DCA - Derivi Castellanos Architects

?? A Historic Milestone for Modesto City Schools! Today, Derivi Castellanos Architects proudly joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tuolumne TK-8 School to celebrate the grand opening of its new 15,500 SF Multipurpose & Admin Building. This state-of-the-art facility marks a transformative moment for the district's only TK-8 school, bringing expanded athletic opportunities and modern learning environments to students of all ages. With basketball and volleyball courts, a performance stage, cafeteria, and fully equipped kitchen, Tuolumne is the first elementary school in the district to offer direct access to a gym. The redesigned student drop-off area, reconfigured hardcourt with new basketball courts, and enhanced safety features make this a true cornerstone of the community. Special thanks to JL Bray (General Contractor) and Meehleis Modular Buildings, Inc. (Modular Manufacturer) for helping bring this project to life, and to Superintendent Dr. Sara Noguchi, Ed.D for her inspiring words about the new facilities’ impact on the future of learning and athletic growth at Tuolumne. We are thrilled to have been part of the team that brought these new spaces to life, ensuring a bright future for the students of Tuolumne School! We hope to continue supporting innovative projects that reflect Modesto’s commitment to forward-thinking education. #Architecture #Community #Innovation #EducationalFacilities #ModestoCitySchools #TuolumneTK8

?? Hillview Junior High School Progress Update ?? We’re excited to share the latest milestone in one of our biggest projects: the transformative reconstruction of Hillview Junior High School! ??? Yesterday, October 2, 2024, we hit a major milestone with the steel structure going up—such a great moment to see the new campus really start to take shape. Seeing the structure take shape from the ground up is always inspiring! This two-story design will not only provide modern learning spaces but also provide more outdoor areas for students to enjoy. We’ve been working closely with Pittsburg Unified School District to make sure this project serves the community for years to come. ?? Check out the latest photos from the site and stay tuned for more updates as we continue working towards a modern educational environment, with construction set to wrap up just in time for the 2025 school year. #BuildingTheFuture

Please help us extend a warm welcome to José L. Manzo who joins DCA - Derivi Castellanos Architects as Director of Client Relations for TK-12 Education! José brings with him a wealth of experience and a deeply rooted commitment to education. Since July 2012, he has served as the Superintendent of the Oak Grove School District in San Jose, overseeing 17 schools and several small schools-within-a-school, serving approximately 8,500 students. His academic journey includes an undergraduate degree from Chico State, where he also earned his teaching credentials and BCLAD certification, and a master’s degree along with an administrative credential from San Jose State University. José’s personal and professional journey is a testament to the transformative power of education. An immigrant to the United States in 1972, José worked as a field laborer until he graduated from college. Fueled by his own experiences, he has dedicated his career to ensuring that all students have access to quality educational opportunities. His efforts have included establishing robust partnerships with various organizations and non-profits to maximize resources for professional development, programs, and services benefiting students. José’s work has been recognized by numerous prestigious entities, including the State Department of Education, the City of San Jose, Grail Family Services, and the NAACP. He has received several awards, such as the Trailblazing Leader Award from the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and the Legacy Award in Education by the California Latino School Boards Association, to name a few. A passionate advocate for multilingual learners, José has successfully partnered with the Sobrato Family Foundation to implement the Sobrato Early Acquisition Language (SEAL) Model in his district, making Oak Grove one of two State Demonstration School Districts for the SEAL model. This initiative has earned multiple accolades, including the Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association and the Glenn Hoffman Award in Santa Clara County. José’s extensive experience also encompasses school construction and modernization, having played a key role in planning, designing, and executing over $500 million in bond projects. His leadership has ensured that school facilities reflect the high-quality education happening within classrooms, fostering pride among students, teachers, and parents. Throughout his 33-year career, José has served in various educational roles, including teacher, vice principal, principal, and superintendent, among others. He is actively involved with the Association of California School Administrators and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators and has held numerous leadership positions. We are thrilled to have José join the DCA team, where his extensive experience and passion for education will undoubtedly enrich our efforts to support TK-12 educational institutions.

