Dual cord operating system for an architectural covering

A drive assembly for an architectural covering, the drive assembly comprising:

• a first pulley;
• a second pulley operationally engaged with the first pulley;
• a first operating cord passing around the first pulley and extending at least partially in a downward direction for manual actuation;
• and
• a second operating cord passing around the second pulley and extending at least partially in a transverse direction along an architectural structure or feature to actuate the covering to extend or retract across the architectural structure or feature;
• wherein the first and second pulleys are coaxial and rotate about a common rotational axis that is oblique in orientation with respect to the downward direction of the first operating cord and the transverse direction of the second operating cord.