David Burns

“I like challenging people to look at things differently—it facilitates lots of different responses. Testing early on helps push things in different directions. Our work is expressive and design first, but we’re also solving problems and overcoming limits.”

David is a creative problem solver with vision. He believes that there is always a new and different way to look at a challenge. While exploring solutions from any and all angles, he constantly draws, evaluates, re-evaluates, and is even known to create verbal mantras that keep him and his teams focused on what matters: the end goal. David asks a lot of questions. What are the drivers of the project? How can we simplify what the team is solving for? How can we overcome perceived limits? His dedication and curiosity open up new ways forward.

David’s career started in STUDIOS’ Paris office more than 20 years ago. Since then, he has played an integral role in designing several of our most complex and award-winning projects, from giving new life to landmarked 200 Fifth Avenue to stitching together community at Canal Park. His diverse design and leadership experience spans large-scale base-building, master planning, interiors, and renovations for a wide range of clients in the commercial, education, civic, and cultural spheres. Across the board, David challenges the status quo, elevates clients’ missions, and seeks to measurably improve lives and communities.