Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Solutions in California
Derivi Castellanos Architects (DCA) has been a cornerstone in the architectural industry since 1979, specializing in the Education Sector for over 44 years. Our expertise spans TK-12 schools, community colleges, universities, healthcare, commercial, institutional, and religious facilities. With a team averaging over 15 years of experience, we deliver high-quality design solutions, project management, and consulting services tailored to California clients. Our leadership includes LEED-accredited professionals and industry veterans like Founding Partner Steve Castellanos, former California State Architect, and Managing Partner Juan Barroso, who bring technical expertise and cost-management skills.We prioritize responsiveness, collaboration, and customer service, ensuring projects meet budgetary and timeline constraints while exceeding expectations. DCA champions gender inclusion, with 40% of our architectural staff being women, and remains committed to advancing sustainable design practices across all projects.
Services
Architecture
Project Management
Consulting
LEED Certification
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 44 years of specialized expertise in California education sector architecture.
- Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals with a focus on sustainable design.
- We guarantee responsive service and tailored solutions for complex educational projects.
- Our leadership includes former California State Architect Steve Castellanos.
- We maintain a 15+ year average experience level across all project teams.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Met and exceeded expectations
Exceeded our expectations
Successful projects
First-rate professionalism
Timely manner
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 public and private buildings. With LEED-accredited professionals and decades of experience in TK-12 schools and universities, we ensure every project meets modern standards for safety, accessibility, and environmental responsibility while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Project Management
DCA's project management services cover the full lifecycle from initiation to closure. We coordinate teams to meet client-defined milestones, ensuring compliance with budgetary constraints and regulatory requirements. Our expertise in fast-track projects and complex educational facilities guarantees timely delivery without compromising quality, supported by a 15+ year average team experience level that anticipates and resolves potential issues proactively.
Consulting
Our consulting services leverage deep industry relationships and technical expertise to guide clients through architectural challenges. We provide expert advice on state agency processes, building codes, and sustainable practices, drawing from decades of experience in California's education sector. This includes strategic planning for master plans, funding approvals, and stakeholder engagement to ensure projects align with long-term institutional goals.
People
Juan Barroso
Managing Partner
Juan Barroso brings 18+ years of civil engineering and architectural experience, specializing in cost management and K-12 education projects. He has led over 200 successful projects, combining technical expertise with client-focused solutions.
Ramon Gomez
Senior Principal Architect
Ramon Gomez, AIA, has 16+ years of design experience with a focus on LEED-certified education facilities. His expertise in technical challenges and client needs ensures projects deliver optimal value within budget and timeline constraints.
J. Arturo Reyes
Director of Client Relations
Dr. J. Arturo Reyes offers 35+ years of education sector experience, including leadership roles in community colleges. His insights into higher education facility needs ensure client-focused solutions for complex institutional projects.
Jos L. Banda
Director of Client Relations
Jos L. Banda brings 35+ years of K-12 leadership experience, including superintendent roles in major districts. He understands facility challenges from both administrative and community perspectives, ensuring practical, sustainable solutions.
Questions
What sectors does DCA specialize in?
DCA specializes in educational architecture (TK-12, community colleges, universities), healthcare, commercial, institutional, and religious facilities across California.
How experienced is DCA's team?
Our team averages 15+ years of experience, with leadership including former California State Architect Steve Castellanos and LEED-accredited professionals.
Can DCA handle fast-track projects?
Yes, our team excels at fast-track projects, maintaining strict timelines while ensuring quality through proactive issue resolution and experienced project management.
Does DCA offer LEED certification services?
Yes, we have LEED-accredited professionals who integrate sustainable design practices into all project phases for environmentally responsible buildings.
What areas does DCA serve?
DCA operates statewide in California, with offices in San Jose and Stockton, serving clients from the Central Valley to Silicon Valley.
How does DCA ensure client satisfaction?
We prioritize active listening, transparent communication, and tailored solutions, demonstrated by long-term partnerships with districts like Stockton Unified and Roseville City School District.