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Business Details
28 Years
experience
Architectural Design Services in Salem, MA
At Derby Square Architects, we prioritize fostering strong client-architect relationships to deliver resilient, context-aware architectural solutions. With over three decades of combined experience, our team specializes in government, commercial, residential, and industrial projects across New England. Our expertise spans multi-family housing developments, medical clinics, historic preservation, and sustainable design. We collaborate closely with public housing authorities, private developers, and business owners to address spatial needs while emphasizing safety, accessibility, and innovation.

Our work has earned recognition in regions like Salem, Danvers, and Gloucester, where we integrate local context into every project. We focus on energy-efficient designs, interior improvements, and construction optimization to align with client budgets and goals. Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and certified experts in construction supervision, ensuring compliance with industry standards. By combining technical proficiency with creative problem-solving, we aim to create spaces that enhance community well-being and withstand evolving demands.
Services
Government Architecture Commercial Design Residential Development Industrial Spaces Sustainable Renovations
Details
  • Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
  • We offer 30+ years of expertise in diverse architectural sectors.
  • Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and construction-certified experts.
  • We prioritize client collaboration and context-aware, sustainable design.
  • We maintain longstanding relationships with Massachusetts public housing authorities.
  • Our portfolio spans award-winning multi-family, commercial, and historic projects.
Associations and certifications
  • AIA
  • LEED AP
Services
Government Architecture
We specialize in designing facilities for government agencies and public housing authorities. Our work includes multi-family developments, accessibility conversions, and EOHLC-compliant projects. With experience in HUD Housing Developments, we provide code-compliant, sustainable solutions that balance budget constraints with community needs. Our team ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while prioritizing accessibility and long-term functionality.
Commercial Design
Our commercial services focus on restaurants, healthcare clinics, and specialty retail spaces. We handle projects from ground-up construction to interior renovations, with expertise in medical clinic design. We collaborate with business owners to optimize layouts for efficiency and customer experience while meeting zoning and safety requirements. Our portfolio includes award-winning restaurant expansions and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.
Residential Development
We offer architectural solutions for private residences and multi-family housing developments. Our approach prioritizes client collaboration, budget optimization, and sustainable materials. From single-family homes to large-scale apartment complexes, we balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations like energy efficiency and accessibility. Our team has extensive experience with Massachusetts housing authorities.
Industrial Spaces
We design efficient, safe spaces for food processing, distribution, and manufacturing. Our expertise spans Auto Repair Facilities, Gas Stations, and Medical Labs. We partner with engineering consultants to address complex mechanical and safety requirements. Our designs focus on workflow optimization, compliance with industry-specific regulations, and durable construction suited to demanding environments.
Sustainable Renovations
Our sustainability services include energy audits, LEED-certified designs, and energy-saving retrofits. We integrate modern efficiency systems into existing buildings while preserving structural integrity. This includes insulation upgrades, solar-ready designs, and eco-friendly material selection. Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals who ensure environmental compliance without compromising functionality or aesthetics.
People
Richard Griffin
Principal
Co-founder with 30+ years of experience. M. Arch. from Clemson University and a background in Human Ecology. Specializes in client relationships and urban context-driven design. AIA member.
William Peterson
Principal
B. Arch. from Boston Architectural College. Design expertise in civic buildings, historic preservation, and mixed-use developments. Served as Captain in Massachusetts Air National Guard for base facility design.
Nathan Bonaiuto
Associate Principal
Project manager with experience in residential and commercial design. Holds CPHC certification. Graduated from Roger Williams University with M. Arch. degree. Focuses on technical precision and client collaboration.
Karla Nietzsch Tinkjian
Project Designer
LEED Accredited Professional with Massachusetts Construction Supervisor's License. Fluent in Portuguese and English. Expertise in drafting and sustainable design solutions for multi-family and commercial projects.
Julia Sierra Ramirez
Project Designer
Recent graduate from Roger Williams University with BSA in Architecture. Skilled in Revit, AutoCAD, and Adobe software. Focuses on technical documentation and design innovation for residential and public projects.
Questions
What architectural services does Derby Square Architects offer?
We provide design services for government, commercial, residential, and industrial projects, including multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, renovations, and sustainable designs.
Do they specialize in public or private sector projects?
We work with both public housing authorities and private developers, offering expertise in EOHLC-compliant housing and HUD developments.
What geographic areas do they serve?
Our primary service areas include Salem, Danvers, Gloucester, Framingham, and other Massachusetts communities, with select projects in New Hampshire.
Are they experienced in sustainable design?
Yes, our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals who integrate energy-saving strategies and sustainability assessments into projects.
Do they handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, particularly in Salem's historic districts.
Can they assist with restaurant and retail spaces?
We specialize in restaurant expansions, retail design, and medical clinic renovations with a focus on functional, code-compliant spaces.
Reviews (4)
Emily Ciccolo Hammond
Jul 26, 2019 Report
I have worked with Bill on several commercial projects and the office has been wonderful to work with. Very professional and thorough when it was important. Bill designed a fantastic indoor design for our community center and was so creative and thoughtful. Highly recommended!
Maurice Rubino
Oct 06, 2018 Report
As an insurance agent, I have recommended Bill Peterson to several clients and have received calls back from clients thanking me for the recommendation. This confirms his work and also makes me look good with my clients that I have such an excellent resource such as Bill Peterson and Derby Square Architects
Maurice Rubino
Hub International New England LLC
Chad Patel
Jun 05, 2018 Report
I had been given Bill's contact information from a General Contractor for a build-out of my second dental office. I got in touch with Bill and his wife and they were highly professional and very easy to work with. I have a-lot of admiration for young professionals who are trying to build a business and live the American Dream. I cant be more pleased with their services from start to finish. I have worked with many architects in the past for various projects and I would strongly recommend Bill to everyone for all their architectural needs. I will definitely be using them in the future!
Matt Carreiro
Jun 04, 2018 Report
Known Bill for years. I have seen many of his amazing designs and his company designed a new building for one of my biggest clients.