Derek brings a rich understanding of urban form to PWL that began at an early age. “As young as two years old, all I did was draw.” Growing up, he drew cities, streets, parks, built models of buildings, and considered how these spaces change over time. “It was a natural transition to become a landscape architect,” Derek admits, “and I feel like one of the luckiest people to be able to do what I love as my profession.”
A Vancouver native and University of British Columbia graduate, Derek has also practiced landscape architecture in California, the Middle East and England. A particularly influential experience was working with landscape architect and Zen priest Shunmyo Masuno in Japan.
When not thinking up the next innovative way to make the world a better place, Derek enjoys playing music in his band and hiking the local mountains with his family.