Leadership / Team

Douglas H. Lee, AIA

Founder/CEO, dlee@leesak.com

DOUGLAS H. LEE, AIA, is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering in 1965. Following his graduation, Mr. Lee joined the staff of the world renowned architect, Paolo Soleri, where he was the Chief Architect contributing to the design and construction of Arcosanti, Soleri’s experimental three-dimensional city near Prescott, Arizona.

Mr. Lee’s work spans the globe. Prior to founding Lee & Sakahara Architects, Inc. in 1979, Mr. Lee went abroad as the Director of Design for a multi-national architectural and engineering firm, gaining a wealth of international experience. He has designed major projects in Korea, Japan, Iran, Vietnam, Colombia, Belize, and Argentina. With experience that extends over five decades and a licensed architect in 15 states, Mr. Lee is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and holds the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate.

As the Founder and CEO of Lee & Sakahara, Mr. Lee is responsible for overall operations and strategic planning. In addition, he actively participates in many of the firm’s projects, especially during the inception phases.

Wade Kao, AIA

President, wkao@leesak.com

WADE KAO, AIA, is an honors graduate from Texas Tech University with a Master Degree in Architecture. He is a registered architect in California & Nevada and joined Lee & Sakahara Architects in 2011 as Director of Production responsible for the implementation of BIM and Revit production for the firm. Mr. Kao brings over 20 years of varied professional architectural experience in a wide range of project types, from hospitality to industrial, retail, office, and military projects throughout the United States. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and holds the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certificate.

Mr. Kao’s strong leadership and management skills gave rise to his appointment as the new President of Lee & Sakahara in 2021. As the President of Lee & Sakahara, Mr. Kao is responsible for all aspects of the firm’s architectural practice in the Irvine and Las Vegas offices. In addition, he actively participates in the design, planning, governmental agency relations, and client liaison.

Christopher Teachman, AIA

Principal in Charge, cteachman@leesaklv.com

CHRIS TEACHMAN, AIA, graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University. He is a licensed architect in Nevada and holds the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Certificate. Mr. Teachman joined Lee & Sakahara Architects in 2011 as a Sr. Project Manager in charge of federal projects for Lee & Sakahara’s Las Vegas office. In his capacity, he led the teams to successfully complete the design and production of several Air Force TLF and Visiting quarters. As a LEED accredited professional, his focus is based in the research and development of utilizing passive environmental control systems to achieve energy efficient buildings while maintaining the client’s vision. His meticulous attention to detail and listening to his client’s needs has resulted in developing successful relationships with several satisfied federal and military clients throughout the United States and abroad. Mr. Teachman is a member of the AIA, and an active member of the NAIOP.

Mr. Teachman was named the Principal in Charge of Lee & Sakahara Las Vegas offices in 2021. He is responsible for all aspects of the Las Vegas operations.

Valentino Ferrer, AIA

Vice President, vferrer@leesak.com

VALENTINO (VAL) FERRER is a veteran architectural leader with over 30 years of professional experience, including 28 years with Lee & Sakahara. A graduate of Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Architecture, he is a registered architect in California and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

As Managing Principal of the private sector, Mr. Ferrer is recognized for his exceptional client engagement, precise construction documentation, expert consultant coordination, and thorough construction administration. His dedication to understanding client needs and his meticulous attention to detail have been instrumental in building Lee & Sakahara’s thriving restaurant division and fostering long-term client relationships.  Promoted to Vice President in 2022, Mr. Ferrer now oversees all restaurant, clubhouse, and hotel projects, driving excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction across the firm’s portfolio.

Adrian Harrison, AIA

Senior Project Manager, aharrison@leesak.com

ADRIAN HARRISON is a seasoned design and construction professional with over 25 years of expertise spanning commercial, residential, military, and federal projects. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon. A California-licensed architect and general contractor, Mr. Harrison is also LEED AP certified and an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

For 17 years, he successfully led his own architectural and construction practice, delivering innovative, high-quality projects across diverse sectors. Now at Lee & Sakahara, Mr. Harrison leverages his extensive experience to manage a portfolio of complex military and federal assignments, ensuring exceptional results through strategic leadership, technical precision, and a commitment to sustainable design.

Heide Arnold

Vice President, harnold@leesak.com

HEIDE ARNOLD is a California native and a cornerstone of Lee & Sakahara, bringing over 34 years of dedicated leadership to the firm. Graduating with honors with a Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fullerton, she serves on the senior management team for the firm’s Irvine and Las Vegas offices, overseeing daily operations, general management, administration, accounting and finance, human resources, contractual affairs, and risk management. She plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic direction while fostering a highly inclusive, growth-oriented workplace culture. She is committed to empowering staff, championing client success, and advancing the mission and values of Lee & Sakahara Architects. Ms. Arnold is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and PIHRA and serves on the Board of Directors for Lee & Sakahara.

Changhua Wei

Vice President, Director of Design, cwei@leesak.com

CHANGUA WEI graduated from McGill University with a Master of Architecture and Tsinghua University with a Bachelor of Architecture. She is a registered architect in the States of California and Arizona along with Class 1 registered architect in China. Also, she is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and U.S. Green Building council (LEED AP). Ms. Wei first joined Lee & Sakahara Architects in 2002 where she worked for 8 years until rejoining early 2024 as Vice President and Director of Design to further expand her growth and career. She has extensive experience in all building types, from hospitality, commercial residential to urban mixed-use projects. Throughout her 30-year career, she has demonstrated persistence, passion, creativity, and the mastery for design both in the United States and China. Her comprehensive design capabilities, knowledge, professionalism, and leadership skills have earned her trust and respect from both her peers and clients alike. As Director of Design, Ms. Wei will oversee all of Lee & Sakahara design effort.