From Jackson, TN, Dean started his career in the steel industry as a welder and fabricator. After a few years, he attended The University of Memphis, where he received his Bachelor's in Architecture. Afterward, he attended Florida International University, where he received a Master's in Architecture and was awarded the Master's Project of Excellence, later featured in Evolo's publication 'Temporal Architecture.' He recently completed a Doctoral degree in Design and teaches as an Adjunct Faculty member at FIU's School of Architecture in Miami.