Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Robert A. McGraw graduated from the Pratt Institute in New York, with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. After working for various architectural firms in Manhattan, Bob moved to Woodstock, New York, where he was the town's Building Inspector and Zoning Official. During this time, he single-handedly designed and built his own home, which he describes as "a most challenging experience."

Upon Moving to Aspen, Colorado, Bob established and headed an office for Chicago developer, Otis Associates. From ski lodges for Stein Erikson in Deer Valley, Utah; genetic research laboratories in Boulder, Colorado; custom homes in Aspen for clients like Prince Bandar Faisal of Saudi Arabia; to a Victorian restoration for George Hamilton, Bob designed and worked on a wide range of projects. After ten years, he moved to the shores of the Pacific in Laguna Beach, California, and started his practice in 1987.

Eighteen years later, Robert A. McGraw, Architects, A.I.A. is a fully inclusive service, from architectural design through construction management for both residential and commercial projects including home improvements, historic restoration and original designs. Bob has served on the Design Review Board of Laguna Beach and has functioned as the Architecture Advisory Consultant for Three Arch Bay, a private community in South Laguna. He has served on the Heritage Committee for Laguna Beach. He has won several awards for his design throughout Southern California. Among these are a Merit Award from the Fifth Annual Laguna Beach Architectural Guild Design Competition for a private residence and the 2003 Beautification Award from Newport Beach City for his design of the Brio Restaurant renovation.

He lives with his wife and daughter in Laguna Beach, which he describes as "a most challenging experience."