Blake’s interest in surveying was sparked in high school when he watched a PBS program on PLSS corner restoration surveys. The process reminded him of a large scavenger hunt in the forest, hooking him right away. Upon earning his Bachelor of Science in Geomatic with a minor in GIS from the Oregon institute of Technology in 2016, Blake worked for a surveying/engineering firm and then the City of Salem as Deputy City Surveyor before landing with the Duryea team in January 2022.

Blake grew up in Aumsville, Oregon, where he enjoyed many outdoor activities that the Willamette Valley had to offer including hunting, skiing, hiking, and fishing. Today, Blake still enjoys the outdoors and is now joined by his wife and three children. Blake started his working career by spending his summers in high school working for his parent’s construction company, imbuing him with an appreciation for working outdoors and supporting a team.

If you weren’t a surveyor, what would you be?
Probably a Fencing Contractor. My parents owned a fencing business growing up, and I worked there every summer before I started surveying.

What is your dream survey location?
I always wanted to spend some time surveying in Alaska. When you talk to the old timers in this profession, they all have great Alaska Surveying stories!

If you could travel back in time and be the first to survey a land mass, where would it be?
I would absolutely want to be part of the Lewis and Clark Journey. The obstacles and challenges they faced and overcame are truly amazing. That mixed with the undisturbed landscape, mountains and rivers they must have witnessed would be amazing to see!