GRAEF began as an individual partnership founded by three structural engineers on July 1, 1961 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The fledgling company was named Graef, Anhalt, Schloemer–Consulting Engineers.
Since that time, GRAEF has continually grown its staff and capabilities through acquisitions, projects with a true client-focus, and an invigorating work environment.
GRAEF is proud to be an international firm with a focus on each of our hometowns.
GRAEF History
1961
Doors Open!
Lou, Len, and Bob get to work in Len Anhalt's basement, beginning as a structural engineering firm.
1967
Incorporation
1968
Expanded Services
Civil and municipal departments are created at the firm.
1980
Top 500!
GAS becomes the first Milwaukee-based engineering firm to place on the ENR Top 500 list, coming in at #412!
1981
Growing
The firm acquires Phillips & Associates in Wisconsin's Fox Valley, making the first expansion of service outside of southeastern Wisconsin.
1988
Chicago
Richard Miller & Associates, a Chicago OHare area engineering firm, is acquired.
1991
Madison
The firm expands its presence to Wisconsin's capital, opening our doors in Madison.
1992
Green Bay
The Fox Valley office moves to Green Bay!
ESOP
Every employee becomes an owner as the firm becomes an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Program).
1998
Continued Growth
With the firm's population surpassing 300 employees, the headquarters move to Milwaukee's Honey Creek Corporate Center.
2000
Mechanical
Mechanical engineering services are added to the firm through the acquisition of Hailing, Sikkema, Heaton.
2001
The Loop
Expanding in Chicago, the firm acquires Beer, Gorski, Graff, Ltd and opens a Chicago Loop office.
More Services
The MEP department expands with the acquisition of Zak Engineering, Inc.
2004
Sunshine State
The firm opens a Naples, FL office, beginning a new adventure in our southern home!
2008
MEP in FLA
BCA Consulting & Design Engineers in Orlando is acquired, expanding our Florida presence and MEP capabilities.
PDI GRAEF
The Planning & Design Institute is acquired and expands the firm's services.
2009
Name Change
The firm changes our name to GRAEF. It is easier to pronounce, remember, and reflects the national organization we have become.
2011
50 Years!
GRAEF celebrates 50 years in business with a big blow out at Miller Park in Milwaukee!
2018
More MEP
GRAEF further expands electrical design capabilities with the acquisition of Czarnecki Engineering.
Miami Bound
GRAEF grows in Florida after acquiring Consulting Engineering and Science, Inc. in Miami. CES expands civil and environmental capabilities and adds coastal engineering expertise.
Heading North
GRAEF explores the north and opens an office in Minneapolis!
2020
Heading to the Avenue
GRAEF headquarters moves to downtown Milwaukee, anchoring the redevelopment of the Grand Avenue and igniting excitement along Wisconsin Avenue!
2022
Going International
GRAEF goes international with the acquisition of Erickson Consulting Engineers (ECE)/ Coastal Design and Engineering (CDE), ECE is located in Sarasota, FL, while CDE is located in Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos.