Business Details
47 Years
experience
Trusted Education Sector Architects Since 1979
Derivi Castellanos Architects (DCA) has been a cornerstone in the architectural industry since 1979, specializing in the education sector for over 40 years. Our expertise spans TK-12 schools, community colleges, and universities, offering architectural, project management, and consulting services. With a leadership team that includes Managing Partner Juan Barroso and LEED-accredited professionals, we combine decades of experience with a commitment to sustainability and client-centric design. Our team's average experience exceeds 15 years, ensuring seasoned professionals lead every project.We maintain strong relationships with state agencies and a network of building professionals, enabling tailored solutions for California's education clients. Our reputation is built on responsiveness, teamwork, high-quality design, and exceptional customer service. Founded by Steve Castellanos and Linda Derivi, we continue to champion gender inclusion with 40% of our architectural staff being women. Our mission is to lead in customer service and satisfaction within California's education market.
Services
Architecture
Project Management
Consulting
LEED Certification
Design-Build
Master Planning
Facility Renovation
Energy Efficiency Projects
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We specialize in education sector architecture with 40+ years of focused experience.
- Our team averages 15+ years of professional expertise in educational facility design.
- We employ LEED-certified professionals committed to sustainable building practices.
- Our proven project management ensures timely delivery within strict budgets.
- We maintain direct relationships with California state agencies for streamlined approvals.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Timely manner
Successful projects
Professionalism
On time and under budget
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating functional, sustainable spaces for educational institutions. We begin by listening to client needs, then develop tailored design solutions for schools, colleges, and universities. Our team includes LEED-certified professionals who integrate eco-friendly practices into every project.
Project Management
We manage projects from initiation to completion, ensuring milestones are met and budgets maintained. Our approach emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and adherence to strict timelines. With over 200 successful K-12 projects, we guarantee efficient delivery of educational facilities.
Consulting
Our consulting services leverage deep industry relationships and technical expertise to guide clients through complex building processes. We provide expert advice on state regulations, funding opportunities, and best practices for educational facility development.
People
Juan Barroso
Managing Partner
With 18+ years of experience, Juan leads DCA's design-build projects and cost management initiatives. His engineering background and focus on K-12 education have delivered 200+ successful projects across California.
Ramon Gomez
Senior Principal Architect
Ramon brings 16 years of education design expertise, specializing in LEED-certified facilities and technical problem-solving. He ensures projects meet budgetary constraints while exceeding client expectations for functionality and aesthetics.
Dr. J. Arturo Reyes
Director of Client Relations for Higher Education
With 35 years in education, Arturo bridges institutional needs with architectural solutions. His experience spans from faculty roles to community college leadership, informing strategic master planning and facility implementation.
Jos L. Banda
Director of Client Relations for K-12 Education
Jos offers 35+ years of K-12 leadership experience, including superintendent roles in major districts. He oversees facility development projects worth hundreds of millions, ensuring alignment with educational goals and community needs.
Linda Derivi
Co-Founder
As co-founder, Linda established DCA's commitment to gender inclusion and client-focused design. She pioneered the firm's focus on education architecture, creating a legacy of innovation and community impact.
Questions
What types of educational facilities do you specialize in?
We design TK-12 schools, community colleges, universities, and specialized education facilities across California.
How does your firm ensure project timelines are met?
Our proven project management approach includes milestone tracking, experienced teams, and regular client communication to maintain schedules.
Do you handle both design and construction oversight?
Yes, we offer full-service architecture and project management from concept through completion.
Are your architects LEED-certified?
Yes, we employ LEED-accredited professionals who integrate sustainable practices into every project.
How do you collaborate with school districts?
We prioritize active listening, stakeholder engagement, and transparent communication throughout the design and construction process.
Can you assist with state funding applications?
Our team has extensive experience helping clients secure Prop 39 and other state education facility funding approvals.