Buck Yee

Principal, Project Architect

My architectural career started in 1985 upon graduation with my sights set to conquer the world! My expertise in the profession lies in mixed-used commercial development and large complex projects – The Camelback Esplanade, Hayden Ferry Lakeside and Marina Heights to name a few. I also have experience with large scale CCRC  (Continuing Care Retirement Communities), which bridge the gap between resort style living and senior care. Why do I go to work every day? It’s simple, I deliver an experience built on trust and relationships settling for nothing less than excellence. That’s why so many repeat clients request me personally to manage their most important projects. My experience with mixed-use, hospitality, commercial office, retail and senior care make me a valuable asset for each project type.

Larry G. Boardman, AIA, LEED® AP

Principal, Project Architect

I do what I do because it is who I am. I’ve always known that I wanted to create and build buildings, places and cities. Long before I knew what an architect was, I was drawing buildings and cities as a child and being keenly aware of the structures that I saw and experienced.

My path to become an architect was a straight line from the third grade to a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma. I never considered a different profession, job or career, because I was fortunate to know my passion long before most. I’ve been rewarded with a steady professional career in the architectural profession since 1978 in Texas and Arizona, joining DAVIS in 1994.

I enjoy giving form and function to clients’ issues and needs in ways that people can understand, use and enjoy for their beauty and comfort as well as their function. I believe, perhaps stingily, that it’s important to be a good steward of our planet and be smart about the resources we consume and their ability to be reused or recycled. This understanding led me to become a registered LEED AP. Whether or not the goal is to achieve a specific certification, the benefits of sustainable design, materials and systems must be considered on every project.

As a Davis Project Architect, I enjoy leading the collaborative design process that converts a designer’s vision into reality. That process includes owners, architectural and interior designers, engineers, specialty consultants and governing authorities. The production and construction administration process is focused on maintaining the creative vision and the functional solutions as well as maintaining the budget and long term value goals of the project. I consider my work successful if this has been accomplished, as it has many times over with office buildings, interiors, condominiums, banking facilities and data centers.

Mike Edwards, AIA, APA, LEED® AP

Principal, Senior Architectural Designer

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, I moved to the Phoenix area after graduating from college in 1986, when Texas was in an “oil recession” and no place for a newly-graduated architectural student to find work. I was immediately employed by a firm called Cornoyer-Hedrick, thinking that I would stay in Phoenix for a few years to get some experience under my belt, then move back home to Dallas. I never moved back….

I joined DAVIS (at that time known as DFD Architecture) in April of 1994. My areas of design expertise include multi-use master planning, corporate headquarters design, speculative office design, multi-family residential, retail and municipality entitlements. I served on the City of Scottsdale’s Development Review Boards from 2005 until 2010 before joining the city’s Planning Commission in October of 2010, of which I’m currently still a member.

Richard Drinkwater, AIA, LEED® AP

Principal, Senior Architectural Designer

I am the Senior Design Architect and Principal responsible for leading the design DAVIS’ high profile, signature corporate office, urban mixed-use and residential work. Landmark projects such as the $650M Marina Heights office campus, Portland Place and Portland on the Park Condominiums, Hayden Ferry Lakeside and Taser International’s Headquarters are just some of my most recognized designs with the firm.

I’m known for a rigorous approach to architecture and a signature modern style, and I bring 27 years of experience in creating visionary designs for select clients across a broad range of project types. Invoking the clarity of functional expression combined with aggressively dynamic forms, my work is an elegant synthesis of technology and contemporary cultural aspirations. For me, architecture is an innovative art form with the imperative power to shape society and transform the world.

My auspicious design career began in Chicago in the office of Helmut Jahn as a designer on high-rise office towers, airports and acclaimed urban mixed-use projects such as the Sony Center in Berlin. I later went on to cement a reputation as a sought-after signature design Architect with a series of award-winning projects around the world such as the Bank of Mauritius and the Torre Paris in Santiago, Chile. My work has been widely exhibited and I have received numerous professional design awards including the prestigious William Van Alen Fellowship and multiple AIA Honor Awards.

