Building on Legacy: Justin Graham and Troy Hertel

Earlier this year, Justin Graham and Troy Hertel were both promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President. From their humble beginnings with Schaefer Architecture three decades ago, both Justin and Troy have been mentored by influential leaders at our firm, preparing them for their transition into leadership roles. Building on our firm’s legacy and extensive history of fostering talent with a wealth of experience, uniting and uplifting communities, and creating well-designed, high-performing facilities, Justin and Troy are prepared and well-equipped to lead us into the future.

Justin Graham, AIA

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Justin, a licensed architect with 27 years of experience at Schaefer, serves as project manager in addition to his role of Senior Vice President. His expertise spans corporate, financial, and government projects, and he brings decades of experience to every endeavor. Justin understands that each new project presents an opportunity to actively listen to clients, develop unique solutions, lead team efforts to ensure customer satisfaction, and positively impact the surrounding community.

Beginning his design journey as an intern at our firm in 1994 and joining full-time in 1997, Justin has built a significant career, attributing his success to hard work, attention to detail, and thoughtful consideration of stakeholder input both inside and outside the office. When asked what he finds most fulfilling about his work, Justin said, “Watching a project develop from inception to the finished product, and the relationships that are built along the way.” In his role as Senior Vice President, his management style focuses on listening to his peers, whether it involves long-term strategic planning or day-to-day business and human resource decisions. To Justin, the best way to support our talented staff in their growth is by considering their ideas and suggestions to inform innovative design solutions and enhance our office culture.

Troy Hertel, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Troy, a licensed architect with 30 years at Schaefer, has used his extensive experience to develop creative solutions for a wide variety of projects. His expertise in construction, renovation, and school master planning and expansion, combined with meticulous attention to meeting clients’ needs and expectations, has earned Troy the trust and confidence of many of our firm’s clients and partners. As Senior Vice President, he aims to continue the legacy of fostering growth and collaboration for both current and future projects.

Starting his three-decade-long career with Schaefer as an intern in 1993 and being hired full-time by 1994, Troy reflects on his journey with gratitude. When asked about his success, he said, “When looking at our firm’s long history, we have had many talented and experienced employees. Not only does this experience and expertise help grow the firm, but it also supports the growth of younger employees in the process. I feel I have learned so much from this experience, and it has shaped who I am today. I am very grateful to be part of this legacy.” Troy’s approach to success includes listening to clients’ needs, exceeding their expectations, and delivering projects that will serve them and their communities for years to come.

As we celebrate Justin and Troy’s new roles and their continued contributions, we recognize that their leadership embodies the very essence of Schaefer’s core values—imagination, collaboration, stewardship, and joy. These values are not only the foundation of their professional success but also guide the firm’s ongoing efforts to create spaces that enrich lives, foster collaboration, and inspire communities. With Justin and Troy’s direction, Schaefer will continue to uphold its legacy of innovation and excellence, nurturing the next generation of architects and professionals while maintaining the high standards that have defined Schaefer for decades. Their leadership represents a seamless blend of tradition and forward-thinking, ensuring that every project we undertake will reflect our commitment to both creative design and the impact it has on the communities we serve.