YPN Member Spotlight: Drew Weigl, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB, AXIA Architects

YPN member spotlights are a quick introduction to some of our favorite YPN members. This month, we're spotlighting Drew Weigl, Associate Principal at AXIA Architects.

What brought you to Sonoma County, and why did you join YPN?

I was looking to accelerate my career shortly after I became a licensed architect and I began looking at working in other areas of the country. I had recently attended a wedding of my oldest friend in the world here in Sonoma County and she reminded me of how great the area is and what it has to offer families with children. I found a job posting in late 2015 and we moved to Sonoma County in January 2016 to start at AXIA Architects, where I still work today. I ended up joining YPN around the same time we moved to Santa Rosa in an effort to network with other young professionals and meet new people, as we were new to the area.

What is your favorite YPN memory, and why?

I think one of my best memories is when I met Councilmember Chris Rogers at a wine event in 2016. We got to talking about architecture and the city, which then culminated in an appointment to the City of Santa Rosa’s Design Review Board. This to me is the very definition of what YPN is about, creating connections you might not otherwise have.

Share with us a fun fact that not many people know about!

I’m a certified open-water diver, but I don’t get to go very often because I am the only member of my family who dives. I’m looking to change that this year and am encouraging my oldest daughter to get certified.

If you could accomplish anything, professionally, academically, or personally, what would it be?

One of the great joys of being an architect is seeing a client’s vision become a reality in built form, whether it is a house or an office building. I think professionally, if we can continue to deliver our clients wishes in built form and leave Sonoma County a little bit better than we found it, I think we have done our job professionally and personally. I always try to give back to my community when I can, whether that is volunteering with youth sports, providing pro-bono architecture services, or connecting with the community at large.

What are your favorite Sonoma County/Santa Rosa activities?

I think there are far too many to list. I enjoy going camping with my daughters at all of our various amazing Sonoma County Regional Parks. My wife and I and our daughters are also ways trying new restaurants around town.