I bring a passionate, uncompromising approach to architecture and I excel in creating aesthetically unique, signature design solutions for a discerning clientele.

Scott Marshall, AIA

Project Architect

I am an U.S. Army Veteran with many years of combined architectural, construction and leadership experience. I strongly believe my profession contributes to the betterment of our communities and society as a whole, and my practice as an architect has been a life-long pursuit of learning, creating and developing many kinds of architectural projects from conception to completion. Architecture is the culmination of form and function – inside and out. My experience and efforts are to maintain this notion and to always improve upon the foundation of architecture.

I joined DAVIS in November 2015 not only to contribute to this experience, but to share in the journey and vision of the company. Our vision encapsulates my core beliefs by pushing the threshold of design to meld with the human element and create dynamic, functional spaces. We share in basic values of quality, integrity and excellence. Where many believe in status-quo, DAVIS and I equally believe in growing from experiences good and bad, self-improvement and personal and professional evolution.

Thomas J. Zandler, R.A.

Principal, Project Architect

As a child I had a fascination with my physical surroundings. The wonder of what made buildings stand up, and how cantilevers worked led me to study of engineering and, subsequently, the art of architecture.

While I has matured in the practice of my chosen profession, I never forgets some of my earliest recollections of the vaulted ceilings in church, or the volumes of space in the auditoriums and libraries in which I studied.

Today I continue to execute each project with a strategy for success – for both the built environment and client satisfaction. I am proud to call DAVIS home.

Adam Valente, AIA

Senior Architectural Designer

Design to me is the alloy of art and engineering. The process and execution of a synchronous solution of romantic and classical strategy. I always strive to solve complicated puzzles in multiple ways with designs that are equally elegant and efficient.

My strengths lie in starting with a blank page and working with clients, municipalities, consultants and contractors to create a successful project and bring integrity to everyday life and the environment in which we live. My extensive knowledge of local markets, municipalities, zoning and building codes are all distilled into a project from initial concept design to Certificate of Occupancy.

I received a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Syracuse University in 1995 and have been a registered architect since 2008. My career began in New York City designing high-rise multi-use towers and corporate interiors for Fortune 500 companies. In 2001, I headed west to Phoenix and shifted gears from the dense urban design of New York to working on high-end custom residences, community planning and a wide range of hospitality projects. I have worked with some of the premier developers in the country for Golf Course Clubhouses, Conference Centers, Restaurants, Spas, Fitness Centers, Boutique Hotels, Water Parks and Indoor Aquatic Centers. I joined DAVIS in 2004 and have been designing high end Commercial, Multi-Family and Retail projects.

Taylor Davis, R.A., LEED® AP BD+C

Project Architect

I have been with DAVIS off and on since age 14, when I first taught myself how to use drafting software. I had a passion for design grown by being the child of two parents in the industry and surrounded by it since childhood. I chose to study architecture at the University of Notre Dame, spent a year in Rome, and graduated with a greater understanding of design in all contexts.

After spending a few years getting acquainted with the architecture profession in Chicago, I gained my Illinois license. I love Chicago because its architecture is full of both the city’s history and possibilities for the future, and in 2014 I became the first member of the DAVIS Chicago office. DAVIS has allowed me to spend time, work and contribute to the design community in two cities which I love and consider home.

Art Sandoval, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate

Job Captain

I believe that passion is the foundation of success. This is what drives people to be their best, and this is how I feel about Architecture. Growing up in Arizona, I took every opportunity to visit Taliesin West. Frank Lloyd Wright was my first inspiration and my spectrum grew wider every year as I proceeded towards my dream. Having a career in Architecture is not only my dream come true, but when you are living out your passion you never feel like it is work.

My passion for Architecture is reflected in my work. This is what I bring to DAVIS and to our clients. Since joining DAVIS in 2013, I have been very fortunate to be in a position to share my passion, experience, and leadership to produce the best projects possible.

