Derico has always had an eye for design. Growing up in Birmingham Alabama, in the shadows of the world's largest cast-iron statue, and the nation's oldest baseball park, he was engaged in art and architecture at a young age through involvement with an AIA (American Institute of Architects) exploratory club.

Derico earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Mississippi State University (MSU). Later in life, he also earned a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. However, it was at MSU, under the instruction of Guy Batchelder, where he took an interest in furniture design.

Derico has enjoyed a profession in the design and manufacturing of custom casegoods, cabinetry, and millwork. His career has provided noteworthy exposure to some fabled industry leaders. Derico's design journey has landed him on both residential and commercial projects. He has led design courses at Lanier Technical College and directed project teams throughout the continental U.S.