2022 Class of Fellows, Galen S. Drake, Arizona Chapter

J2Design, Phoenix, Arizona
by Staff

Arizona Chapter Category: Service

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Arizona Chapter Category: Service

For over forty years Galen Drake has promoted the visibility of landscape architecture and its role in improving people's lives. Deeply committed to defending the licensure of the profession, Galen served for five years on the National ASLA Licensure and State Government Affairs Committee, including two terms as chair. When state legislators were poised to eliminate the licensure requirement for landscape architects, Galen formed an advocacy network and developed an approach to education and lobbying that was ultimately successful. His process became a national template for proactively defeating legislative threats to landscape architecture licensure. In 2020, Galen was recognized with the ASLA Award for Outstanding Service to the Society for his leadership, perseverance, and giving spirit to promoting and defending licensure. To increase visibility of the profession statewide, Galen created the Arizona Chapter Design Awards Program in 1987 and later its associated Awards Gala. Over twenty years ago, Galen helped found the much-loved DIGGS (Discovery is Growing Gardens at Simis) program at local elementary and middle schools. This award-winning, science-based environmental education program extends the school science curricula through hands-on work with native flora and fauna. Galen's notable contributions throughout his long history of service have made the profession stronger and continue to inspire and motivate all those he serves.