Derek Leavitt
Director of Housing
EYRC Architects
Derek Leavitt, AIA
Director of Housing
EHRLICH YANAI RHEE CHANEY Architects
Derek Leavitt joined EYRC Architects in 2023 as the Director of Housing. He is a seasoned architecture, construction, and real estate professional with 25+ years of experience in the industry.
In 2006, Derek co-founded Modative, a Los Angeles-based firm integrating design, development, and construction. He was pivotal in completing more than 60 housing projects and was an early pioneer of Los Angeles's progressive small-lot subdivision townhome ordinance.
When California state Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws significantly changed in 2017, Derek and his team swiftly leveraged the new rules, developing streamlined ADU prototypes and advocating for policy refinements, positioning Modative at the forefront of ADU design and construction.
In 2020, Modative joined forces with United Dwelling, where Derek served as the President of Small Homes Holdings, the real estate development sister company to United Dwelling. As part of the Executive Team, Derek spearheaded strategic growth initiatives, streamlined acquisition processes, and managed the implementation of modular factory-built multi-family projects, accelerating timelines and reducing costs.
Derek earned a degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California, with a minor in Business Administration. He is a licensed architect and general contractor in California. In 2019, Derek served as the President of the Building Industry Association LA/Ventura Chapter.
Derek is passionate about innovating solutions to address the pressing housing crisis in California and beyond.
A Los Angeles native, Derek lives in Culver City, CA, with his wife and daughter, a few blocks from where they filmed The Wizard of Oz. Derek doesn't golf, but everyone says he should. He enjoys snowboarding, cheering on his favorite teams, boating, and long walks on the beach - mostly because his five-year-old daughter is a slow walker.
Director of Housing
EHRLICH YANAI RHEE CHANEY Architects
Derek Leavitt joined EYRC Architects in 2023 as the Director of Housing. He is a seasoned architecture, construction, and real estate professional with 25+ years of experience in the industry.
In 2006, Derek co-founded Modative, a Los Angeles-based firm integrating design, development, and construction. He was pivotal in completing more than 60 housing projects and was an early pioneer of Los Angeles's progressive small-lot subdivision townhome ordinance.
When California state Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws significantly changed in 2017, Derek and his team swiftly leveraged the new rules, developing streamlined ADU prototypes and advocating for policy refinements, positioning Modative at the forefront of ADU design and construction.
In 2020, Modative joined forces with United Dwelling, where Derek served as the President of Small Homes Holdings, the real estate development sister company to United Dwelling. As part of the Executive Team, Derek spearheaded strategic growth initiatives, streamlined acquisition processes, and managed the implementation of modular factory-built multi-family projects, accelerating timelines and reducing costs.
Derek earned a degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California, with a minor in Business Administration. He is a licensed architect and general contractor in California. In 2019, Derek served as the President of the Building Industry Association LA/Ventura Chapter.
Derek is passionate about innovating solutions to address the pressing housing crisis in California and beyond.
A Los Angeles native, Derek lives in Culver City, CA, with his wife and daughter, a few blocks from where they filmed The Wizard of Oz. Derek doesn't golf, but everyone says he should. He enjoys snowboarding, cheering on his favorite teams, boating, and long walks on the beach - mostly because his five-year-old daughter is a slow walker.