With 30 years of professional experience, Derek brings to Corstorphine + Wright a wealth of knowledge mainly within the private commercial development sector, throughout both Scotland and wider UK.

He has worked closely with an array of differing scales of clients across a wide range of development typologies from inception through to completion including offices, retail, residential, industrial and more recently in the hotels and hospitality sector, interacting with the wider UK hotels community and designing to multiple brand requirements. These projects are often within the context of larger mixed-use inner and city centre regeneration schemes.

Derek joins established Glasgow studio directors Babak Sasan and Charles Bell to complement and expand the business reputation and market reach. The Glasgow studio has also recently appointed Gavin McAuley as an associate, ensuring a continued pipeline of talent and opportunities for further growth. 

Derek said: “There are many opportunities in Scotland, both in and around the major cities and across the Central Belt, which could generate significant boons for the nation in terms of growing employment and helping to bolster the economy. I look forward to utilising my background and experience in these areas to find new growth opportunities for the practice.

“With a strong synergy and a lot of shared values, I believe that I’ll be able to make a significant contribution to the Corstorphine + Wright Scotland studio and the practice as a whole through my expertise and long-standing knowledge of the markets.”

Michael Lampard, director at Corstorphine + Wright, said Derek understands the importance of clear communication and collaboration to deliver best value for clients and has developed a commercial awareness of the important role that architecture plays in maximising value which directly influences the commercial viability of a scheme.

He added: “Derek is widely regarded as a creative, client-focused and commercially aware architect and I know I speak for the practice as a whole when I say how pleased we are that he’s chosen to join us.

“We are committed to delivering the very best solutions for our clients. Having Derek and Gavin joining our existing team in Scotland is a fantastic opportunity to ensure that we have the very best team in place to further build on our impressive growth to date and create some truly remarkable places.”

Derek is the latest high profile hire for the practice, following the appointments of Ben Round as finance director, and Matt Brook as design director.