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 graduate from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Architecture. He is a registered architect in the State of California as well as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Mr. Ferrer has over 30 years of experience in the profession and has been with Lee & Sakahara for over 25 years. As a Senior Project Manager, his responsibilities include client interface, production of construction documents, consultant coordination, and construction administration. His meticulous attention to detail and listening to his clients’ needs has resulted in the success of Leesak’s restaurant division and numerous satisfied repeat clients. In 2022, he was promoted as Vice President and oversees all restaurant and clubhouse facilities for Lee & Sakahara.

Terry Lazzaro, AIA

Vice President, tlazzaro@leesak.com

TERRY LAZZARO is a graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Pomona with a Bachelor of Architecture. He is a registered architect in the State of California as well as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and NAIOP. Mr. Lazzaro joined Lee & Sakahara in 2017 with over 20 years’ experience in a variety of projects with a focus on commercial projects. Mr. Lazzaro quickly ascended the ranks of Lee & Sakahara attributable to his successful project management and client relations on many time sensitive and complex projects. In 2023, Terry was named Vice President and Director of Military Projects for the firm and is responsible for managing multiple federal projects for Lee & Sakahara.

Heide Arnold

Vice President, harnold@leesak.com

HEIDE ARNOLD, a veteran of Lee & Sakahara for over 32 years, graduated with honors with a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Fullerton. After beginning her career as a writer for business journals, Ms. Arnold joined Lee & Sakahara as Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources.  She became an Associate of the firm in 2005 and in 2007 was named Vice President.  In 2024 Ms. Arnold was promoted to her current position as Vice President of Operations.  As a member of the senior management team for Lee & Sakahara’s Irvine and Las Vegas offices, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the firm, accounting and finances, general management and administration, human resources, contractual affairs and risk management. She is dedicated to encouraging staff productivity and growth in a highly inclusive culture, serving Leesak’s clients and their vision, and promoting the culture and mission of Lee & Sakahara Architects. Ms. Arnold is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and PIHRA and serves on the Board of Directors of Lee & Sakahara Architects.

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.