Firm History

RGB Architects (RGB) is a diversified architectural, project management, and interior design firm. With a mission of excellence through a holistic approach, architecture has been at the heart of RGB’s practice since 1946. Our architectural portfolio consists of a remarkably broad range of project types, serving the cities and towns of New England as well as the major corporations of the State of Rhode Island.

History & Philosophy Awards

Our History

The beginning of Robinson Green Beretta Corporation goes back to 1946 when the firm of Cull and Robinson was founded. Seven years later, Cull and Robinson established an architectural partnership with the firm of Conrad E. Green under the name of Cull, Robinson, and Green. The name was changed then to Robinson, Green, and Beretta when Joseph A. Beretta, who had started with Cull and Robinson in 1946 became a partner.

Joseph A. Beretta, an architect and engineer, became RGB’s first president upon incorporation of the firm in 1970. His son, Joseph R. Beretta, joined the firm in 1973 and has served as president since 1997.

FOUNDERS

Knight D. Robinson, AIA NCARB; deceased; Brown University A.B. 1935; Harvard University, B. Arch. and M. Arch. 1940

Conrad E. Green, AIA NCARB; deceased; Brown University A.B. 1935; Harvard University, B. Arch. and M. Arch. 1940

Joseph A. Beretta, AIA NCARB PE NSPE; deceased; University of Rhode Island, Lincoln Institute of Northeastern University

Current Leadership

Our Philosophy

As Rhode Island’s foremost design firm, We are cognizant of our work shaping everyday environments that touch people in every aspect of their lives.

RGB’s core philosophy has always considered the long-term effects of our creative designs and responsibility has remained true to practical concerns. The portfolio piece developed in 1980 depicting projects over a 25-year period documents a company philosophy that, despite the many modern technologies and processes now in use, still resounds with RGB’s original practice, where ecological concerns and innovative materials have always been part of our responsible designs.

View our Legacy Portfolio

Awards and Recognition

2019

Providence Preservation Society, 2019 Preservation Award – 2019 Bomes Theater, Five-time Providence Preservation Society Most Endangered Property, Providence, Rhode Island

2019

2019 American Institute of Architects, AIA RI Design Award- Bomes Theater, Five-time Providence Preservation Society Most Endangered Property, Providence, Rhode Island

2017

2017 Providence Business News, Top 10 Architecture Firms

2011

American Institute of Steel Construction’s Annual IDEAS2 Design Competition – National Certificate of Recognition, 2011 Interlink Terminal End Improvements & Skybridge at TF Green Airport, Warwick, RI

2010

South County Habitat for Humanity – “Finalist in the Sustainable Residential Design Competition”, 2010

2009

National Grid/Advanced Building Core Performance – “Superior Energy Efficient Design for High Performance Schools”, 2008/2009 New Middle School, North Smithfield, RI

2008

International Masonry Institute 2008 Golden Trowel Award, New England Region – “Best Sustainable Design Project” New Residence Hall, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI

2008

American School & University Architectural Portfolio “Outstanding Design” New Residence Hall, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI

2008

RI Historic Preservation Society Historic Preservation Award Rosedale Landing Apartment, Cranston, RI

2007

National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association – Honor Award Blackstone River State Park & Visitor Center, Lincoln RI American School & University 2007 Educational Interiors Showcase “Interior Design Excellence” Cumberland High School Wellness Center Cumberland, RI

2006

American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase “Interior Design Excellence” CCRI Edward J. Liston Campus Additions and Renovations, Providence, RI

2006

RI Historic Preservation Society Historic Preservation Award The Promenade Apartments, Providence, RI

2005

American School & University Architectural Portfolio “Outstanding Design” LaSalle Academy, Shea Science and Student Center Addition, Providence, RI

2004

American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase “Outstanding Design” Smithfield High School, Laboratory Classroom Additions, Smithfield, RI

2004

Masonry Construction’s Project of the Year – “Best Historic Restoration” Green Hall, Restoration and Renovations, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

2003

Rhode Island Monthly Design Awards Gold Award: Commercial Interior Design Casey Family Services, New Office, Providence, RI

2003

Masonry Construction’s Project of the Year – “Best Institutional Building/Government” Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Maintenance Facility Expansion, Providence, RI

2002

AIA/Rhode Island 2002 Design Awards Manchester Street Station, Restoration, Providence, RI

2002

International Masonry Institute Golden Trowel Award, New England Region Courtyard by Marriott, New Construction, Union Station Plaza, Providence, RI

RGB has the knowledge, expertise in planning and design, and project management skills to work with you on DPW and other public buildings, from the programming stage through construction

Ron Dubuc, Assistant Superintendent for Operations

City of Attleboro

It has been a pleasure working with the RGB team. Their interaction is always prompt and professional. RGB has a great history and reputation in the region, which reflects their ability to interact with the contractor and to steer a project in the right direction and guide it to through completion. I would recommend RGB to work alongside my team anytime.

Randy Burchard, District President

South Killingly Fire District

This historically significant building, built in 1845 and listed in the National Historic Register, nearly faced the possibility of demolition…RGB worked diligently to obtain necessary approvals from various State agencies including the Historical Preservation Society, Department of Environmental Management, and Coastal Resource Management Commission…

Peter J. Catalano , Chief Executive Officer

Watch Hill Inn

RGB has performed design work for multiple RIPTA facilities that serve Para-Transit, Flex Buses, and Route Buses. On numerous occasions, this design work required site selection and master planning which was carried through successfully. Their assistance and input on these projects have been invaluable in attaining the goals set forth by RIPTA.

Alfred J. Moscola, General Manager

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

One of the most valuable assets of the firm is its ability to work with the owner and have the owner actively participate in the design process…RGB is owner friendly and key executives participate in the design and construction administration process.

Dr. Ivy Locke , Vice President , Administration and Finance

Rhode Island College

Their assistance and input on these projects were invaluable in attaining the goals of these projects…We are pleased with the performance and responsiveness from RGB through the years and look forward to further continuing our relationship.

Edward Scott, Assistant General Manager

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority