- Board of Trustees
Joseph Burns
Board of Trustees, Facilities & Exhibitions Chair & Development Committee Chair
Joseph Burns joined Thornton Tomasetti in 1995 and brings over 40 years of experience in designing and renovating structures. As a passionate advocate for integrating architecture and engineering, he promotes technical innovation, collaboration, and building science education. His extensive portfolio includes commercial, residential, healthcare, educational, cultural, aviation, and sports projects. Based in the Chicago office, he oversees the firm's operations in the Middle East and Brazil and serves on Thornton Tomasetti’s board of directors.
Recognized as a fellow by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Design Futures Council, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE), Mr. Burns has earned accolades like the American Institute of Steel Construction’s Special Achievement Award and a spot on ENR’s Top 25 Newsmakers list. He shares his expertise through teaching and lectures at various universities, including the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University.
Mr. Burns holds degrees in architecture from the University of Notre Dame and master’s degrees in architecture and civil engineering from MIT. He is also a member of CTBUH, SEAOI, IStructE, and RIBA.
