Derek Newby, Managing Director

Tending our Roots

Derek admired our studio’s work even before he stepped foot in its Vancouver office as a senior architect in 2011. With a background in urban studies and planning, Derek was fascinated by the ability to enrich our experience of the world through architecture—and to do it sustainably. He admired the studio’s rigorous approach to design and its drive to advance greater sustainability that led to the development of an award-winning portfolio.

During his time here, Derek has had the opportunity to continue this legacy of well designed, high quality, high performance, green architecture. He has led some of the studio’s most ambitious projects, advancing an innovative and environmentally-focused practice exploring mass timber, prefabrication, modular design, and comprehensive strategies to reduce carbon emissions. He intends to continue to advocate for innovation and environmentalism in his role as Managing Director.

“What we do is meaningful and it has profound influence on people's lives. We work hard to deliver excellent buildings—but at the end of the day, we're trying to make the world a better place.”

Derek believes that people are the most important part of the profession. That’s why he led our internal program mentoring next generation leaders. He’s grateful for being able to work with a team that is truly inspiring and looks forward to what each day brings.

“There’s an incredible wealth of talent in our studio who are enthusiastic and genuinely curious. They want to create great places that make people’s lives better. I’m inspired by their drive and the possibilities they uncover.”

An eager champion for the studios and our work, Derek returns to an even stronger and more effective team. Applying his versatile design leadership across the studio, he is keen to reinforce the principles of purposeful design, social conscience, and environmental stewardship to create inspirational places that reward local communities.

“Design is our business, and that’s where we bring value to the world, that’s how we enrich people’s lives. I believe in the power of design to do those things. My goal is to continue to cultivate design solutions that allow clients to fulfill their goals while creating something lasting to improve the communities we serve.”

Derek looks forward to being a part of a remarkable leadership group, supporting staff to deliver their best work for the benefit of our clients and communities.

“It’s a privilege to work with the phenomenal clients we have in this amazing setting. We are driven to seek new heights and unlock the incredible potential of this place.”

Derek is the new Managing Director of our Vancouver and Calgary studios.

Derek Newby, Managing Director

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