Derek is an alumnus of the Savannah College of Art & Design from which he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Painting. His first experience working for Barter came as a summer intern as part of his collegiate studies. He joined Barter full time in 2003 as a Scenic Artist. During his time, painted scenery for over 150 productions. In 2012, he became Resident Scenic Designer at Barter. Entering 2023, Derek has served as scenic designer for 108 full productions, 31 young actors company productions, and served as projection designer for 32 productions. Past designs include Madame Buttermilk, A Christmas Carol (2016), Tarzan, Big Fish, Footloose, A Christmas Story, The Three Musketeers, Jacob Marley & Christmas Carol, A Streetcar Named Desire, Romeo & Juliet, Kentucky Spring, and Murder on the Orient Express.