Welcome to The Fox's Den!

Hello and welcome to The Fox’s Den! I’m thrilled to launch this blog as a space to share my journey, insights, and experiences in the world of architecture, drafting, and small business ownership. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to renovate, a fellow design professional, or someone curious about what goes on behind the scenes in architectural drafting, I hope you’ll find something here that resonates with you.

For those who don’t know me yet, my name is Derek, and I’m an architectural drafter and the owner of Jones’s Burrow & Books, a firm specializing in residential additions and renovations. My passion has always been transforming ideas into detailed, buildable plans that bring my clients’ visions to life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a concept evolve from a sketch into a finished space where people will live, grow, and create memories.

But now, I’m on the brink of embarking on an even bigger challenge—one that has been on my mind for quite some time. I’ve officially submitted my application to college and am now waiting to be accepted. My goal? To eventually become a licensed architect in the state of Arkansas. This decision wasn’t made lightly. As a business owner, student, and professional, balancing everything will be a challenge. But I know that taking this step will allow me to expand my expertise, provide even greater value to my clients, and bring my long-term vision for my firm to life.

Once I've completed the licensure process, I’m also exploring the possibility of transitioning my firm from an architectural drafting company to a design-build firm, offering not just drawings but full-scale project execution. It’s an exciting prospect, and while it will be years down the road, I plan to let the process unfold naturally.

Through this blog, I’ll be sharing my experiences—everything from my educational journey and the realities of running a small business to industry insights and lessons learned along the way. I’ll also talk about the unique dynamics of working alongside my wife, which adds another interesting layer to both my professional and personal life.

I’m excited to bring you along on this journey. Whether you’re here for design inspiration, business insights, or just to follow my progress, I welcome you into The Fox’s Den!

Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to reach out if there’s anything specific you’d like me to write about. Here’s to new beginnings and the road ahead!