Derek was raised in Houston and San Antonio, where his love of architecture was first sparked by his early construction experiences with his father and grandfather. His journey in design began with hands-on construction, eventually shifting to architectural design.

Derek's academic path led him from the University of Texas at San Antonio to Italy, where he developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and timeless design elements, earning both his Bachelor and Master degrees in Architecture.

As Director of Architecture at A. Michael Architecture, Derek leverages his extensive experience from various cities and firms to ensure design quality across the board. His collaborative approach with Andrew aims to elevate AMA's design and client service.

In his personal time, Derek enjoys pursuits like golf, cycling, and woodworking, along with cherished moments with friends and family.