Raymond Lee

Ray specializes in the programming and planning of public safety (law enforcement, emergency communications and fire service), municipal and recreation facilities. Ray’s passion for supporting first responders through intentional design shines through in his personal statement: “As a public safety geek, I strive to create the best facilities possible.”

When working with clients, Ray immerses himself in their daily activities — from observing 9-1-1 call center operations to riding along with a police officer. He believes understanding their operational issues and organizational culture is a vital part of the process when planning a facility to meet their needs.

Ray is a problem solver who especially enjoys brainstorming how the built environment can influence an organization’s effectiveness and the quality of life for the users. He also has an outstanding knowledge of resilient design, focusing on best practices for safety and security from man-made threats and natural disasters.

Health and wellness for telecommunicators has long been a focus for Ray. For over 20 years, he has been incorporating various strategies in 9-1-1 dispatch centers to prevent illness and increase comfort for dispatchers. In recent years, he has been focused on solutions for stress reduction and mental wellness strategies for telecommunicators and law enforcement officers. Currently, he has is studying strategies to address health issues in police stations.

Ray is second-generation Chinese American; his parents and grandparents immigrated to the United States, and he was born in Chicago. When he isn’t learning about some new aspect of his work, Ray loves to spend time traveling with his wife, visiting his kids, playing with the dog, cooking, ballroom dancing, building guitars and taking photos.

Ray is a Crime Prevention Through Environment Design (CPTED) Certified Practitioner and a Cal EMA Safety Assessment Program Disaster Service Worker Volunteer.