Cory J. Scott

Job Captain

As a Job Captain at Davis, I provide technical design services for the architectural and interior design departments. My first architectural accolade came in the 8th grade, when I was awarded 2nd place at the Arizona State Fair for a rendering of a custom tree house (still proudly on display at my parents’ house). My passion led me to earn my Bachelor in Applied Science in CADD Technology with emphasis on Architecture, Engineering and Construction, scoring top honors in my graduating class. I am continually expanding my knowledge of design and construction to better assist the designers, architects and clients bridge the gap between conceptual design and the final product. I have been a part of over two dozen award winning projects throughout my career, with more to come.

Although raised in the Phoenix area for the majority of my life, I’m originally from Lincoln, Nebraska and an avid Cornhusker fan. I am a proud father of a daughter and I enjoy spending my free time dabbling in custom woodworking/carving, playing bass guitar and outdoor activities like snow skiing, mountain biking and hiking. I can also be found at the Arizona Renaissance Festival each year assisting the love of my life at her artisan booth, Draecstone Glassworks. Most recently, I have rejoined my metal band Rude Awakening after a 20+ year hiatus, so be on the lookout for new material.

Clay Friese

Principal, Job Captain

I came to DAVIS in 1998 as an energetic young man with a thirst for understanding of how things are built. I’ve always been constantly aware of my surroundings and buildings with unique architecture were sources of curiosity for me. Even simple things like light poles would trigger a desire to know how it was made. This, along with my personal tendencies to problem solve and seek solutions, made architecture an obvious career path.

At DAVIS, I’ve expanded my knowledge of many integral aspects of architectural documentation, including building design practices, industry standards, building materials and standard detailing. Though many buildings have similarities in materials and methods, every building has its own unique features. Understanding these nuances, along with my knowledge of contract documentation, allow me to deliver a clear and concise set of documents directed at identifying the overall design intent.

Eugene Spiak

Job Captain

Do you want to wake up in a world where architecture is perceived as beautiful functioning space to provide an environment that betters the human experience? I know I did, and that’s why I chose architecture as my path. Throughout my career, my mission has been and continues to be to provide unparalleled architectural services for owners and clients. I’m originally from NY and have ten-plus years of experience working on various types of architecture. When the opportunity knocked for me to finally move my family to Arizona in the summer of 2014, I was delighted to join the DAVIS architecture staff.

My devotion to design and providing quality construction documents stems from a passion to understand building tectonics and practices. I specialize in collaboration efforts and project delivery. My knowledge of various software tools help to create great construction documents, which maintain a design excellence that embodies the art and function of the space envisioned. I’m also passionate about promoting sustainable building practices to protect our future. Above all, I strive to work hard and have fun doing it. I’m glad to be a part of an organization that cares about architecture and design as much as I do!

Michael W. Krentz, AIA, LEED® AP

Principal, Project Architect

I realized at a young age that creativity was my only path, and I have pursued many different ventures to develop a well-rounded understanding of architecture and the design process. I’m motivated by the intentions of great design and my career has evolved around a dedication to implement spaces that inspire. I have always believed that seeing the ‘big picture’ in development is critical in the genesis of every good project design and that the specific design is based upon the guidance of a seasoned project team. The genius that flows from a talented team during the creative process is intoxicating and addicting, and I’m fortunate to experience it constantly at DAVIS.

Having been a part of many phases of DAVIS’ evolution since as far back as 1987, my differing roles have allowed me to help guide the company through the years. Serving in leadership roles in our Phoenix, California and Texas offices, I have weathered many project types and market fluctuations. As a LEED Certified, Licensed Architect my current responsibilities vary from writing contracts to designing, documenting and reviewing architectural and interior architectural projects in addition to construction administration duties. The opportunities afforded me throughout the years have further developed my conviction that creating good relationships and inspiring spaces will continue to drive the built environment to greatness.