Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Essex, CT
Established in 2000, Tate + Burns Architects has built a reputation for delivering timeless, client-focused architectural solutions. Our principals, Jennifer Tate and Walker Burns, bring over 35 years of combined experience in residential, commercial, and institutional projects, emphasizing design excellence and environmental harmony. With backgrounds in fine arts and structural engineering, we prioritize proportion, functionality, and budgetary discipline across projects ranging from small renovations to large-scale research facilities.

Our commitment to personalized service ensures each client receives tailored solutions, supported by a network of trusted consultants and cutting-edge design tools. Recognized for LEED-certified projects and award-winning designs, we maintain licenses in multiple states and collaborate closely with clients to transform visions into enduring spaces.
Services
Residential Architecture Commercial Design Renovations Sustainable Design Interior Architecture Construction Administration Feasibility Studies Historic Preservation Adaptive Reuse Project Management
Details
  • Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
  • We offer 35+ years of experience in diverse architectural projects.
  • Our principals hold NCARB certifications and state licenses.
  • We prioritize sustainable design with LEED-certified project expertise.
  • Our client-focused process ensures tailored, budget-conscious solutions.
  • We maintain long-term relationships through transparent communication.
Associations and certifications
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Residential Architecture
We design custom single- and multi-family residences, from small renovations to estate-scale projects. Our approach balances aesthetic appeal with functional layouts, integrating client preferences and environmental considerations. Projects emphasize energy efficiency, spatial harmony, and long-term value.
Commercial Design
Our commercial services include corporate offices, broadcasting studios, and training centers. We create spaces that enhance productivity and brand identity, adhering to strict budget and timeline parameters while incorporating sustainable materials and modern aesthetics.
Sustainable Design
We specialize in LEED-certified projects, integrating energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials. Our sustainable approach reduces environmental impact without compromising design integrity, applicable to both new builds and renovations across residential and institutional sectors.
Historic Preservation
We restore and adapt historic structures while maintaining their architectural character. Services include feasibility assessments, material analysis, and modernization strategies that comply with preservation standards, ensuring cultural and structural longevity for listed buildings.
Interior Architecture
Our interior design services focus on functional, aesthetically cohesive spaces for residential and commercial clients. We handle finish selections, furniture layouts, and lighting design, ensuring alignment with overall architectural vision and client lifestyle or business needs.
People
Jennifer Tate
Principal Architect
Jennifer Tate, AIA, holds a Master of Architecture from Yale and has taught at Yale University. With licenses in Connecticut and Rhode Island, she specializes in blending artistic sensibilities with technical precision across residential and institutional projects.
Walker Burns
Principal Architect
Walker Burns, AIA, graduated from Syracuse University and has led award-winning projects published in professional journals. Licensed in Connecticut and Tennessee, he focuses on structural innovation and sustainable design for commercial and research facilities.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architecture including residential, commercial, and institutional design, renovations, sustainable solutions, and construction administration.
Do you work on historic buildings?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, maintaining structural integrity while modernizing functionality and compliance.
Are you experienced with LEED-certified projects?
Yes, we have completed multiple LEED Gold and Platinum-certified projects, prioritizing energy efficiency and sustainable materials.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We encourage active client participation through collaborative workshops, iterative design reviews, and transparent budget tracking to align outcomes with their vision.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Connecticut, we work on projects nationwide, including Colorado, Montana, and other states with remote collaboration capabilities.