We are thrilled to announce that Jasmine Pacheco Lopez has joined Derivi Castellanos Architects as a Designer. Jasmine comes to us with a rich academic background and impressive accolades, having recently graduated from California Polytechnic State University, SLO, with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Architectural Engineering. During her time at Cal Poly, she distinguished herself as a Cal Poly Scholar, continuously made the Dean’s List, and earned the prestigious Stollmeyer Opportunity Scholarship. Additionally, Jasmine was the valedictorian at Bakersfield High School, further showcasing her dedication and excellence in her studies. Jasmine's practical experience is equally commendable. She has spent multiple summers working with Cater Design Group, where she honed her skills in schematic design, and design development, and construction documentation. Her role involved significant responsibilities, such as leading residential addition projects, developing 3D design concepts using Revit, and collaborating closely with contractors, city officials, and clients to ensure project success. Jasmine also interned with West of West in Los Angeles, where she gained valuable experience in model making and 3D site design, contributing to an AIA competition. We are confident that Jasmine’s exceptional educational background, combined with her hands-on experience and award-winning talents, will make her an invaluable asset to our team. Her proficiency in various design software and fabrication techniques, along with her bilingual abilities in English and Spanish, position her perfectly to contribute to our diverse and dynamic projects. Please join us in welcoming Jasmine Pacheco Lopez to Derivi Castellanos Architects. We look forward to the creativity and innovation she will bring to our firm!

As we at Derivi Castellanos Architects reflect on our journey of collaboration and growth with the Salinas Union High School District, we find ourselves deeply appreciative of the remarkable leadership and dedication of Superintendent Dan Burns. Dan's unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational environment for students and the community has left an indelible mark on all of us. Over the years, we had the privilege of partnering with Dan on numerous projects, each aimed at improving the facilities and overall experience for the students of the district. From the implementation of wellness centers to the construction of modern two-story classroom and administration buildings and campus-wide modernizations, Dan's vision and passion have always shone through. His efforts have undoubtedly created a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come. As Dan steps down from his role, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for his 34 years of service to the Salinas community. His leadership, especially through challenging times like the pandemic and complex social issues, has been nothing short of inspiring. We wish Dan all the best in his future endeavors and hope for his continued health and happiness. Thank you, Dan, for your tireless dedication and the positive impact you've made on so many lives. #ThankYou #Leadership #Community #Education #SalinasUnionHighSchoolDistrict

We are excited to welcome Roberto Bojorquez to our team as a Designer. Roberto brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our design team, and we are thrilled to have him on board. Roberto earned his Architecture degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara and has honed his skills with VWA Arquitectos in Jalisco, Mexico. His professional background is impressive, encompassing architectural projects, drafting, 3D visualization, reading plans, on-site construction monitoring, and remodeling. This diverse experience will be invaluable as he undertakes new projects with us. What truly motivates Roberto is the opportunity to face new challenges that test and expand his skills. He is passionate about learning and continually increasing his knowledge. Interestingly, as a child, Roberto aspired to be a biologist or a veterinarian, driven by his love for nature and animals. This curiosity and passion for learning have stayed with him, shaping his approach to his career. When asked what he is most looking forward to in his new role at DCA, Roberto shared, "I am excited to learn about this new way of working, which I haven't had the opportunity to experience. I want to make the most of it to someday achieve my architect license." Please join us in welcoming Roberto to the team. We are confident that his expertise and enthusiasm will make a significant impact and contribute to our continued success.

At DCA, we believe that sharing our success is one of the most rewarding things we do. As a firm focused on the Educational Sector, we strive to align our philanthropic efforts with our professional practice. This year, we proudly continued our tradition of supporting student success through our DCA Technology Awards, which provide deserving middle and high school students with essential technology tools to aid their educational journeys. The DCA Technology Awards include valuable items such as Apple Laptops, PC Laptops, Chromebooks, and Apple iPads. This year, we had the privilege of awarding 14 scholarships to outstanding students across 10 school districts in Northern California. Our dedicated DCA team attended each award ceremony to personally present these technology tools to the stellar students. It was a joy for each representative to witness the excitement and gratitude of these young minds as they received the tools that will help them excel in their studies. We are absolutely honored to support students who have shown dedication to their education. It is our firm belief that providing access to technology can make a significant difference in a student's academic experience. We are committed to continuing this tradition of support and celebration for years to come, ensuring that more students have the resources they need to succeed. At DCA, we recognize that investing in the next generation is not just a responsibility but a privilege, and we look forward to seeing the incredible achievements these students will undoubtedly accomplish.

