Sean Harry
WATG
Sean Harry leads enterprise technology, data, and AI strategy at WATG, transforming how the global design firm operates and delivers value. He has led a multi-year enterprise transformation, modernized technology investments, established AI and data governance, and directed firmwide ERP and CRM initiatives. Sean serves on WATG's Board of Directors and as Chair of the Board of Trustees, shaping the future of designing world-class hotels, resorts, destinations, and guest experiences through the thoughtful application of data, AI, and digital innovation.
Qualifications
A registered architect with more than 25 years of experience, Sean leads enterprise AI, data, and digital transformation for a global design firm renowned for hotels, resorts, and destinations. His work connects executive leadership, technology strategy, and experience-driven design.
Diverse Perspective
His perspective combines architecture, executive leadership, technology, and governance. As a registered architect, board director, and Global Managing Principal of Digital, Data and AI, he bridges experience-driven design with enterprise transformation — a unique view of how AI and data enhance creativity, business performance, and the human experiences built environments create.
Prior Speaking Experience
- 2025 — PSMJ AEC Innovate Conference: Panelist, "Are We There Yet? Overcoming Practical Challenges in Digital/Data Transformation."
- 2026 — ALIS Design+ Conference (Americas Lodging Investment Summit): Panelist, "Optimize AI for Your Firm."
- 2026 — Google NEXT Conference: Google Case Study, "WATG & Woolpert | Google Cloud SMB Customer Story."
Dan Stine, AIA
LAKE FLATO
Dan Stine leads Lake Flato's AI program, design technology, and internal research — guiding the firm's shift from ad hoc experimentation to governed, firmwide AI implementation backed by training, policy, and governance. Nationally, Dan serves on the AIA AI Task Force, helped create the AIA AI Toolkit, and will chair the AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) Leadership Group in 2028. He is a graduate professor at North Dakota State University and author of 20 textbooks, including the most widely adopted Revit book in North America.
Qualifications
A registered architect, WELL AP, graduate professor at NDSU, and a national voice on AI in architecture, Dan pairs firmwide AI implementation with 30+ years bridging practice, teaching, and building performance. He serves on the AIA AI Task Force, helped build the AIA AI Toolkit, and will chair the AIA TAP Leadership Group in 2028.
Diverse Perspective
His perspective sits where practice, education, and policy meet. As a firm design-technology leader, a graduate professor, and author of the most widely adopted Revit book in North America, he teaches AI and design technology to students, colleagues, and the profession at once — and helps shape national standards for responsible AI. A builder-and-teacher's view of how AI strengthens creativity, delivery, and trust without sacrificing craft.
Prior Speaking Experience
- 2026 — AIA National Conference: TAP Symposium & TAP Open Forum.
Nicholas Kramer
LPA
Nicholas Kramer, LEED AP, Assoc. AIA, is Director of Technology at LPA Design Studios, the 2025 AIA Architecture Firm Award recipient. He leads Inspire Design, LPA's integrated technology organization spanning Design Tech, IT, Business Tech, Data and AI, and Product Development. With 30 years in AEC, he drives the convergence of architecture, engineering, and AI across healthcare, education, and commercial work. An internationally recognized speaker at BILT, AIA Conference on Architecture, Greenbuild, and Autodesk University, Nicholas serves on the Hyundai Cancer Center Board at Rady Children's Health. He believes technology's highest purpose is to enhance human experience — helping architects design better through data and shaping spaces that support healing, dignity, and connection.
Qualifications
Director of Inspire Design at LPA Design Studios, the 2025 AIA Firm Award recipient. 30 years in AEC working across healthcare, education, and commercial. Leads AI, data governance, and digital delivery across 550+ staff. AIA LFRT CIO Executive Chair. Speaker: AIA Conference on Architecture — Technology in Architectural Practice, Greenbuild 2025, Autodesk University, UCLA. Board Member, Hyundai Cancer Center at Rady Children's Health.
Diverse Perspective
Nicholas began his career as a construction laborer before moving into architecture and AI strategy — a ground-up trajectory that shapes how he thinks about technology, not as a platform, but as a tool for human outcomes. Leading AI at a 550+ person firm while serving on a children's cancer institute board keeps his work grounded in the lived experience of patients and caregivers, ensuring his advocacy for AI in design never loses sight of the people inside the buildings.
Prior Speaking Experience
- 2026 — AIA Conference on Architecture: Speaker, "Practical AI for Every Architect."
- 2025 — Greenbuild: Panelist, "Practical AI: Cost Savings, Sustainability & Project Insights from Architects."
- UCLA & Autodesk University: Guest lecturer on BIM and design technology.
- BILT — Glorious Gadgets: Main Stage presenter, and other international forums across the US, Australia, China, and Europe.
Keith Hempel
LPA
In his dual role as President and Chief Design Officer (CDO), Keith guides the firm's integrated design process, which connects building performance and design excellence on every project, regardless of scale or budget. A passionate advocate for the benefits of a research-based, multi-discipline approach, he is helping to lead the national industry's effort to develop best practices for higher performing buildings that better serve people. At LPA, Keith continues the tradition of having a designer lead the evolution of the firm — serving as a resource for designers across the organization and bringing consistency to every aspect of the design process.
Qualifications
Keith is a frequent speaker on the importance of data-driven research and the path to a more sustainable built environment. He serves on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2030 Commitment Working Group, where he helps other firms meet their sustainability targets, and is a member of the AIA Large Firm Roundtable Sustainability Working Group, focused on sharing knowledge and developing resources for firms across the U.S.
Diverse Perspective
He sees the coming technological transformation as an opportunity to inform the design process and drive better outcomes for clients, communities, and the planet. His belief in an integrated design process emphasizes using advanced technology to enhance collaboration across all disciplines — new tools like AI should augment human judgment, helping design teams deliver more sustainable, evidence-based, and higher performing buildings at scale.
Prior Speaking Experience
- 2026 — AIA National Convention A'26: Speaker, "Gamifying Project Goal Setting: It's All in the Cards."
- 2025 — AIA National Convention A'25: Speaker, "Surviving and Thriving in the Design Data Desert."
- 2025 — Design Your Life Podcast: Guest Speaker, "Designing Sustainable Architecture."
- 2025 — Design Colloquium: Keynote Speaker, "LPA Design Studios: 2025 AIA Architecture Firm Award."
- 2024 — AIA National Convention A'24: Speaker, "Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast."
