Meet The Team: David Burnet
Each week we’ll introduce a member of the CDFL team, or as we like to think of ourselves, the “us” in the Power of Plus.
In this week’s edition of Meet the Team we are proud to begin introducing our recently named Senior Associates, beginning with architect David Burnet. David is a Mississippi State graduate, lover of bacon, and connoisseur of gluten-free desserts.
What unique attributes do you bring to the CDFL team?
I am able to balance multiple points of view and determine priorities. I also have a background of design in diverse project types and alternative delivery methods.
What would your dream project be?
The next one is always exciting. Each new project is like setting out on a journey.
What would surprise us most about your job?
We learn a great deal about the way our Clients work and the way they see the world. We develop an understanding of their business or mission, so that we can better meet the needs specific to that organization.
What do you do at CDFL?
I manage projects from initial design through construction: generating concepts, leading teams of designers to produce full construction documents, and representing the client through the construction process. My goal is to understand the client’s needs, wants, and wishes – and meet them with a physical structure.
What exciting thing are you working on right now?
It is always a joy to see work progress from an idea, to a set of drawings, to a completed structure. I have the pleasure to be involved in multiple stages at the same time. We are nearing completion of construction on the new headquarters for Puckett Machinery, who serves as Caterpillar Equipment’s sole source for sales and service in Central and Southern Mississippi. Additionally, I’m in the design phases of a new project for Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems in Forest.
What is the best thing about working at CDFL?
I’m surrounded by a great group of people with diverse talents and knowledge. If I run into a question I can’t answer – whether it be architectural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or landscape – I’ve got a team I can rely on to help figure it out.
What do you spend the most time doing outside of work?
Most of my time I spend with my family. During the summer I grill a good bit. I read.
What’s the last movie you saw?
Despicable Me 2, which was a lot of fun. But if you had asked “what is the second to the last movie you saw?” I could answer, “Epic, which was not a blockbuster, but was a visually stunning experience in 3D.”
How long have you worked for CDFL?
I graduated from Mississippi State in 1994, have been registered since 1999, and joined CDFL in 2007.
What is your favorite lunch spot in the neighborhood?
Campbell’s Bakery. Walker’s has phenomenal tamales, and Que Sera has award-winning red beans and rice; but Campbell’s serves up a wicked gluten-free petit four. No contest.
What new thing is happening in your field?
Sustainability, although not a new concept, is continuously being redefined. The target points are reset to encourage improvement. We’re seeing requirements for ever more tightly-constructed, heavily insulated buildings, with more strict energy requirements.
What’s your favorite TV show?
I’m really looking forward to the new season of Big Bang Theory. It’s been a long summer. My all-time favorite show has to be Boston Legal, though. I have the series on DVD and my wife and I have to watch the full set at least once a year.