year with an average annual budget of $10 to $20 million.  

Accountable for all phases of the project life cycle from client contact and site selection to construction close-out and move management, Robert is especially adept at establishing detailed project scopes, and, developing accurate budgets and schedules for each project — consistently delivering his projects on time and on budget.

Bob has had the opportunity to “sit in every chair at the table” throughout his career.  He started in the field of architecture and interior design with Trauth Associates, Ltd., served as Director of Store Planning and Construction for Gingiss Formalwear, provided Facility Project Management at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, worked as Senior Project Manager and Project Executive for several Chicago area general contractors, and, augmented CBRE's Project Management Group for several years including its Asset Management and Corporate Services groups. Additional experience includes work with a joint venture of Golub & GID Development, Newmark, SPAAN Tech, and Cotter Consulting, Inc. in various roles. His wide range of knowledge and depth of experience makes him suitable to fit in many different rolls and provides a unique perspective to Trauth's clients.

Robert holds a Bachelors Degree in Interior Architecture from Northern Illinois University and is a Registered Interior Designer and licensed to practice in the State of Illinois and certified by the NCIDQ.  Mr. Trauth is also a LEED accredited professional with the USGBC and is a former Director of the Institute of Store Planners and International Interior Design Association. He has authored many articles and has had design work published in numerous trade publications.  View Robert's LinkedIn Profile