TIME IS CRUEL TO THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO CARE

On potential and Blaine Drake

LET'S GET A MOVE ON SHALL WE

Never in my life have I had so many opinions and projects that I’m choosing to only share with those closest to me. Only time can absolve me. 

I find myself aimlessly wandering — constantly daydreaming of what could have been or what should be. Am I destined for greater things or have I expressed myself fully? 

Time will always tell, but she is oh so silent for me right now.

FOR THOSE STILL LOYAL

The man who likes walking will walk further than the man that likes the destination.

TASTE ABOVE ALL ELSE

Blaine Drake, a pioneering American architect, left an indelible mark on the mid-century modern architectural movement.  After moving to Phoenix, Drake gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. Praised for his innovative designs that embodied the principles of modernism, he was a member of the Taliesin Fellowship, influenced by his association with Frank Lloyd Wright, which shaped his approach to architecture.

One of Drake's notable contributions to the architectural landscape is his emphasis on organic integration with the environment. Drake's designs often featured large windows, open floor plans, and the use of natural materials, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. His commitment to harmony between the built environment and nature reflected an appreciation for both aesthetic and functional considerations. The Scoville house, designed by Drake in the 1950s, exemplifies his commitment to merging structures with nature.

Drake's work was not confined to residential architecture; he also designed churches, schools, and commercial buildings. His designs were characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes, and a sense of openness. Drake's architectural philosophy was deeply rooted in the belief that structures should enhance the human experience, promoting a sense of well-being and connection to the surroundings.

Blaine Drake's legacy lives on through the enduring appeal of his creations, which showcase a harmonious blend of form and function, a commitment to natural integration, and a dedication to enhancing the human experience through thoughtful design. But how long before his creations, in all their beauty and intent, are completely obliterated and a new modern farmhouse is erected in their ashes?

Phoenix has long benefited from a loose architectural design language, granting space for new designers to carve their legacy into the desert landscape. This also means, however, that the legacies left behind by the middle century’s brightest are constantly at risk. New residents are willing to level anything to erect their new haphazard homes. The Scoville house was demolished in 2008 by its new owners after previous tenants refused to keep up with the maintenance. Phoenix is rich in design and history but the testaments to this richness are not being preserved; legacies are forged, then reduced to rubble.

FOOTSTEPS IN THE DARK