Derek Newby, Perkins&Will managing director of Vancouver and Calgary studios and regional managing director across Canada, has been inducted into the RAIC College of Fellows.

He was inducted under the category of “Distinguished Contribution through Excellence in Architectural Design, Design Management, or Innovation.” The designation celebrates architects who have moved the profession forward through design leadership and innovation, as recognized by their peers and as reflected in award-winning work.

“I’m honoured to join the RAIC College of Fellows,” said Newby. “This recognition reflects the many collaborators, mentors, clients, and teams I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. I continue to believe architecture should create the best possible conditions for both people and the planet to thrive, and I’m grateful to be part of a practice committed to that work every day.”

Over more than two decades in practice and 15 years with the firm, he has become known for pairing long-term thinking with a deeply collaborative approach to design and leadership. In Vancouver and Calgary, he has cultivated studios known for interdisciplinary collaboration, strong mentorship, and ambitious environmental performance goals while advancing the firm’s work in mass timber and low-carbon design. His growing role in guiding teams, strengthening design culture, and leading regional strategy across Canada ultimately led to his appointment to the firm’s board of directors in 2026.

Beyond project work, Newby remains deeply involved in the research, policy, and industry initiatives that continue to influence how sustainable building is understood and implemented across Canada. He has advised provincial and municipal governments on policy development, participated in municipal design review panels and zoning discussions throughout the region, and co-authored publications focused on embodied carbon reduction, healthy communities, and timber innovation.