Arnold (Arnie) W. Thompson died December 25, 2020 at the age of 94.
Arnie was considered by clients and peers “as the father of modern terminal design and planning” with his lifetime achievements recognized in 2014 by Airports Council International: North America with the prestigious William A. Downs Award. As described in Arnie’s award; “Arnie’s extensive experience, range from chief architect at American Airlines to founder of the top airport consulting firms in the country, helped to build the foundation of modern airport design.”
Arnie was born 10/26/26 as the youngest of 5 children to Oscar and Emma Thompson in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Austin High School as salutatorian and after being drafted into the Army during the war attended University of Illinois, graduating with a degree in Architecture in 1950. After a series of architectural jobs, he eventually joined American Airlines in 1955 as staff architect in their facilities department. This decision set the direction for the rest of his career.
An entrepreneur at heart, Arnie left American Airlines in 1964 feeling the need to offer something different to airport clients and went on to create one of the most respected aviation consulting firms in the Country – Arnold Thompson & Associates.
His approach is what revolutionized terminal planning – Arnie introduced an idea separate from the functional design airlines had previously provided: the concept of terminals as a place for passengers to enjoy and relax, not simply shuffle through en route to their flights. In this sense, he married the interests of the airlines with the desires of airport clients to make their buildings more than just gateways.
Arnie sold his company in 1970, and started over again, first as Airport Facility Consultants, then Thompson/Crenshaw, and eventually Thompson Consultants International which was sold to Lockheed Air Terminal in 1990.
Arnie also co-founded the Airport Consultants Council in 1978, a trade organization of airport consultants, funding early staff salaries from his own pocket.
He is survived by Marian, his wife of nearly 70 years and his three sons, Keith of Foothill Ranch, CA, Bruce of Novato, CA and Douglas of Chattanooga, TN, their wives and 5 grandchildren.
