Ralph Vitiello, a member of the AIA Central Valley Chapter since 1964, was friend and mentor to hundreds of professionals in the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. He began working as an architect in 1958, just a week after receiving his degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and he never lost his passion for the profession during his 40+ year career in Sacramento.
Six years after graduation, in 1965, Ralph started his own firm, Vitiello & Associates, where he practiced his trade and grew his firm to 25 employees. With the company’s growth and his influence in the community, he soon began to partner with other national firms. One of his biggest partnerships was with DLR Group, with whom he eventually merged his firm in 2000.
“We’re proud to be connected to the architectural legacy that Ralph leaves behind and that we shared at DLR Group,” said Principal Chris McGiff-Brown, who leads the Sacramento DLR Group office. “His work set the stage for many of us who were fortunate to work with a mentor and true professional like Ralph. Our continued focus on improving communities through our design work is one way we can continue to honor his life and legacy.”
Ralph took great pride in his design practice and left his stamp on many civic buildings still honored within Sacramento, including the Sacramento Convention Center & Expansion with its Sacramento Community Center Theater, now called the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, which DLR Group recently renovated. The building plaque with Ralph’s name as Executive Architect remains prominently displayed on this facility. He also designed the West Sacramento Civic Center and many outstanding K-12 and Higher Education facilities including award-winning projects such as the Rosemont High School, and multiple Los Rios Community College District projects while with DLR Group.