Darrell Brown was born and educated in Brisbane culminating in a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Urban Studies from the University of Queensland.
 
In 1970 Darrell moved to the Gold Coast and in 1972 established the architectural company Burling Brown & Partners Pty Ltd with Rotarian Ron Burling. In the 43 years of being a director of that company Darrell was responsible for multi high rise residential projects stretching from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, Darwin & Malaysia, commercial projects as far a field as Melbourne, Sydney & Cairns and educational buildings radiating from Gold Coast to Ballina, Toowoomba and up to Townsville. Darrell remains an architectural consultant to the company that he formed.
 
In 1972 Darrell was a recipient  of a Group Study Exchange (GSE) award to South West Pennsylvania – a life changing experience. Immediately upon his return he became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Broadbeach and joined the District 963 GSE committee for several years. Rotary has featured prominently in his life holding many positions at club level and being President of Nerang 1977-78, President of Surfers Sunrise 2010-11 and 2013-14. At District level positions have been – Chair of GSE Committee from the formation of District 9640 to 1987, Assistance Governor 2012 to 2015 and chair of Gold Coast Rotary Youth Driver Awareness from its formation.
 
In 1977 whilst President of Nerang Darrell became engaged and married to Kerrie Campbell, an early childhood teacher and launched Kerrie into the world of Rotary where she took over the Rotaryannes at Nerang. Three children later living in Gold Coast, Brisbane and Darwin and three grandchildren to date, the family enjoy active holidays together snow skiing. Other interests include boating, gardening and tennis.