Peterbilt, Aundria Plaza among architect's top projects

While he doesn't have a signature design style, Bill Derington said he likes to use the high-tech style "comprised of clean lines, minimum ornamentation and modern materials" possible.

Derington started his own architectural firm in Springfield 15 years agoworking for a design/build firm. His company has been at 3070 S. Delaware for the last three years.

In the beginning, the firm was a one-man operation. Today, Bill Derington Architect, AIA, employs two intern architects and two draftsmen.

Derington said two of his three sons may join the company in the future to form a partnership with their father.

Rick, 29, is an architect in San Francisco while Mike, 24, is a senior at Drury University majoring in architecture. Middle son Brad, 25, is a student at Southwest Missouri State University majoring in computer programming.

Derington has been a licensed architect for almost 20 years, and in addition to being licensed in Missouri, he is licensed in Kansas, Colorado and Texas.

His past projects in southwest Missouri include Price Cutter Park in Ozark, where the Ozark Mountain Ducks play, and two shopping centers in Springfield: Aundria Plaza and Kelly Plaza, both on South National.

His firm also did the exterior remodeling of the Bel-Air Shopping Center on Rangeline in Joplin.

Derington recently finished the design work on the new Peterbilt Truck dealership that's now under construction on Interstate 44.

All that remains for Derington to do on that project is the contract administration work.

He also just completed the exterior design of a European-style spa that's being built on the south side of Springfield.

"The exterior is done, and now I'm working on the interior," Derington said. "The spa, which will include massage therapy, yoga classes, a nail boutique and a hydrotherapy pool, is scheduled to open next summer."

Derington said he believes technology, specifically the Internet, is changing the way architects do business.

"We can send each other drawings over the Internet, which saves us a lot of time," he said. "You can stay at your office but do business all over the country because of this new technology."

He added, "Ideas and concepts spread faster over the Internet, and so trends flow faster. In the past, it took months and sometimes years for new ideas to come from other places to southwest Missouri. Now, the ideas are received almost immediately. Architects can now see the latest in concepts and building materials, among other things, from all over the world."

He said the strong economy and the quality of life in southwest Missouri means the area will continue to grow and with it the need for new buildings.

"This is a growing economy," Derington said. "That's good for the construction business, which means it also will be good for the architecture business. This is an inexpensive area to live in, and there's a good quality of life here. It's also an area where retirees are choosing to live. The need for retirement and nursing home communities for them will continue to grow."