AIA: Who is your current employer and role?
MJB: Established Michael J. Burns Architect in 1983.  President of Michael J. Burns Architects, Ltd., now known as MJBA Architects.  MJBA is a North Dakota Professional Corporation located in Fargo with primary offices in Moorhead, MN and Grand Forks, ND.

AIA: What drew you to the field of architecture?
MJB: Ever since I was a small kid, I’ve had an insatiable curiosity about how things are built.  One of my grandfathers was a general contractor in Minot and whenever I visited them, I would spend hours in the basement assembling random wood fragments, flattening old lead washers with a hammer, etc. I’ve never lost that curiosity.  However, when I graduated from Epping High School in 1970, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so I joined the US Army to buy myself more time to decide. By the time my active-duty tour finished in early 1972, I’d decided that I wanted to be an architect.  I spent the first two years of college attending Minot State College (as it was known then), got married, and when my wife graduated in 1974, we left for North Dakota State University.  I graduated with my professional degree in 1977.

AIA: What aspect of the profession most inspires you?
MJB: The joy of knowing that the work that I/we do will improve the quality of life of others.  Because the profession continues to evolve, our responsibility has grown in response—not all good, unfortunately. I love working as an architect—colleagues, clients, product reps, regulatory officials, and yes, even contractors have contributed to my love of this profession.  I believe that this profession is altruistic and therefore we are called to be our best and do our best work. Working closely with clients, and sincerely listening to them, has oftentimes resulted in solutions that exceed our own vision.  

I’ve also believed that it’s important for us to give back to our communities, states, and country when opportunities arise. I’ve served on the ND State Historical Review Board, The ND Capitol Grounds Planning Commission, Fargo Planning Commission, member and chair of the Fargo Historic Preservation Commission, Downtown Moorhead Inc. Board and as member and chair of the Moorhead Economic Development Authority.  Another voluntary activity that I was involved in for about 25 years was the AIA Historic Resources Committee, which is great venue for meeting other architects throughout the country.  I have juried several other State AIA design awards as well.

AIA: What does AIA North Dakota mean to you?
MJB: Both as a long-time member and former board member, AIA ND has provided many opportunities for learning, meeting and interacting with many colleagues, law makers, vendors, etc. 

AIA: What is your favorite piece of Architecture and why is it your favorite?
MJB: Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.  The interplay of natural and artificial light, colors, and metaphorical natural shapes express Gaudi’s spiritual underpinnings.  The execution and detail of the work is engaging, fascinating and inspiring.  Construction of the church began in the late 1800’s and continues on this World Heritage site.
 

AIA: Who is your favorite Architect and why?
MJB: Probably Frank Lloyd Wright.  His creations, and especially the details, are imaginative, innovative, and engaging spaces to experience. 
 

AIA: Who inspires you?
MJB: Jesus Christ. Others include my family, office staff, clients, many friends and colleagues.  Living life to the fullest and doing my best to make this world a better place. 
 

AIA: What is a favorite hobby of yours outside of architecture?
JB: I am blessed to have a few favorites. Bicycling, Bourbon education and tasting, SCUBA and choral singing.