Derek Sola AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C

“Great design doesn’t begin with answers – it begins with understanding”

Derek Sola, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C is a Principal and project leader with 28 years of experience leading the planning and design of projects across the United States and internationally. His portfolio spans hospitality, gaming, cultural, higher education, performing arts, commercial, mixed-use, convention, office, sports and master planning, , reflecting a career defined by strategic vision, design excellence, and a deep understanding of how architecture can elevate the human experience. Known for his thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach, Derek believes that the strongest design solutions emerge from curiosity, meaningful dialogue, and a clear understanding of each client’s aspirations. In recent years, Derek has specialized in the planning and design of large-scale integrated gaming and resort destinations, partnering with some of the industry’s most respected owners and operators, including MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands, Caesars Entertainment, Penn Entertainment, Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, and Holland Casino. His work balances operational performance with immersive guest experiences, creating destinations that strengthen brand identity, drive long-term value, and foster meaningful connections with the communities they serve.

Throughout his career, Derek has served as a Project Architect, Studio Director, Design Director, and Firmwide Gaming Leader, cultivating a collaborative approach rooted in inquiry, listening, and the thoughtful synthesis of diverse perspectives. His ability to unify complex planning and design efforts across multidisciplinary teams reflects both broad expertise and a deep understanding of how meaningful projects come together. This versatility is exemplified in his role as Design Principal for JCJ’s Forever One Memorial in Las Vegas, where architecture transcends function to become a place of remembrance, resilience, and healing.

While much of Derek’s recent work has focused on integrated resorts and gaming destinations, his interests extend well beyond any single market. Derek approaches every project by first understanding its purpose, people, and place, then translating those insights into design solutions that tell a compelling story. He challenges assumptions, tests possibilities, and refines each concept until design vision and technical execution become one. By bridging creativity with the discipline of detailing, he creates architecture where light, material, and space work in harmony – crafting environments that are not only functional and enduring, but also capable of inspiring emotion and creating lasting human connections. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture. Derek is a registered architect in California, Nevada, and Minnesota and is NCARB certified.