Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Construction Contractors in Pasadena, CA
Raam Construction is a family-owned general building contracting firm with nearly two decades of experience delivering high-quality multifamily housing projects across Southern California. Our team partners with developers, architects, engineers, and government agencies to create sustainable, affordable, and durable housing solutions that revitalize communities. We prioritize collaboration, transparency, and integrity in every project, ensuring cost-effective results without compromising quality. Our self-performance of over 70% of critical trade work allows unparalleled control over timelines and budgets. With leadership boasting decades of industry expertise, including specialized experience in historic preservation and senior housing, we approach every project as our own, guaranteeing a personal commitment to excellence.Our comprehensive services span budgeting, scheduling, design collaboration, and specialty trades such as concrete, masonry, and MEP. Through our immersive Apprentice Program, we cultivate future industry leaders while maintaining rigorous standards in safety, compliance, and technical precision. Our proven track record of delivering complex projects ahead of schedule and within budget has earned long-term trust from clients across market-rate, affordable, and supportive housing sectors.
Services
Budgeting & Estimating
Forecasting & Scheduling
Design Collaboration
Specialty Trades
Apprentice Training
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We self-perform 70%+ of critical trade work for superior cost control
- Leadership team with 25+ years construction management experience
- Proven track record delivering projects ahead of schedule since 2005
- Collaborates with 50+ community partners for holistic development solutions
- Maintains strict compliance with all building codes and accessibility standards
Services
Budgeting & Estimating
Our expert team provides precise budget estimates tailored to each project's specific goals. With seasoned professionals who've worked with major entities like The Walt Disney Company, we ensure financial accuracy while maintaining flexibility for project-specific requirements. This service helps clients maintain fiscal control throughout the construction lifecycle.
Forecasting & Scheduling
We develop detailed schedules and forecasts to guarantee timely project delivery. Our senior scheduler's extensive experience with large-scale developments ensures realistic timelines that account for potential challenges while maintaining efficiency and resource optimization across all construction phases.
Design Collaboration
We facilitate close collaboration between owners, designers, and project partners to resolve design issues efficiently. Our proactive approach identifies potential conflicts early, streamlining the construction process while maintaining design integrity and functional requirements throughout project execution.
Specialty Trades
As general contractors, we deliver comprehensive specialty trade services including structural concrete, framing, masonry, drywall, and MEP systems. By self-performing 70%+ of critical work, we maintain superior quality control while optimizing cost efficiency across all construction elements.
Apprentice Program
Our immersive three-phase program provides hands-on experience in pre-construction, field operations, and office management. Participants gain real-world skills in bidding processes and self-performed trades while earning industry-recognized certifications, preparing them for successful construction careers through practical, multi-disciplinary training.
People
Richard Lara
Co-Founder & Chief Construction Officer
With 25+ years in construction management, Richard specializes in multi-unit projects that create quality housing for seniors and low-income families. His philosophy emphasizes knowledge sharing to build stronger communities through collaborative development practices.
Lisa Lara
Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer
Lisa oversees financial operations with expertise in multifamily asset finance and Wall Street loan marketing. Her background includes financial analyst roles at FDIC and City National Bank, bringing strategic fiscal management to RAAM's operations.
Richard Lara Jr.
Director of Development & Operations
With a USC civil engineering degree and 5+ years in construction, Richard manages pre-construction efforts and project continuity. His technical expertise and field experience strengthen RAAM's processes from planning through project completion.
Chris Schultz
Executive Vice President
Chris brings decades of construction leadership experience across multiple roles. Known for delivering high-quality projects ahead of schedule, he specializes in market-rate and affordable housing sectors with a collaborative team approach to project management.
Arturo Sanchez
Vice President, Field Operations
With 15+ years in construction, Arturo ensures regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. His expertise in building codes and proactive problem-solving maintains project timelines while coordinating multiple trades teams across complex developments.
Questions
What types of construction projects does RAAM specialize in?
We specialize in multifamily housing developments including affordable, senior, and market-rate housing with expertise in historic preservation and community revitalization projects.
Do you offer construction management services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive construction management including budgeting, scheduling, design coordination, and field operations oversight for both public and private sector clients.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Pasadena, CA, we serve all Southern California markets with project experience extending from Hawaii to the Midwest.
Do you have an apprentice training program?
Yes, our three-phase apprentice program offers hands-on training in pre-construction, field operations, and office management with industry certification opportunities.
What makes RAAM different from other contractors?
We self-perform 70%+ of critical trade work, maintain 20+ years of community-focused experience, and guarantee transparent pricing with personal commitment to every project.
Can you handle complex housing developments?
Our team successfully delivers complex projects across various housing sectors including permanent supportive housing, historic renovations, and mixed-use developments.
