R.D. McDonnell, AIA, CSI
Founder and Principal

McDonnell Group
Other Firms

Mr. McDonnell is founder and Principal of McDonnell Group. He possesses over 30 years of combined experience in the fields of architecture, planning, civil engineering and construction. As Principal, he has directed multi-discipline teams on over 300 projects during the past 8 years. Primary clientele include Lenders, Equity Investors, Developers and Design Professionals.

City of Whittier Planning Commission, Member and Past- Commission Chair (2001 to Present)
City of Whittier Sign Task Force, Chair (2001 to 2002)
City of Whittier Historic Train Depot Task Force, Member (1997 to Present)
City of Whittier Design Review Board, Member and Past- Board Chair (1994 to 1998)
Rotary Club of Whittier, Club President (2008/2009)
Rotary Club of Whittier Annual All-Star High School
Baseball/Softball Classic, Committee Chair (2008 to Present)
Gateway Community Development Corporation, Board Member and Past Board-Chair (2001 to 2005)
Whittier Area Economic Development Corporation, Board Member
AIA/LA Membership Committee Chair (1994)
AIA/LA Associates Board of Directors, Board President (1986)
State of California, Office of Emergency Services (OES), Safety Assessment Volunteer - Current
California High School A/E Academy Mentor

In the field of architecture, Mr. McDonnell has experience in design, working drawings and construction management/administration. During an 8 year tenure with HNTB Corporation as Director of Construction & Special Services, his responsibilities included directing numerous projects simultaneously in the field of construction consulting services. These services included comparative construction cost estimates, construction document review, building condition analysis and construction monitoring.

Mr. McDonnell was also involved in directing the construction services for the Santa Monica Bay Towers Earthquake Repair project, Anaheim Convention Center Modernization and two (2) California State Prison projects.

As Principal of McDonnell Group, Mr. McDonnell directs staff engaged in providing various planning consulting services to Clients. Activities include the validation of Environmental Impact Reports, geotechnical and environmental assessments; verification of conformance with agency "conditions of approval"; opinions on assessment district cost impacts; and various other entitlement "due diligence" tasks.

Other relevant projects include the seismic retrofit, renovation and adaptive reuse of space at Long Beach Veterans Stadium. The scope of work included the construction of new food concessions, Press Box upgrades and a physical education facility.

While working for the firm of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, he was involved with Type I to III construction systems such as the 750,000 SF Getty Plaza Office Tower in Universal City, and the 350,000 SF Burbank Center.

While employed by MCA Recreation Services, Mr. McDonnell was directly responsible for the survey and preparation of as-built drawings of the Universal City Studios Tour Entertainment Center. Other experience includes Operations Management positions with the Universal Studios Tour and Amphitheater.

Rotary International, Member
American Institute of Architects, Professional Member
Construction Specifications Institute, Professional Member
National Federation of Independent Business, Member
Whittier Chamber of Commerce, Member