ASCE Foundation

Mr. Burns joined Thornton Tomasetti in 1995 and has more than 45 years of experience designing structures as well as investigating and renovating existing buildings. Joe is a passionate advocate for the deeper integration of architecture and engineering, which he promotes through technical innovation in the design of structural systems, collaboration in practice and leadership in building science education. His credits span a wide spectrum of building types and include commercial, residential, healthcare, education, cultural, aviation and sports. 

Joe’s contributions to the A/E/C industry have been recognized with his advancement to fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE). He is a recipient of the American Institute of Steel Construction’s Special Achievement Award and ENR’s Top 25 Newsmakers list for the innovative use of Tekla modeling in the redevelopment of Chicago’s Soldier Field.

He shares his expertise through teaching, publishing and lectures, including presentations at the Chicago Architecture Foundation and the AIA National Convention. Mr. Burns has taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Maryland, University of Washington, and Northwestern University, among others. He holds a bachelor degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame and master degrees in architecture and civil engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a member of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois (SEAOI), The Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Joe is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for the structural engineering profession. He is a member of the ASCE Foundation’s Founder Society and Pacesetters Circle, and currently serves as Chair of the SEI Futures Fund Board.

 “I am giving to the SEI Futures Fund to support our next generation of Structural Engineers to become engaged in our great profession.  It is one of the ways that I am able to give back to a profession that has given me so much over my career.”

If you’d like to join Joe and make a donation to the SEI Futures Fund, you may do so securely online here or send your check, with “SEI Futures Fund” in the memo line to:

ASCE Foundation

1801 Alexander Bell Drive
Suite 100
Reston, VA  20191