Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Essex, CT
Established in 2000, Tate + Burns Architects brings over 35 years of combined experience in architectural design and planning. Our firm, led by Principals Jennifer Tate and Walker Burns, specializes in creating timeless spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while respecting client budgets and schedules. We prioritize client collaboration throughout the design process, offering services from feasibility studies to construction administration.Our expertise spans residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects, with a focus on innovative solutions that balance aesthetics and functionality. With licenses in multiple states and NCARB certification, we serve diverse markets while maintaining a commitment to sustainable practices and enduring design excellence.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Institutional Projects
Interior Design
Renovations
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Feasibility Studies
Adaptive Reuse
Tenant Planning
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of combined architectural expertise across diverse project types.
- Our client-centric process ensures active participation and tailored design solutions.
- We prioritize sustainable practices and energy-efficient building systems.
- Our NCARB-certified principals maintain reciprocal licensing in multiple states.
- We manage projects from concept to completion with rigorous budget oversight.
Associations and certifications
- AIA (American Institute of Architects)
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces ranging from single-family homes to estate-scale renovations. Our designs balance aesthetic appeal with functional layouts, incorporating client preferences and site-specific considerations. Projects include modern penthouses, lakefront properties, and historic renovations.
Commercial Design
Our commercial services cover corporate offices, broadcasting studios, and training centers. We optimize spatial efficiency while maintaining brand identity, as demonstrated in projects like the Yale University School of Medicine laboratory renovations.
Sustainable Design
We integrate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials across all project types. Examples include LEED-certified laboratories at Yale and Energy Star-qualified residential builds that reduce environmental impact without compromising design integrity.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive oversight during construction phases, ensuring adherence to design specifications and budgets. This includes contractor coordination, site visits, and quality control for both residential and institutional projects.
Feasibility Studies
We conduct initial assessments to evaluate project viability, including site analysis, budget projections, and regulatory compliance checks. This phase informs strategic decisions for complex renovations or new constructions.
People
Jennifer Tate
Principal Architect
Jennifer Tate, AIA, holds a Master of Architecture from Yale and has practiced since 1989. She specializes in blending historical context with modern design, licensed in Connecticut and Rhode Island with NCARB certification.
Walker Burns
Principal Architect
Walker Burns, AIA, graduated from Syracuse University and brings expertise in structural engineering. Licensed in Connecticut and Tennessee, he focuses on project innovation and has received national design awards for institutional work.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture including residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Services span from initial concept design to construction administration and specialized areas like sustainable design.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We prioritize active client participation through every project phase, ensuring designs reflect individual needs while maintaining budget and schedule transparency.
Are you experienced with sustainable building practices?
Yes, we incorporate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials across all projects, including LEED-certified laboratory renovations and Energy Star-qualified homes.
Do you work outside Connecticut?
While based in Essex, CT, we serve clients in Colorado, Montana, and beyond, with reciprocal licensing for multi-state project management.
