Arthur D. Decker

Architect | 1917-2012

Arthur Decker was born in Mission, Texas and served in the US Army Air Corps between 1943-45. Following WWII he attended USC (1945-’47) and worked for Kistner Wright & Wright in Los Angeles before, in 1962, launching Arthur D. Decker Architect in El Cajon.

Architect Arthur Decker was born in Mission, Texas in 1917 and started his academic career at the Texas College of Arts & Industry (now Texas A&M University–Kingsville) in 1935. After only one year he transferred to the University of Texas where he remained through 1940. In 1939 Decker joined Tau Sigma Delta, & Sphinx a ‘National Honor Society in Architecture and the Allied Arts.’ During World War II, 2nd Lieutenant Decker served in the US Army Air Corps (1943-45). Following his military service Decker attended USC (1945-47).

Following graduation, both Fred Livingstone and Art Decker both worked for Kistner Wright & Wright - one of the largest offices in Los Angeles during the early 1950s. Moving south, Mr. Decker joined the AIA San Diego Chapter in 1956 and hung his own shingle as ‘Arthur D. Decker Architect’ at 2340 Fletcher Parkway in El Cajon.

In addition to his work as an architect Mr. Decker served on the El Cajon Planning Commission (1956-57) and the El Cajon Trailer Park Appeals Board (1960-61). Shortly after designing one of his best homes, he purchased the Si Casady Residence (ca. 1960) from his client and remained there for the rest of his life.