Daniel R. Lepel

Principal Microsoft Cloud Architect
Currently exploring strategic architecture opportunities

About

I'm a Principal Microsoft Cloud Architect who believes the best architecture is invisible, quietly working in the background as teams move fast and users stay productive. Across my last two roles, I've designed Microsoft 365 and Azure environments that scale reliably without constant intervention.

My work centers on the foundational pieces that make everything else possible: identity architecture with Entra ID, Zero Trust security frameworks, endpoint platforms that just work, and governance standards that reduce complexity rather than add to it. I've built multi-tenant environments, modernized legacy platforms, and established architectural patterns that help operational teams succeed.

I'm looking for my next role, specifically positions where architecture and strategy take priority over day-to-day operations. I'm happy to engage with Tier 3 issues and operational challenges when needed, but I want to focus primarily on platform vision, security design, and technical standards, the work that prevents issues before they start. If your organization values strategic architecture work, I'd welcome a conversation.

Core Expertise

Microsoft 365 & Azure

  • Multi-tenant architecture
  • Azure landing zones
  • Platform governance
  • Cloud migrations
  • M365 E5 adoption

Identity & Security

  • Entra ID architecture
  • Conditional Access
  • Zero Trust frameworks
  • Privileged Identity Management
  • Microsoft Defender XDR

Endpoint & Workplace

  • Microsoft Intune
  • Windows Autopilot
  • Windows Hello for Business
  • Device lifecycle management
  • Modern workplace standards

Automation & Operations

  • PowerShell 7
  • Microsoft Graph API
  • Azure Automation
  • Platform health monitoring
  • Infrastructure as Code

Let's Connect

I'm immediately available for remote work and would welcome a conversation about strategic architecture opportunities.