Google Cloud architect · Irvine, California

I help leaders make clear calls on cloud, AI, and cost.

I'm Duke Lee. I've spent 7 years on Google Cloud, from running it in-house as an IT Director to architecting for regulated companies. Today I advise CTOs and CFOs on what to build, what to cut, and what to leave alone.

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7years on Google Cloud
9Google Cloud Professional certifications
36+clients advised
100%Upwork Job Success, Top Rated Plus

How I got here

I studied computer science in the Bay Area. Then I learned the job one layer at a time.

  1. IT supportI started at a regional bank, keeping the systems people use every day running.
  2. IT DirectorI ran Google Cloud in-house and moved an e-commerce platform with 10M+ monthly visitors onto it.
  3. Cloud architectAt Google Cloud Premier Partners, I delivered HIPAA migrations and an ITAR migration for regulated clients.
  4. Founder, EmpryzeI started Empryze to do this work my way: senior, hands-on, and honest about cost.
“Generalists compete on price. Specialists compete on value.”
Why I went all in on Google Cloud

Recent results

37%

Healthcare SaaS

Cut the Google Cloud bill from about $26.5K to $16.8K a month. About $116K a year, held for eight months, with zero downtime.

78%

AI startup

From about $4,500 to $1,000 a month while serving two AI models instead of one. The fee paid for itself in about 6 weeks.

Work with me

Strategy advice

For CTOs and CFOs who want a second opinion on Google Cloud: the architecture, the AI plan, and the bill.

Fixed fee: $250 per 60-minute session

Book a 15-minute intro call

Hands-on delivery

When the plan needs building, my firm Empryze does the work: Waste Scans, migrations, and AI agents on Google Cloud.

Visit empryze.com

Certifications

9 Google Cloud Professional certifications, plus project management, FinOps, and IT fundamentals.

Google Cloud Professional

  • Cloud Architect
  • Cloud Database Engineer
  • Cloud Developer
  • Cloud Security Engineer
  • Cloud DevOps Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Cloud Network Engineer
  • Data Engineer
  • Agentic Architect

Also

  • PMP
  • FinOps Certified Practitioner
  • CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
  • Caltech AI & ML certificate

Writing

Vibe coding to production: a security guideOn empryze.com

Off the clock

Dad to 2 and husband to 1. I speak Korean and practice it every day. You'll find me rollerblading around Irvine, at the gym, or making music late at night.

Let's talk.

The fastest way to reach me is a 15-minute intro call. No prep needed. Bring your Google Cloud bill if it's handy.

Book a 15-minute intro call Connect on LinkedIn