Bio:
The great architect, Drake is a registered architect with 4 decades of experience. He is passionate about community engagement and mentoring future generations. As a proud citizen architect, he is committed to engaging and building for the community by creating impactful buildings, spaces and places that foster strong neighborhoods. Throughout his career, Drake has been instrumental in leading highly technical and complex projects requiring multiple stakeholders and consultants.
 
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learn about architecture in High School, drafting class. Like my father i was interested in art so i was thinking of becoming and artist. After my second year in High-School it was clear that Designing building to help people was my goal.

What do you do?
I am the Project Manager. My focus is Scope, Schedule and Budget. Managing the team for completing and successful project.

What excites you in the work you do?I
love to see a plan come together. Working on project from the beginning to the finish is the ultimate goal. Working with large groups and teams are challenging but exciting as well.
 
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The youth and giving back.
 
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
To date Destination Crenshaw. The impact to my community and the City at large.

Featured Project Name: 
Destination Crenshaw 
 
Featured Project Location: 
Los Angeles, CA
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
Spring 2020

Role in Featured Project: 
Managing Principal 
 
Featured Project Description:
Destination Crenshaw’s design was driven by a unifying theme—Grow Where You’re Planted, inspired by the African Giant Star Grass. Used by slave traders as bedding on ships, the grass thrives in alien lands despite inhospitable conditions. It remains a profoundly resonant reminder of African American history, the patterns of global dispersion and black resilience in the face of violence and racism. Like the Giant Star Grass, the Black LA community has irrepressible roots that have flourished and spread.

Photography Credit:
Perkins+Will