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Evolving through experience: A Q&A with Arnold Kraakmo
Arnold Kraakmo reflects on nearly four decades in the AEC industry, sharing how curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration have guided his career and leadership at Salas O’Brien.
Arnold Kraakmo, principal architect at Salas O’Brien, has played a key role in the growth and success of the Pacific Northwest operations since joining KDW Architects in 1986, a firm that later merged with Salas O’Brien in 2012. Today, Arnold leads a multi-disciplinary group offering MEP engineering, architecture, and interior design. He credits his success to a mix of problem-solving, a desire to learn, and the support of the people he’s worked alongside.
Learn more about Arnold’s career and leadership style in the Q&A below.
How did you get started in the AEC field?
While still in college, I landed a drafting job at a small architecture firm, where I worked on a range of commercial projects using hand drafting. It was a great early experience because I got to learn different construction types, materials, and how buildings came together. Not long after that, I joined KDW Architects in 1986. I was the fifth employee, and from there, I grew with the firm as we evolved and expanded.
Early on, I began working on telecommunications projects, which became a major part of my career. That work exposed me to all kinds of building types and design challenges, and it really set the foundation for the multidisciplinary focus our team has today.
Photo: Arnold working in Seattle, WA, early in his career.
How has architecture technology transformed during your career?
The change has been remarkable. When I started, every line was drawn by hand. Then we transitioned to computer-aided drafting with AutoCAD, which revolutionized our process. In the past couple of decades, Revit and 3D modeling have become the standard, allowing much greater coordination across disciplines.
Beyond design tools, the way we communicate has completely changed from mailing and faxing to fully digital workflows and cloud storage. While that convenience is great, there’s something memorable about physically drawing or filing documents. The technology in buildings themselves has changed too. When I began, much of the equipment in telecommunications facilities ran on DC (direct current) power. Now nearly everything runs on AC (alternating current) power, with data centers and communications networks driving higher energy demands and much more complex infrastructure.
What’s one project you’re most proud of in your career?
Two stand out for very different reasons. One was an addition to the AT&T Burien Building that nearly doubled the size of the existing brick facility. We had to blend old and new architecture seamlessly, lining up mismatched floor levels and choosing materials that tied everything together visually. It became one of our largest and most rewarding projects, and we partner with them to this day.
The other was smaller scale-wise but continues to serve its community every day: the Rock of Ages Church renovation, where we designed an infill structure that connected the sanctuary and education wing with an elevator and stair hall. It solved long-standing accessibility challenges and gave the building a cohesive, welcoming look. It’s rewarding to see how something so practical has continued to make a difference for the community.
Photo: A moment of collaboration with a team member.
How would you describe your leadership approach, and what’s most important to creating a positive company culture?
I’ve always believed in leading by example and giving people space to take ownership. My goal is to help others see what needs to be done, understand the why behind it, and then trust them to take it from there. That builds confidence and accountability.
Equally important, I’ve tried to advocate for my team, standing up for them when needed and letting them know I have their back. Success is a shared effort, so I never say, “I did it.” It’s always, “we did it.” That mindset—along with mutual respect and open communication—creates a culture where people feel supported and invested.
Photo: Arnold speaking to team members at a company gathering.
What advice do you have for emerging talent in our industry?
You also must be willing to fail, or better yet, refuse to accept failure as the end result. My career has been driven by a determination to figure things out, even when a problem feels impossible. That persistence pays off.
What’s the best advice you’ve received, and how have you carried it forward to others?
One lesson that’s stayed with me is not to take “no” as the final answer. Early in my career, I learned that sometimes that just means the question wasn’t framed the right way. If you truly believe in your solution, keep asking questions, keep digging, and keep proving your case. That passion has served me well, and it’s something I encourage in others.
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