Empowering Safer School Environments: Highlights from the 2024 CALSA Conference We are thrilled to announce that our DCA team successfully coordinated a captivating presentation at the 2024 CALSA Conference in San Diego on June 28, 2024. This insightful session focused on the best practices for creating safe school environments, delving into critical aspects such as community engagement, preparedness, physical security, and infrastructure design solutions. The attendees were highly engaged as our expert panel shared their invaluable expertise and practical strategies aimed at enhancing safety protocols within educational institutions. Our dynamic speaker panel addressed crucial elements of ensuring safety within our educational environments, encouraging active participation through an interactive Q&A session. This collaborative approach fostered a rich exchange of ideas, as we collectively seek to create school environments where students, educators, and staff feel secure and supported. It was an honor to explore these vital components alongside other dedicated members of the educational community who are committed to enhancing school safety throughout California. Special thanks to our esteemed panel members for their insightful contributions and valuable contributions to the session. José Banda brought over four decades of experience in TK-12 education, emphasizing leadership and curriculum development, community engagement, and strategic policy restructuring. Miguel Cruz, with his extensive background in facilities management, shared his expertise on enhancing school environments and addressing operational challenges. Paul Llanez provided deep insights from his 25 years in law enforcement and his specialization in school safety and emergency preparedness. Steve Sowa, with his vast experience in architectural design, highlighted the importance of thoughtful and secure infrastructure planning. We also wish to express our sincere thanks to our partners at EKC Enterprises Inc. for sponsoring the workshop and their unwavering support in creating safer educational facilities for our students. Together, we are making a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our educational communities, striving to build a secure and nurturing environment for all.

Welcome Hector Gonzalez, Project Coordinator at DCA We are thrilled to introduce Hector Gonzalez as the newest member of the Derivi Castellanos Architects (DCA) team, stepping into the role of Project Coordinator. Hector brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for excellence. As a devoted husband and father of three, Hector balances a busy family life with a variety of hobbies, including reading, barbering, hiking, traveling, and gaming. Hector's professional journey is marked by significant roles such as foreman, project coordinator, and construction manager in the telecommunications and construction sectors. His hands-on experience and leadership skills make him a valuable asset to our team. In his free time, Hector enjoys spending quality moments with his family, whether working on home projects or embarking on outdoor adventures. His weekends are often filled with activities that bring his family closer, from daily maintenance tasks to camping trips and hiking excursions that his children adore. When asked about his new role at DCA, Hector shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I am looking forward to new beginnings! A new chapter to write about and a new journey to talk about amongst my family and friends." We are equally excited to welcome Hector and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly bring to our projects and team dynamics. Welcome aboard, Hector!

Introducing Donn Merriam, AIA, a seasoned Senior Architect with over thirty years of professional experience specializing in K-12 public school design. Donn possesses a remarkable track record of successfully managing projects, from classroom modernizations to full campus replacements, showcasing his expertise in leading teams through all phases of design, documentation, contract administration, and DSA processes. His commitment to excellence has led to the establishment of strong partnerships with clients, resulting in outcomes that not only meet but exceed expectations, fostering enduring relationships built on trust and collaboration. Donn's extensive experience working with various public-school districts in California highlights his ability to deliver innovative solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. Donn's dedication to his craft extends beyond the workplace, as he finds solace in working on, riding, and restoring Ducati motorcycles during his leisure time. His educational background includes a B.Sc. in Architectural Studies from the University of Nebraska, coupled with a registration as a Licensed Architect in the State of California. As an active member of the American Institute of Architects and a Trustee for Phillips Academy in Alameda and Emery USD in Emeryville, Donn brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the architectural landscape to DCA. With a portfolio boasting an array of representative projects for school districts across California, Donn's expertise will help elevate DCA’s design capabilities and reinforce our reputation for excellence in architectural innovation.