Derek Newby has joined Perkins & Will’s board of directors after more than a decade with the firm, where he has worked across nearly every stage of practice.

He first joined the firm in 2011 as a project architect, leading design, documentation, and construction delivery for public- and private-sector clients across Western Canada. After a brief departure in 2020, he returned in 2023 and was appointed managing director of the Vancouver and Calgary studios, along with regional responsibility for supporting strategic growth and coordination across Canada.

Newby’s work sits at the intersection of environmental responsibility and human experience. He has long championed low-carbon design, Passive House principles, and the responsible use of mass timber.

“Architecture and urban design are acts of optimism,” said Newby. “At our best, we help clients and communities navigate complexity with care, judgment, and imagination. I see real opportunity for our profession to lead with confidence on sustainability, human experience, and the responsible use of emerging technologies, including AI.”

As a board member, Newby will help connect Perkins&Will’s studios more closely with one another and with the broader Sidara Collaborative, encouraging shared learning and collective problem-solving. He intends to advance Living Design while helping position the firm to deliver more resilient, future-ready outcomes in response to climate pressures and emerging technologies.

“Great outcomes come from shared knowledge and shared purpose,” he said. “By strengthening connections across our studios and disciplines, we can elevate our impact and help clients navigate change with confidence and care.”