Arnold Kraakmo NCARB,

AIA, CDT

ARCHITECT, PROJECT MANAGER, PRINCIPAL, MANAGING PRINCIPAL 1986 - PRESENT

Arnold joined Kuppler Diel Architects as an architectural intern in 1986. Early in his career, he was immersed in design work for the telecommunications industry, and over time he became a trusted leader within the company to help establish Salas O’Brien’s position in the technology sector throughout the United States. Since 2012, he has served as the managing principal of Salas O'Brien's Seattle-based operations.

Arnold first became interested in architecture as a seventh grader in a technical drawing class. He remembers the end of semester project was to draw plans and elevations of the family home. His dad was so thrilled he went out and bought Arnold a small drawing board with a drafting machine.

"With music as my first course of study in college, I did not have a background or prior interest in classic architecture or the history of architecture. I always felt I was lacking some historical foundation," says Arnold. He found that the volumes of standards and mountains of record drawings from the telecom industry helped fill that void. He gained knowledge through reading and by listening to others, driven by his own natural curiosity. Though he was often the youngest person at the conference table he wasn’t afraid of what others thought about him. With experience, he became an expert in key areas that gave him authority to speak confidently with building officials, contractors, consultants, and clients.

As Arnold is freed from managing principal responsibilities, he plans to return to doing the work he loved as an architect. In his spare time and as he reaches retirement he plans to work on projects at home and spend as much time as possible with friends and family, especially grandchildren.

Arnold sums up, "I've been honored to lead a team of wonderful, bright, creative, enthusiastic, and ambitious people. I've had the privilege of being part of a leadership group with the finest and most honorable engineers in the industry. I've been challenged and encouraged by two brilliant and inspiring leaders, the CEO and the president of the company."

"I came into the company as an untrained, slightly educated intern, and through hard work and providence rose to the highest level in the company, just shy of president. I've done and seen many things and am richer because of the experiences and relationships along the way."