New York City Department of Design and Construction

David J. Burney, FAIA was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (“DDC”) in January 2004, by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. DDC manages capital projects for a variety of City agencies including the Departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection; and for the many cultural institutions such as libraries and museums that receive City capital funds. With Mayor Bloomberg’s support, David Burney launched a City-wide “Design and Construction Excellence Initiative” with the goal of raising the quality of design and construction of public works throughout New York City.

Prior to joining DDC, Mr. Burney was Director of Design and Capital Improvement at the New York City Housing Authority where, in 2002, the agency was awarded a National Design Award Special Commendation by the Smithsonian Institute. From 1982 to 1990 Mr. Burney practiced architecture with the New York Firm of Davis Brody & Associates where he was involved in a variety of projects including the Zeckendorf Towers on Union Square and the Rose Building at Lincoln Center.

Mr. Burney was educated at the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and at the University of London. He was the recipient of the AIA NYC Chapter Public Architect Award in 1996, the Center for Architecture Award in 2006, and the Thomas Jefferson Award in 2011. He received a Sloane Public Service Award in 2003.