Principals

Licensed engineers who review every deliverable

All principals are licensed professional engineers and personally review work before it reaches the client.

Michael W. Emmerich, PE, LEED AP

Vice President · Mechanical

Michael joined Grotheer & Company straight out of college in 1997 as a junior mechanical engineer and was elevated to project manager within a couple of years. He became a principal in 2001 and Vice President in 2012.

He is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, and a LEED Accredited Professional. Over the years he has provided HVAC, plumbing and fire protection design and analysis for many application types, with specializations in controls, security and historic structures.

His responsibilities span calculations, design, site investigation and survey, cost estimating, submittal and shop drawing review, construction administration and project management, including testing and balancing of air systems and analysis of existing systems for retrofit or replacement.

Michael has successfully led the company in adapting to changing market conditions — energy efficiency, the shift toward design/build, and accelerated construction schedules — to ensure clients continue to receive the best possible product and service.

Philip K. Grotheer, PE

Principal · Mechanical

Mr. Grotheer started at Grotheer & Company as a part-time intern in the 1980s while studying engineering at the University of Maryland, where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.

He is a licensed professional engineer and continues the family practice founded in 1954, leading mechanical design and client relationships across federal, local government and private-sector work.

C.J. Van Vooren, PE, LEED AP

Principal · Mechanical

C.J. Van Vooren joined Grotheer & Company in 2004 as a mechanical engineer. Over the years he grew into the role of project manager, and in 2015 he became a principal with the firm, where he is dedicated to ensuring the continued success of the company.

He enjoys helping clients determine what their needs are and then providing innovative engineering solutions to exceed their goals. C.J. understands the challenges associated with a wide variety of projects, from local historic renovations to overseas mechanical upgrade projects for U.S. Government clients.

Prior to joining Grotheer & Company, C.J. worked for CSC, where he provided engineering support for U.S. Navy ship programs. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2000 with a degree in Ocean Engineering.

C.J. is a licensed professional mechanical engineer in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland, and a LEED Accredited Professional.