Derek McKee, RLA, is a Principal and Co-Founder of Verde Design, where he leads client relationships, strategic visioning, and multidisciplinary project delivery. With more than 30 years of experience in landscape architecture, Derek has built a diverse portfolio spanning public parks, athletic and recreational facilities, habitat restoration, educational campuses, and transit-oriented design.
Derek is widely recognized for his expertise in the planning and design of athletic and multi-use recreational facilities, with a particular focus on maximizing playability, durability, and operational efficiency. He has successfully guided numerous public agencies through complex projects that balance technical constraints, environmental considerations, and community priorities. Under Derek’s leadership, Verde Design has received numerous industry accolades. Most notably, the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) recognized the City of South San Francisco’s Orange Memorial Park with the 2023 Award of Excellence for Park Planning, highlighting the firm’s ability to deliver high-performing, community-centered recreational spaces.
Derek is deeply committed to community service and industry advancement. He has served as a Public Works Commissioner, a board member for a community park conservancy, and remains actively involved with CPRS through various committees. His passion for parks, recreation, and community-driven design continues to inform both his professional practice and his contributions as a speaker and thought leader in the field.