About Us
Our family’s roots in California’s construction industry run deep. C.W. McGrath, Inc., established in the early 1940s, became a respected name throughout Southern California for its craftsmanship, reliability, and innovation. Growing up around that legacy, we began working in the family business at a young age, gaining hands-on experience and an appreciation for the dedication required to complete projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
While construction provided a strong foundation, our founder’s curiosity and passion for the natural world led him to pursue a degree in Wildlife Biology and Behavioral Ecology from the University of California, Davis, followed by additional studies at Flinders University in South Australia. Those experiences deepened his understanding of ecological systems and shaped a commitment to balancing responsible development with environmental protection.
After returning home to San Diego, our founder joined an environmental consulting firm, specializing in wildlife biology and environmental compliance. That experience allowed him to bridge the gap between construction operations and environmental regulations, helping clients achieve compliance without unnecessary delays or costs. During this time, he also built strong relationships with regulatory agencies, local governments, and private developers.
In 2004, our founder accepted the position of Vice President at C.W. McGrath, Inc., overseeing environmental, safety, and operational compliance. That role reinforced the importance of integrating regulatory awareness into project planning from the outset, treating it as a driver of efficiency and success rather than an obstacle.
By 2008, our founder recognized an opportunity to serve clients more effectively by combining our family’s long-standing construction expertise with our founder’s environmental background. We established McGrath Consulting, Inc. with a clear purpose: to help clients develop their projects efficiently and cost-consciously while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Today, we continue to embody that mission, bringing together decades of field experience, technical expertise, and practical problem-solving to help builders, developers, and public agencies achieve sustainable, compliant, and successful outcomes across California.
At McGrath Consulting, Inc., our mission is simple yet essential:
to help our clients build with confidence by developing their projects efficiently, cost-effectively, and in full compliance with environmental regulations.
We believe that success in construction and development isn’t achieved by cutting corners—it’s achieved through knowledge, communication, and foresight. By combining decades of construction experience with a deep understanding of environmental science and regulatory processes, we help our clients find practical solutions that protect both their projects and California’s natural resources.
We understand that successful outcomes rely on teamwork. We work with contractors, developers, regulators, and local jurisdictions to align project goals and maintain smooth, efficient progress.
With a foundation built on both construction and environmental science, we bring an uncommon perspective to every project. Our team provides accurate guidance rooted in experience, not guesswork.
We prioritize clear communication, timely reporting, and proactive problem-solving to keep projects compliant and on schedule. Our guidance ensures each phase moves forward with clarity and confidence.
McGrath Consulting has been a reliable partner in managing our SWPPP preparation and inspections in all of our San Diego County projects. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and consistently ensures our sites remain in full compliance. We appreciate their thoroughness and expertise. We highly recommend them.
McGrath Consulting has been a reliable and valued partner for many years, supporting our SWPPP needs across all of our projects. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and consistently ensures our sites remain in full compliance.
McGrath has been exceptional with communication. We’ve worked with them for many years on a variety of projects, and they have always been professional, reliable, and approachable whenever needed.
Thank you!
McGrath Consulting and the owner Mike have been a mandatory sub of mine for years now because of how helpful and professional they are. Mike has bailed me out more times than I can count and as long as I’m in the industry, I’ll be using their services. Anything in the storm water world, Mcgrath will take care of you!
You probably don't have any idea who I am, but I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know how much I appreciate the great work you are doing. I just got done reviewing a SWPPP you prepared for Clay Park in San Diego. I have reviewed a few other SWPPPs you have prepared in the past and they are always really well done. As soon as I see your name on the SWPPP I know it will be a good one. Thanks for all you do!