Michael Burns

Michael has over 20 years experience in the profession, joining TODD’s in 2003 and becoming an Associate 15 years later.

Michael has acted as lead` designer on some of the practice’s most complex and critically acclaimed projects including Invest NI’s headquarters, the Belfast Waterfront Conference and Exhibition Centre and Erskine House, HMRC’s new NI HQ.

Whilst he has worked across different sectors and procurement routes, Michael has developed a particular specialisation in commercial offices, many designed and delivered for leading UK contractor / developer McAleer & Rushe.

Michael has an ability to balance the demands of a developer looking to maximise efficiency / tenant attractiveness, and a contractor looking for simplicity in construction, whilst also ensuring that the design solution presented meets the aspirations of the local planning authority.

He and the commercial team he leads have successfully delivered offices right across the UK recently completing the Brinell Building in Brighton, that broke rental records in the city and they are presently engaged in a new landmark development in Leeds, City Square House that will become the home of global law firm DLA Piper.

Michael has always retained an interest in new ‘thinking’ in architecture and its wider impact on society. He leads the practice’s ‘Climate Emergency’ task group, with a focus on increasing awareness of this issue and wider sustainability matters across the practice, as part of a drive to establish a net zero carbon design approach.