Welcome! Derivi Castellanos Architects (DCA) is proud to celebrate more than 44 years of serving California statewide. Established in 1979 by Steve Castellanos and Linda Derivi, our firm’s enviable reputation is built on years of being responsive to clients’ needs, bringing an exceptional team to every project, delivering high-quality design solutions, and focusing on providing the best customer service possible.
DCA has designed hundreds of projects in a variety of market sectors across the state. Our seasoned professionals bring many years of combined experience, delivering successful architecture and project management services for education (TK-12 and community colleges), healthcare, commercial, institutional, and religious facilities. We are well versed in 21st century architecture and building requirements, with LEED accredited professionals who are experts in sustainability.
We offer a solid leadership team with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Steve Castellanos, Founding Partner, served as the California State Architect from 2000-2005, where he developed key relationships in the industry and a strong understanding of the state process. Managing partner, Juan G. Barroso, brings extensive design-build experience and cost management skills.
Together, our unique relationships with state agencies and our network of building professionals have become a tremendous asset for our clients’ projects. We love what we do and look forward to seeing how DCA’s services can benefit you!
Juan brings more than 30 years of experience in architecture, engineering, planning, and project leadership, with a diverse background spanning educational, civic, commercial, industrial, and community-focused facilities throughout California. As Managing Partner of DCA, he provides executive oversight, strategic leadership, and quality assurance, guiding clients from early visioning and planning through design, regulatory approvals, construction, and project closeout.
With a background in civil engineering, city planning, and business management, Juan brings a practical, multidisciplinary perspective to each project. His experience includes complex projects ranging from water and wastewater infrastructure and high-tech manufacturing facilities to commercial offices, educational campuses, and public facilities. He is highly skilled in cost estimating, value engineering, design management, facility planning, stakeholder engagement, funding coordination, and project delivery strategy.
Throughout his career, Juan has built lasting relationships with school districts, public agencies, community organizations, and private-sector clients. Known for his collaborative approach and commitment to client success, he focuses on developing thoughtful, cost-conscious solutions that respond to both immediate needs and long-term organizational goals.
As a Senior Principal Architect and the newest member of the DCA leadership team, Ramon Gomez brings more than 16 years of professional design experience and a diverse portfolio of education projects. His background includes working on LEED and CHPS certified facilities, as well as projects with design-build and lease-leaseback delivery methods. Ramon’s ability to understand his clients’ needs, combined with his expertise with technical issues, is instrumental in delivering solutions that are not just on time and budget, but also provide the best value to DCA’s clients.
Dr. J. Arturo Reyes, Director of Client Relations for Higher Education, has over 35 years’ experience in the Education Sector. He has experience as K12 Faculty, College Faculty, College Dean, College Vice President, and Superintendent/President of multiple Community College Districts. Arturo’s experience at all levels in the Education Sector gives him a unique perspective on our client needs. He has been responsible for many design and construction projects at the Community College level and is well versed in the needs and challenges that come with these projects. From College Master Planning to individual project implementation, Arturo understands what it takes to serve the community to the highest level possible. Arturo’s intimate knowledge of the needs of Higher Education and the communities they serve helps DCA serve these communities to the highest degree possible.