ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of Land Language, we sit down with Emma Kraft Saldivar, President of Kraft Custom Construction, the Salem, Oregon design-build remodeling company her father, Robert Kraft, started in 1982. Emma came to construction from psychology and case management, and she brings that background into every project and client conversation.
Emma describes “longevity planning” as designing homes around how clients live now and in the future, focusing on purpose, feelings, routines, community, and wellness.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Start
00:33 Meet Emma Kraft Saldivar
01:56 Designing for Future You
04:19 From Psychology to Construction
08:03 Project Types and Service Area
09:10 Discovery Call and Fit
10:57 Curiosity Builds Trust
13:43 Homes for Community
17:37 Wellness and Hobby Spaces
19:51 Budgeting for Longevity
23:36 Where to Spend vs Save
27:30 Invest in Infrastructure
31:23 Stormwater and Regenerative Design
33:44 Leading Change on Teams
34:25 Collaborating Early Pays Off
38:20 Building the Right Expert Team
43:02 Emma’s Next 20 Years
44:03 Closing Thoughts
Follow Emma:
https://www.kraftcustomconstruction.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kraftcustomconstructioninc/
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Land Language Website: https://www.landlanguage.org/
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelandlanguage/
Connect with Us:
Got questions? Ideas for future guests? DM us on Instagram or visit our website to share your thoughts. We're building this together.
About Land Language:
Land Language is a podcast for landscape professionals, plant lovers, and anyone who wants to understand what it really takes to build regeneratively. Hosted by contractor/designer Brit Sastrawidjaya and designer Bethany Rydmark, each episode brings you expert insights, practical tools, and honest conversations about transforming the landscape industry from the ground up.
About Emma:
Emma Kraft Saldivar is the second-generation owner and president of Kraft Custom Construction, a design-build remodeling company serving Oregon’s Willamette Valley since 1982. She leads the company with a focus on thoughtful design, lasting craftsmanship, and creating homes that support the way people live today while standing the test of time. With a background in social work, Emma brings a people-centered approach to the remodeling process, grounded in listening, understanding her clients’ needs, and helping them make informed decisions about their homes.
