behind
the
design
At Arcadia Design Studio, we’re more than engineers. We’re problem-solvers, builders, and creatives.
We love what we do.
Structural design isn’t just about meeting codes; it’s about crafting something meaningful, something that lasts.
Our team is driven by a passion for making ideas real—blending innovation with hands-on execution. We take pride in understanding each client’s vision, creating solutions that not only stand strong today but are ready for whatever comes next. With a tight-knit crew and trusted partners, we bring quality, precision, and collaboration to every project.
meet the founders
Kristin Saal
Founder & CEO, Arcadia Design Studio
With a career spanning over 18 years in creative direction, marketing, and engineering business leadership, Kristin Saal founded Arcadia Design Studio to bridge the gap between visionary design and practical, high-quality engineering solutions. Her background as a producer, director, and marketing strategist, combined with eight years as a business director in the engineering sector, has shaped her ability to not only design and implement plans but also advocate for clients navigating complex city regulations.
Kristin’s passion for building extends beyond structures—she founded Arcadia Design Studio with a mission to ensure homeowners and businesses receive both exceptional service and a trusted ally in their development projects. Recognizing the hardships that Texas homeowners face due to extreme weather and difficult terrain, she is dedicated to creating solutions that preserve properties and provide clients with hope, even within limited budgets. She is also deeply committed to challenging unnecessary bureaucratic demands that often hinder progress, ensuring that cities uphold their responsibilities without imposing undue burdens on property owners.
At Arcadia, Kristin wears many hats, overseeing not just engineering and design but also the company’s online presence, client relations, sales, and coordination with city administrations. Her leadership philosophy is simple: do good work with integrity, advocate for what is right, and create solutions that stand the test of time. She believes that every project is more than a blueprint—it’s a vision brought to life through thoughtful planning, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication.
Beyond engineering, Kristin’s artistry extends into woodworking and interior design, reflecting her belief that form and function should coexist beautifully. Her work has earned recognition for both its technical precision and creative vision, setting Arcadia Design Studio apart as a firm that truly cares about the people behind every project.
Ira Humphrey
Founder & COO, Arcadia Design Studio
With over 20 years of experience in structural, civil, and forensic engineering, Ira Humphrey founded Arcadia Design Studio to bring nimble, high-quality engineering solutions to clients who demand both functionality and beauty. Having worked in every role within an engineering firm, from technical writing to complex design execution, he saw an opportunity to build a firm that prioritizes innovative, structurally sound solutions while streamlining the process for clients.
Arcadia was born from Ira’s passion for designing projects that seamlessly integrate with nature, with a special focus on luxury homes, landscape architecture, and outdoor living spaces. Under his leadership, Arcadia has emerged as an innovator in landscape design, retaining wall systems, deep excavation solutions, and structural engineering. His experience coordinating subconsultants and navigating bureaucratic red tape allows Arcadia to deliver designs that are both visionary and practical. Clients benefit not only from his technical expertise but also from his ability to manage complex projects efficiently, ensuring they receive solutions they can trust.
Arcadia’s process is built around clear communication and digital efficiency. From initial feasibility analysis to final design, the firm takes an iterative approach, incorporating client feedback and leveraging a proprietary database of thousands of past projects to ensure precision and innovation. Ira’s problem-solving philosophy is rooted in collaboration—if he doesn’t have the answer, he knows exactly where to find it. He works closely with colleagues, subconsultants, and manufacturers to ensure every design meets the highest standards of safety and performance, whether that means adapting historical preservation techniques or testing cutting-edge building materials.
Beyond his technical expertise, Ira is committed to fostering a company culture that values work-life balance, believing that a well-supported team produces the best results. His long-term vision for Arcadia is to establish the firm as a premier design studio not just in Texas but across multiple states, expanding its impact while maintaining the same level of care and attention that defines its work today.
Currently, Arcadia is embarking on an ambitious project designing 90 temporary shoring walls along Texas corridors, a testament to the firm’s ability to tackle large-scale infrastructure while continuing to serve homeowners, architects, developers, and landscape designers. As the engineering industry shifts toward more integrated project management roles, Ira is positioning Arcadia at the forefront, ensuring the firm remains a trusted leader in both design and execution.