Judd was inspired by his father who was lead partner in Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Chovan (known as Arrasmith). Working summers alongside his father beginning in 1974, Judd got his career start. Following graduation from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1980 with dual bachelor's degrees in architecture and fine arts, Judd began working on the East Coast for two separate firms. In 1983, Judd returned to Louisville, where he became a partner with Arrasmith after his father's retirement and worked as a project architect and construction administrator.
In 2020, Arrasmith and Indianapolis, Indiana-based Schmidt Associates joined forces, resulting in opportunities for future growth opportunities with healthcare design projects in both states and across the country. The entity is now known as Schmidt Associates.
“Throughout my years as an architect, I realized that successful outcomes are accomplished through a strong rapport developed among Owners, design, and construction team members," Judd said. "These relationships, based on teamwork and mutual respect, are the most critical components to achieving a meaningful career.”
Outside of work, Judd served as a past president for the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) Kentucky chapter, and the AIA regional chapter in Louisville. He also was a past chairman for the Louisville Downtown Rotary Club's college scholarship program and a club officer.
Judd’s career included longstanding relationships of more than 25-years with the Louisville Zoo and the University of Louisville. His first zoological project, in association with CLRdesign in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania received a national design award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for the Louisville Zoo's Islands project. The Islands project also was featured on Animal Planet's series "Ultimate Zoo," and Judd was interviewed about his involvement in the Zoo's multi-species, rotational exhibit that was the first of its kind in the world with five different species, including Sumatran tigers, orangutans, siamangs, Malayan tapirs and babirusas.
Judd participated in eight more exhibits with the Louisville Zoo, two that received AZA national awards. Additionally, the firm was recognized with an AIA Kentucky Honor Award for Judd’s design of the Zoo's African Outpost restaurant, consisting of several small, thatched roofs around the perimeter of a large, vaulted roof in the center. The design team brought in construction workers from five different African tribes and indigenous thatch materials to ensure authenticity of the project's implementation.
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Judd's other noteworthy projects include more than $250 million in research buildings for the University of Louisville, many receiving state and national recognition. One of these became the largest LEED gold-certified research building in the country at the time of construction and was the first LEED-certified research building in Kentucky.
“Arne's keen intellect and attention to detail guided our firm for many years, while his wit and charm endeared him to all of us," said John Robertson, Jr., AIA, NCARB, principal for Schmidt Associates’ Louisville office. "I am hopeful Arne will be a frequent visitor at our new office in Paristown Pointe.”
