Business Details
44 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architecture Partner in Norfolk, VA
RFS Architects is a full-service design firm founded in 1982 by Don Riddick in Norfolk, Virginia. With over 41 years of experience, we specialize in architecture, planning, and interior design, serving commercial, government, healthcare, and multi-family sectors. Our team of 15-20 professionals prioritizes client satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. We combine visionary design with technical expertise to deliver projects ranging from $40 million federal buildings to boutique hospitality spaces. Our principals, including AIA members and LEED-certified professionals, bring decades of industry knowledge and a commitment to quality control. We maintain long-term client relationships built on trust, having served notable clients like the U.S.Navy, Marriott International, and Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters. Our services span schematic design, construction administration, sustainable design, and historic preservation, supported by advanced BIM and 3D modeling capabilities. We emphasize accessibility compliance, energy code standards, and life safety planning while adapting to evolving industry technologies. Our team's diverse expertise includes 54 years of combined experience in federal, municipal, and industrial projects, ensuring tailored solutions for each client's unique needs.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
BIM Modeling
Code Compliance
Space Planning
Feasibility Studies
Tenant Improvements
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 41 years of proven experience in architectural design and project management.
- Our team includes AIA-certified architects and LEED-accredited sustainability specialists.
- We maintain long-term client relationships through transparent communication and problem-solving.
- Our portfolio spans $40 million federal projects to boutique hospitality developments.
- We combine technical expertise with creative design to meet evolving industry standards.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services encompass full-cycle project development from concept to completion. We specialize in commercial, government, and healthcare facilities, delivering code-compliant, functional spaces that balance aesthetics with technical precision. Our AIA-certified architects employ Revit/BIM technology to create detailed 3D models that streamline construction processes and minimize errors.
Interior Design
We create tailored interior environments that optimize functionality and occupant well-being. Our certified interior designers focus on material selection, furniture planning, and universal design principles to create spaces that meet both practical needs and aesthetic goals across corporate, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
Sustainable Design
Our LEED-certified professionals integrate energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials into every project phase. We conduct life cycle analyses and energy code compliance audits to reduce environmental impact while maintaining cost-effectiveness for commercial and government clients seeking Earthcraft or LEED certifications.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in maintaining architectural integrity while modernizing historic structures. Our team combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary building codes to preserve cultural landmarks, ensuring structural safety and regulatory compliance without compromising historical authenticity.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive construction phase services including document preparation, contractor coordination, and site inspections. Our team ensures adherence to design specifications through detailed material submittal reviews, change order management, and quality control assessments for complex commercial and institutional projects.
People
Pete Dykema
President
A registered architect in nine states, Pete Dykema leads RFS Architects with expertise in urban design and societal impact of built environments. He joined the firm in 2010 after earning architecture degrees from University of Michigan and University of Oregon.
Bob Stern
Vice President
With over 30 years of experience, Bob Stern manages government and commercial projects. A LEED AP since 2012, he has earned sustainability certifications for multiple housing developments and received recognition for the Suffolk Health & Human Services Building.
Trish Galonsky
Vice President
Certified Interior Designer Trish Galonsky oversees project management and technical specifications. With 35+ years at RFS, she combines construction expertise with space planning skills to deliver cohesive interior solutions for healthcare, hospitality, and corporate clients.
Jeremy Jones
Vice President
A Norfolk native and Hampton University graduate, Jeremy Jones specializes in transforming conceptual ideas into functional buildings. As a registered architect since 2009, he focuses on integrating creative design with technical requirements across diverse project types.
Donald Huff
Project Manager
With technical expertise in hospitality and industrial design, Donald Huff manages complex projects from concept through construction. He joined RFS in 1999 after architectural studies at Coastal Carolina Community College and brings specialized knowledge of code compliance.
Questions
What architectural services does RFS Architects offer?
We provide full-service architecture including schematic design, construction documents, and administration for commercial, government, healthcare, and multi-family projects.
Do you handle historic building restoration projects?
Yes, our team specializes in historic preservation while maintaining modern code compliance and functional requirements for heritage structures.
Can you assist with sustainable design certifications?
Our LEED-certified professionals help achieve Earthcraft and LEED certifications through energy-efficient systems and sustainable material selection.
What project sizes do you typically handle?
We manage projects ranging from $40 million federal buildings to boutique hospitality developments and residential renovations.
How do you ensure construction quality control?
We provide comprehensive construction administration services including document reviews, site inspections, and material compliance verification throughout the building process.
Do you work outside the Norfolk area?
While based in Norfolk, we serve clients across Virginia and have completed projects in multiple states for federal government and national commercial clients.
