I write and teach about building software with AI.
I'm Sam Keen. I write a weekly newsletter on what's actually working in AI-assisted development and teach hands-on workshops where developers build real systems. Author of Clean Architecture with Python; formerly a generative AI architect at AWS.
The newsletter
Every week, I dig into what's actually working in the new AI abstraction layer so you can make informed decisions without drowning in hype.
Monday AI Review
Signal filtering—what matters this week in AI for developers.
Deep Dives & Insights
Tech Explorations & Industry Analysis. Go deeper than the headlines.
What makes it different
Subscribe on Substack
Subscribe free →Upcoming workshops
Live, hands-on sessions on Maven. You won't just hear about AI tools — you'll use them in real time, building artifacts you take back to work.
Build the CLAUDE.md Your Project Needs
April 23, 2026 — 10:00 AM PT
A 30-minute lightning lesson. Learn the framework for structuring the project context file that makes Claude Code actually understand your codebase.
Watch free on MavenContext Engineering for Claude Code
May 12, 2026 — 9:30 AM PT (3 hours)
Build the context layer that turns Claude Code from a suggestion engine into a development partner. CLAUDE.md, skills, hooks, and the maturity ladder — all hands-on.
Enroll on Maven
Sam Keen
I've spent 25+ years building software at companies like Nike, Lululemon, AWS, and a handful of startups. I led the GenAI Innovation Lab at AWS, where I helped teams separate signal from noise in AI adoption.
Now I write and teach full-time about how developers build with AI. Not building AI — building with AI. My newsletter reaches developers every week, and my workshops on Maven give teams hands-on systems for working with tools like Claude Code.
I also co-founded Portland AI Engineers, a community of 1,300+ practitioners exploring practical AI together.
I occasionally take on select consulting engagements for engineering teams navigating AI adoption. Let's talk if that's of interest.