Derby
Square
Architects
ABOUT US
Derby Square Architects provides architectural and design services to clients in the Salem / Boston, MA area. As a team of architects and planners, we dedicate our time to understanding our clients needs. We take the time to learn about our clients and conduct thorough research for each project. This ensures that we offer nothing but thoughtful and effective design proposals. All of which are built on a foundation of the clients expectations and the characteristics of the end user. By doing this, we create a strong client-architect relationship, which in the end, develops into a well-rounded project. We specialize in designing within the unique context that New England provides and we have extensive experience in historic preservation, architectural design, and urban planning.
OUR VALUES
Our core values as a firm are based in this idea of a healthy balance of home and work life. We believe that by creating and maintaining a life outside of work, the business that is conducted in the office can only improve. Derby Square Architects strongly encourages self improvement and mutually beneficial and financially practical business relationships. We take pride in our relationships, whether personal or business. Both help us succeed as an architecture firm.
OUR TEAM
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RICHARD GRIFFIN
With over 30 years of experience as an architect, Richard co-founded Derby Square Architects, a consortium of architects in Downtown Salem. Richard originally established Richard Griffin Architects in 1998 in Salem, where he began offering architectural design services for local residents and small businesses. Richard earned a M. Arch., at Clemson University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology, College of the Atlantic. He also studied at Washington University, St. Louis and University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Principal
WILLIAM PETERSON
Principal
Bill attained his B. Arch degree from the Boston Architectural College. In his 20 plus years of experience he has designed multi-family housing, public safety facilities, town halls, various civic buildings, and historic preservation projects. He has also been part of commercial mixed use, retail, and restaurant developments.
Bill is a comissioned officer, Captain, in the 102d Civil Engineer Sqaudron in the Massachusetts Air National Guard working on engineering, planning, and design of base facilities.
AIA, NCARB
Bill@DerbySq.com
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NATHAN BONAIUTO
Nathan is an experienced designer and project manager who brings a dynamic skillset to the firm. Nathan previously worked for our predessor firm, Richard Griffin Architect and later to for STA Design before returning to work with us at DSA. Nathan earned his undergraduate and graduate M. Arch degree at Roger Williams University.
Associate Principal
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CPHC
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KARLA NIETZSCH TINKJIAN
Project Designer
Karla is an experienced and thoughtful designer and drafter and top producer at DSA. Karla previously worked for one of the firm’s predecesors, Richard Griffin Architects, from 2013 to 2016, after working at a variety of design firms in both the Boston area as well as Minas Gerais, Brazil where she was raised and educated in architecture. Karla has her construction supervisors license in Massachusetts and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
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Karla fluently speaks Brazilian Portuguese as well as English.
LEED AP, CS
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JILL FRIEL
Jill, a recent graduate from Endicott College with a BFA in Interior Architecture, brings her excitement to learn all things design and construction to our North Shore team. She is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in construction management from Endicott. Her expertise extends from Revit and rendering, where she witnesses her projects come to life, as well as crafting material pallets. Jill is driven by her strong desire to make clients' visions come to life, and creating designs that enhance their daily lives, no matter what type of space it may be.
Project Designer
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JULIA SIERRA RAMIREZ
Julia, our newest employee, graduated from Roger Williams in 2022 with a BSA in Architecture and Construction as well as an Art and Architecture History minor. She has a strong skill set in softwares such as Revit, Autocad, Procore, and Adobe. Julia is driven by her thirst for knowledge and enjoys learning new things about the world of architecture. Outside of work, Julia enjoys reading, playing tennis, going on long walks, and trying new foods! Welcome to the team Julia!
Project Designer
Could be you!
Angelina, a senior at Endicott College majoring in Interior Architecture, is our newest fall semester intern! From her previous internships and educational experiences, she has developed excellent skills in Revit, Enscape, Adobe, and graphic design. Outside of work, Angelina loves spending time outside with her family and friends, as well as painting, sewing, and playing guitar. We are so excited to have her on our team for the fall semester!
Intern for Summer of '25