Drew grew up in a big, boisterous family with extended members who had physical and mental impairments, so it made him sensitive to how the built environment welcomed or excluded them. He became an architect, therefore, to have a positive effect on the way people interact with buildings. Now, as an associate principal in Perkins Eastman’s senior living practice, his goal is to create inclusive housing with a design that serves as an extension of its residents’ identity. He’s passionate about designing housing that is progressive in this sense, particularly for older adults. To that end, he recently earned a master of arts in gerontology to more fully understand what it means to intentionally design for this population. His work in the senior living industry was recognized in 2020 when he received Environments for Aging’s Design Champion award.

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Drew enjoys working in a collaborative design environment that’s rooted in research and fun. He’s active in the profession outside of work as well, serving as a co-chair in the AIA Chicago chapter of the Design for Aging Knowledge Community. Drew also volunteers as a senior committee member for his local senior services agency to help older adults in the neighborhood feel supported in their community.