Former California State Architect Steve Castellanos Joins Leading Architectural Firm Chong Partners; Created Excellence in Public Buildings Program to Improve Design and Performance of State Buildings and Public Schools

Business Wire, June 7, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO -- Former California State Architect Stephan Castellanos, FAIA, has joined Chong Partners Architecture as an Associate Partner.

"Steve is an extraordinary individual who has raised the bar for public buildings through his leadership as State Architect, who has served the profession generously and wisely, and who embodies exceptional architectural and client service skills," says Gordon Chong, founder and President, Chong Partners. "His exceptional knowledge of education and the public realm and his interest in sustainability and research-based design dovetail with our firm's focus. Steve will be a great resource for our clients and our staff."

Prior to joining Chong Partners, Castellanos served as California State Architect for four years. In this post, he developed policy and directed design and construction of California's public schools, community colleges and public buildings. He also developed the Excellence in Public Buildings Program which has been instrumental in raising the level of design and operations of state buildings.

A strong advocate for sustainable design, Castellanos guided the development of California's Sustainable Schools Resource Guide, and chaired the California Sustainable Building Task Force. Many of his innovative approaches to public building design, construction and operation are being adopted around the country.

"My career and professional service have been directed toward building communities of interest that can collaborate to create a project of great design yet one that also delivers excellent results for the client and Chong Partners shares this view," says Castellanos. "Further, Chong Partners is future-focused, investing in primary research to understand how it can better serve clients in such areas as sustainability and technology. I want to be part of a knowledge-based firm because I believe it's the future for our profession."

Beyond the Office of the State Architect, Castellanos has served as Vice Chair of the California Hospital Safety Board for Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), participated as a member of the Administrative Office of the Courts Transitional Task Force and currently serves as President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) California Council. He formerly served as AIA Secretary at the national level, concurrent with Gordon Chong's tenure as AIA President.

In private practice, Castellanos was an Owner/Principal of Derivi Castellanos Architects, directing an architectural practice focused on local government, transportation, K-12, education and healthcare facilities. He is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and is currently pursuing an Executive Masters in Architecture degree from that institution.

With offices in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and London, Chong Partners Architecture provides strategic planning, urban design, architectural design, interior design and graphic design services to clients in healthcare, education, civic, institutional and commercial fields. The firm is distinguished by a community-based and knowledge-based practice that emphasizes the importance of design to build livable communities and to foster social, cultural and ecological values.