Lucas Gray

Director of Content & Community

As the Director of Content & Community at BQE, Lucas Gray, fosters community across the AEC industries, generating helpful content and advice from his wealth of experience in architectural design and business consulting to help firms improve their business operations. After co-founding Propel Studio Architecture in Portland, Oregon in 2013, he played a key role in business development, marketing, and design, growing his firm by over half a million dollars in annual revenue. Lucas has designed over 50 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and various housing developments, custom homes, and retail interiors. He has worked internationally in Shanghai, Bangkok, and Berlin, specializing in residential projects and leading team-focused design processes. Passionate about the built environment, urban planning, and public art, Lucas also writes about these topics on his blog and creates abstract art in his spare time. 

Steven Burns, FAIA

Founder of The Well-Designed Firm

As a distinguished thought leader, Steve blends his passion for design and firm management with profound insights into emerging technologies. Over the past 2 decades, working directly with over 1,400 firm owners, Steve has significantly contributed to reshaping these businesses for enhanced growth and sustainability. 

Steve's career highlights include a 7-year tenure at SOM Chicago, founding BBA Architects in 1993 and growing it to 17 architects before its 2007 sale, and creating ArchiOffice, a groundbreaking project management software company acquired by BQE Software in 2010.  

Recognized for his significant impact on the profession, in 2009 Steve was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Currently, as Founder of The Well-Designed Firm, he focuses on leading AE firms to operational excellence, mentoring leaders to craft businesses as elegant and innovative as the architecture they create.