The Washburn House – Blaine Drake Architect

Designed by Drake in 1955 and later remodeled by Al Beadle, this one-of-kind property was completely updated and restored in 2005, returning it to the Desert Modern ethic it deserved. The current remodel captures original architecture but updated all systems, including renovation of the signature round pool this home is known for.

Architect Blaine Drake was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original apprentices at Taliesin, Wisconsin, in 1933, and went on to establish his Arizona practice in 1945. He designed approximately two hundred projects during his long career, nearly two-thirds of which were built. Most of his work was in the Phoenix area and focused on residential architecture, though he also designed office, medical, and apartment buildings and churches.

One of the few Wright apprentices to pursue a successful independent practice, Drake was an advocate of energy-efficient design in the desert. He received national and international recognition for his work. Blaine Drake retired from architectural practice in 1985. He passed away in 1993.