About DRB Architects & Design Studio

David R. Burns relocated from Boston to Colorado more than 32 years ago to pursue a career in custom residential architecture rooted in the mountain communities of Colorado, including Eagle, Vail, Beaver Creek, Telluride, and Cornerstone. In 1996, he joined Gies Architects, where he spent decades helping shape high-end residential and community-focused projects throughout the region. In 2024, David became a partner in the firm, leading to the practice's transition to Burns Gies Architects. In 2025, he purchased the company and rebranded the practice as DRB Architects and Design Studio, reflecting a renewed vision centered on thoughtful design, technical excellence, and client collaboration.

David became a licensed architect in Colorado in 2009 and expanded his professional licensure to Maine in 2020. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from Arizona State University, where he developed a strong interest in architecture that integrates environmental responsiveness, craftsmanship, and regional identity.

David’s work centers on custom residential design, adaptive reuse, and community-focused projects. He pairs technical expertise with a strong understanding of site conditions, climate, and how clients live. Influenced by the environmental and cultural character of Colorado’s mountain towns, his projects range from contemporary alpine homes to context-sensitive community and hospitality developments. He lives in Eagle, Colorado, with his wife, Julie, and they have two adult children.