Jamie Drake is born in Woodbridge, Connecticut, to parents who love interior design and encourage him to pursue the arts. “I wanted black patent-leather walls in my bedroom,” he recalls. “My mother begged me to choose a different color, and when it finally went up, I said, ‘Yes, that’s exactly how I envisioned it!’”
Drake’s affinity for color is evident in these vibrant sketches of his from childhood.
Drake’s affinity for color is evident in these vibrant sketches of his from childhood.
While still in high school, he begins working as an assistant at a commercial design firm in New Haven. “I already knew that I wanted to be a decorator, but I felt like I was getting a jump-start just by being there.”
Moves to New York, where he attends Parsons School of Design and lands a summer internship with renowned decorator Angelo Donghia. “It was a wonderful, valuable experience. I remember the luxurious quality of his work and how well he carried out his vision.”
Only three days after graduating from Parsons, he launches Drake Design Associates, with two residential commissions on Fifth Avenue as his first projects. “I didn’t feel nervous, but I should have been bolder and more adamant about my design choices early on. You have to speak up and insist on expressing yourself.”
Secures his largest project to date, the renovation of an Upper East Side townhouse, which is featured on a popular house tour three years later.
Participates in his first two showhouses, which open a week apart. “It was wildly ambitious, but it came off well.”
Madonna hires him to design her Los Angeles home, and he receives his first overseas job, a flat in London.
Becomes a board member of Alpha Workshops. He has been a board chair since 2008.
Makes his debut at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, where he designs a bold sitting area with tangerine tufted-silk walls.
Begins refurbishing Gracie Mansion at the request of longtime client and newly elected New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg. “On the first anniversary of September 11, everyone who worked on the residence stood on the front porch and held hands in a moment of silence. It was such an honor to work on that project during a time when New York’s resilience was being tested.”
Unveils his first product collection, a line of rugs for Roubini. He goes on to enjoy collaborations with such companies as THG, Schumacher, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, and Stark.
Publishes Jamie Drake’s New American Glamour (Bulfinch Press).
Receives the Innovator award at the CTC&G IDAs.
Moves into a light-filled apartment in the much-ballyhooed 200 11th Avenue, designed by architect Annabelle Selldorf and featuring 16-foot ceilings and private garages for every unit. “I love the volume of the space and the treetop views across the Hudson River.”
Receives an honorary doctorate from the New York School of Interior Design.
Joins forces with Caleb Anderson, a former intern, to create Drake/Anderson. “After 38 years in business, I began wanting a partner. I came up with a list of people, and Caleb was at the top. I’m very proud and excited about what’s to come.”
