The Blueprint of Success: Celebrating Bill Derks’ Impact on McAdams and Beyond
Bill Derks’ name has become synonymous with innovation, excellence, and unwavering dedication to civil engineering within the Raleigh-Durham community and beyond. His retirement from McAdams as Vice President of Land Development signals the end of a remarkable 27-year tenure that has not only shaped the skyline but also forged unwavering relationships and mentorships that will outlast his storied career.
Over nearly three decades, Bill has embodied the spirit of growth and community development within the Triangle area. Bill Derks’ remarkable journey began in 1996 and evolved into a legendary career that shaped the Raleigh-Durham skyline through pioneering projects like The Streets at Southpoint, Hub RTP, and Fenton. From his first impactful project, The Streets at Southpoint – decorated with personal touches like sculptures modeled after his own children, to his most recent intricate work on Fenton, he has navigated through the complexities of land development with an artist’s creativity and an engineer’s precision. Esteemed for his ability to visualize beyond the blueprints, Derks’ approach has always been characterized by innovative foresight—a stroke of genius that breathes life into concrete and steel.
Bill Derks has carved a legacy not just through his professional achievements but also through the profound personal connections he fostered within McAdams. His tenure paints a picture of remarkable relationships built on trust and friendship, which testify to the camaraderie that he nurtured among his colleagues and clients.
It’s impossible to ignore the grand scale of the projects Bill has been involved with, and his commitment shines through in the strong bonds he’s built with clients. John Silverman from MidAtlantic Properties encapsulated the sentiment, articulating, “We like the McAdams firm a lot, but we’d work with Bill Derks no matter where he was working.” Such confidence is a resounding tribute to an individual who incessantly delivered nothing short of excellence.
The Streets at Southpoint was Bill’s breakthrough project, and it has a special place in his heart (and his portfolio). Patrick Anderson, BP retail Senior General Manager, remembers their first project together, “The first chance I had to work with Bill, it was clear he was good at what he does and was going to be a great partner. “Bill’s expertise and professionalism were instrumental to The Streets at Southpoint’s success, and his integrity made him an early standout as a partner. He’s a true ally with a commendable sense of humor, making our collaboration both effective and enjoyable. I am thankful for our years working together and wish him a fantastic retirement.”
Others who have worked with Bill tout his deep integrity and compassion. Scott Levitan, President and CEO of The Research Triangle Park, noted the meticulous care he took in transitioning his wealth of responsibilities to ensure no stone was left unturned, “When Bill called and told me he was retiring, he made sure the transition was going to be seamless, and we felt appreciated because he made an effort to appreciate us.”
It’s no secret that Bill has had a positive impact on projects and that clients have valued his partnership over the years. Gregg Sandreuter, Partner with HN Partners, lightheartedly proposed, “Bill, how about reconsidering this retirement decision? Give us another 10 years to get to know each other better and work on more projects. Maybe think of it as a sabbatical instead of retirement.”
As Bill prepares to lay down his pencil and plans, McAdams is filled with immense gratitude—a collective appreciation for the mark he’s left on the field and the culture within the firm. His example has set the bar for future leaders who strive to maintain the delicate balance between professional expertise and personal integrity—a balance that has been Bill’s hallmark throughout his illustrious career.
Thank you, Bill Derks, for demonstrating how dedication and a dash of artistry can, indeed, move mountains—or, more fittingly, contour cities. Your drive and creativity have not only built environments but also fostered growth, progress, and a collective pride across the community. As you begin your well-deserved retirement, know that your McAdams family and the broader Raleigh-Durham community look upon your legacy with awe and a profound appreciation. We are thankful to have the opportunity to continue working with you as a part-time advisor to the McAdams Land Development team and look forward to the coming year of projects.