Manker Residence – Blaine Drake Architect

The Manker home was designed by Architect Blaine Drake for the Dr. Raymond Manker Family, when called to be the minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, whose newly completed building on Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley was also designed by Blake in 1961. Today, the Manker home remains a cherished example of Mr. Drake’s work.

Inside, the original nature and materiality of the home has been widely maintained, excepting some very sensitive updates that were made with the assistance of Architect John Douglas.

This home features superb views of the surrounding mountains, and interiors that include the original Mahogany millwork and cabinets, plus butt-glazed windows, dramatic steel and concrete fireplace, post and beam exposed framing and wood ceilings.

Architect Blaine Drake was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original apprentices and went on to establish his Arizona practice in 1945. Built for and with the original Owners who still reside in the home, this house is a beautiful study in light and space; a perfect example of how delicately architecture can sit upon the landscape in the Desert. Adjacent to a wide and beautiful arroyo, this home features a large walk out deck to the west, which opens up the home to the views and natural landscape.

More about Architect Blaine Drake: Mr Drake was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original apprentices and went on to establish his Arizona practice in 1945. According to ASU, Mr. Drake designed approximately two hundred projects during his career, nearly two-thirds of which were constructed. Thankfully, for us in Arizona, 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. Mr. Drake was one of the few Wright apprentices to pursue a successful independent practice. He 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. His remaining buildings are indeed very special.