Daniel Lepel

Microsoft 365 & Azure Architect

daniel@lepel.us LinkedIn Albany, NY Capital District (Remote)

About

I believe the best architecture is invisible. It works quietly in the background while teams move fast and users stay productive. For the past decade, I've been designing Microsoft 365 and Azure environments that scale reliably without constant intervention.

Most of my work focuses on the foundational pieces that make everything else possible. Identity architecture with Entra ID. Zero Trust security frameworks. Endpoint platforms that just work. Governance standards that reduce complexity instead of adding to it. I've built multi-tenant environments, modernized legacy platforms, and created architectural patterns that help operational teams succeed.

I'm looking for my next role, specifically positions where architecture and strategy are distinct from day-to-day operations. I want to focus on platform vision, security design, and technical standards rather than firefighting and escalations. If your organization values strategic architecture work, I'd welcome a conversation.

Core Expertise

Identity & Security

  • Microsoft Entra ID
  • Zero Trust Architecture
  • Conditional Access & MFA
  • Privileged Access Management
  • Identity Governance
  • Microsoft Defender Suite
  • Insider Risk Management

Cloud Platform

  • Microsoft 365 Architecture
  • Azure Platform Design
  • Multi-tenant Solutions
  • Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure
  • Migration Strategy
  • E5 Capability Enablement

Governance & Compliance

  • Microsoft Purview Data Governance
  • Information Protection & DLP
  • Sensitivity Labels & Encryption
  • Records Management & eDiscovery
  • Compliance Standards & Frameworks
  • Policy Architecture
  • Risk Management & Audit

Recent Experience

  • Architected M365 and Azure environments across multiple client tenants in MSP setting
  • Implemented Microsoft security baselines and Zero Trust frameworks aligned with best practices
  • Designed Entra ID identity solutions with Conditional Access and privileged access controls
  • Established governance standards for Azure platform deployments and M365 workload enablement