Derek brings a passion for “place” to the practice of architecture. With more than two decades of experience in a range of commercial and residential development, the common thread in Derekʼs
work is a need to create meaningful experiences of public space in which the quality of “being there” ads value beyond the programmed occupancies. As a leader of RDCʼs Placemaking Studio, Derek brings together the three pillars of full-service architecture: design, technical knowledge, and project management. Derek enjoys working with clients to guide them through the architectural process, helping them to develop their design inspersions into project realities. “I believe that architecture is the service of design”. A native of San Diego, Derek has returned to his hometown with the 2021 launch of RDCʼs San Diego Office located in the Historic San Diego Design Center. Managing mixed use commercial development projects such a Costa Verde, SDSU Mission Valley Retail, and the Campus at Horton have provided a unique opportunity to inform the realization of twenty-first century urban values in the community. Derek is a licensed California Architect, accredited by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, a member of American Institute of Architecture, a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, and an associate member of the Urban Land Institute. He holds a Bachelorʼs degree in architecture from the University of California Berkeley, and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Florida.