
"At DBVW Architects, we believe buildings should reflect the people and communities they’re designed for. DBVW is proud of its history helping to create diverse new places, sometimes in old spaces, sometimes in new, for people to create their own unique experiences."
Beginning in 1994 with a large-scale affordable housing project, DBVW Architects’ commitment to community-based design has remained at the core of our firm’s practice.
We believe the built environment can play a crucial role in enahancing and shaping vibrant and inclusive communities. Through sustainable design and sensitive responses to local context, we strive to create spaces that not only provide aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the well-being of the people in the community.
DBVW is dedicated to engaging with communities, understanding our client’s needs, and designing buildings that are respectful of the communities in which they exist. Through thoughtful and collaborative design, we aim to foster a sense of inclusion and elevate quality of life for everyone.
Committed to community through creating homes
DBVW Architects was founded in 1994 with the award of a large, multi-family housing project for a non-profit organization in Woonsocket, RI. While the range of our work has grown significantly since then, affordable housing remains at the core of our practice. From new construction to complex renovations of existing buildings, we have designed nearly two thousand units of affordable housing throughout New England.

Featured Projects
DBVW Community Involvement
Our employees’ commitment to community often starts in their own neighborhoods. Many DBVW team members volunteer time outside the office, giving back and helping others in their own communities. From sharing expertise to volunteering at an event, here are some of the ways DBVW employees get involved:

Helping Hands New England

ACE Mentor Program of RI

We Share Hope

Rhode Island Minorities in Architecture & Design

Jewelry District Fall Festival

Roger Williams University Architecture

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks

Canstruction
Rhode Island Minorities in Architecture & Design (RIMiAD)
In November of 2022, Tami Hughes and Moises Valcarcel Gonzalez founded Rhode Island Minorities in Architecture & Design (RIMiAD). The goal was to provide an opportunity for connection among minority-identifying professionals in the architecture and design fields. By bringing together a group of diverse professionals who support each other and share resources, RIMiAD has become a valuable resource for designers in Rhode Island. With the help of DBVW's own Pedro Ortiz and countless other volunteers, RIMiAD is building a stronger design community while providing barrier free resources for all who participate. In addition to the meet-ups held every other month, RIMiAD launched its first mentorship program and professional development workshop in 2024.
DBVW is proud of our employees who have dedicated their time and efforts to creating a space for community connections in the architecture and design field where there wasn’t one before. Their initiative has laid the groundwork for collaboration and engagement, fostering a vibrant community that encourages openness and mutual support.

Office List of Volunteerism/Community Service
Community Libraries of Providence