BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
BA(Hons) DipArch RIBA
Derek began his professional career working as a technician, and completed his degree in architecture in 2008, studying part-time at the University of Greenwich in parallel to his work at Aedas. He completed his diploma with distinction in 2011 and Part III in 2012, both at Greenwich.
During his ten years with Aedas, a 1,400-strong organisation working from fifteen different offices, Derek worked on a vast range of projects, delivered through a variety of procurement routes and often involving an extended programme of work over several years. This big-practice experience both contrasts with, and informs, his eventual move into smaller, more collaborative design studios: first to Collectif Nineteen Eighty One. His career highlights reflect this ability to work at differing scales, and include a five-year project to evolve the Holland Park School estate, £300 million office towers in Abu Dhabi and, more recently the installation “It’s not who you are, it’s how you are” at the BALTIC gallery in Gateshead.
During his studies at the University of Greenwich Derek received a number of awards, including two nominations for the RIBA President’s Silver Medal. He is a regular contributor to Article 25’s annual 10×10 Drawing the City charity initiative and has been selected as a finalist for several drawing prizes, including Architects Eye and the AJ Habitation Drawing Prize. He was selected as an RIBA Rising Star in 2019.