Celebrating Our History
For four decades, our firm has been shaping spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and community. From our earliest projects to today’s award-winning designs, every chapter reflects not only our passion for architecture but also the relationships that make our work meaningful.
KOMA THROUGH THE YEARS:
1985
Krech, O’Brien & Wass, Inc., founded
The founding partners were Jim Krech, Dan O’Brien, and Brian Wass.
1986
Firm builds first office building
Located in Inver Grove Heights, we worked from that building for over 20 years!
1986
Industrial Projects
Gopher Resources – Recycling Facilities & Corporate Office
One of our first clients was Gopher Resources who we worked with on numerous projects. They are still a client to this day.
1987
Brady Mueller becomes fourth partner
Ownership group expands and the firm is renamed Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Wass, Inc.
1987
1990 Northgate 286/22 computer with 8MB of RAM
First computers purchased
The new technology was initially used for word processing, timesheet entry, and accounting! Most drawings were still done by hand until the mid 1990’s.
1988
Dedication to company culture grows
Creating a fun, collaborative environment was at the heart of the business from the early stages.
1988
Work continues to expand
Projects became more diverse and the firm entered different industry segments.
1989
Clinical Projects
Rivertown Animal Hospital – 2008
A new sector in healthcare design began with our first veterinary clinic project.
1993
Awarded Small Business of the Year
The South St. Paul/Inver Grove Heights Chamber of Commerce recognized the firm.
1996
Thermo King Corporate Office – 2022
Workplace Projects
The team began designing commercial office spaces, a segment that continues today.
2004
Park High School Renovation – 2024
Education Projects
The firm’s first school building project was
a renovation to Pullman Elementary. Since then, KOMA has had a role in renovation and addition projects at all schools in ISD 833.
2004
Firm renamed Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc.
2006
Retail Projects
Mall of America – Nickelodeon Universe Renovation – 2007
Our first project with the Mall of America was completed in 2006, and our relationship with MOA retailers continues to this day.
2010
Ownership transition begins with internal promotions
2012
Founding Partners Retire
2012 – Dan O’Brien
2016 – Jim Krech
2021 – Brady Mueller
2017
Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates rebrands to KOMA
The firm completed a rebrand, including a new logo and website.
2020
KOMA adapts to the COVID-era
We adapted our design process to meet the challenges of COVID-19, shifting to a new way of collaborating (remotely).
2020
KOMA relocates to a new office
After outgrowing our old office building, we relied on our trusted process to design an entirely new space to meet the needs of our team.
2025
KOMA celebrates 40 years!
As we celebrate 40 years, we honor the people, projects, and partnerships that shaped our story—and look forward to the next chapter together.
