Michael J. Darby

Principal

Michael J. Darby is the principal and co-founder of Monument Realty, one of the top-performing and most active real estate firms in the Washington, DC area.  Since founding the company in 1998, Monument has developed more than five million square feet of office space, over 3,500 residential units, and hotel properties valued at more than $5 billion.

Mr. Darby has built Monument into a full service real estate firm with expertise in financing, project management, construction management, asset management, commercial leasing, residential sales, commercial leasing and property management.

Through his dynamic leadership and visionary thinking, Mr. Darby has been a driving force in Monument's success, including such high-profile projects such as Half Street, Columbia Center, and Franklin Square North.  One example of his bold approach to development is Monument's multiple award-winning Odyssey Condominium in Arlington, Virginia, which features striking architecture, expansive floor plans, luxury amenities and stunning views of Washington across the Potomac. 

An active member of the Washington region's construction and development industry for more than 25 years, Mr. Darby served as a senior vice president for Akridge prior to founding Monument Realty.  He also directed a number of major downtown development projects while at CarrAmerica, including such landmark restoration projects as the Willard Hotel and the Southern Railway Building.  Mr. Darby began his career in his native Australia, working with a Melbourne-based general contractor, and holds a degree in Construction Engineering and Business Development from the University of Melbourne.   

Mr. Darby has been active in numerous regional real estate organizations over the years and has served on the Board of the DC Building Industry Association. He is an avid skier, cyclist, and kite-surfer that has turned his passion to help the community. He and his company have been long time supporters of the annual Real Estate Games, a charitable sports competition that supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and he served as co-chairman of the event for six years.  Additionally, he started the annual JDRF cycling competition which is now in its third year.