Daniel S. Kebede, AIA LEED AP

President
Abstract Group, Inc.

Daniel has spent the last 20 years academically and professionally thinking about and designing Airports. His experience includes architectural design, feasibility studies, planning, and project management. Ranging in size and complexity, these projects required leadership and coordination across large multi-disciplinary teams.

In 2017 he cofounded Abstract, a research-based design practice that focuses on Aviation projects. He places a strong emphasis on thinking about airports as holistic systems that are focused on the well-being of passengers. As a firm Abstract prioritizes a detailed understanding of airport systems; Airside, BHS, Security, Concessions, digital wayfinding, etc…to drive design. This insight has allowed Abstract to craft solutions that are uniquely responsive to an airport’s needs. The resulting collaboration with other engineering disciplines is further enhanced by digital tools such as Building Information Models (BIM) that have a life beyond the design process and can become a long-term asset management platform for airports. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he is interested in integrating sustainability into the planning, design, and construction process.

He has presented multiple times at national aviation conferences including ACC/AAAE Airport Planning, Design & Construction Symposium, and the National Aviation Conference on topics ranging from Passenger Processing & Self Service to how Airports can improve their decision-making process when considering either investing in upgrading existing facilities or demolishing them to build new ones.