RSP announces next step in generational leadership transition
National architecture practice names new Chief Executive Officer
MINNEAPOLIS, MN— October 22, 2024—RSP, the national architecture and design practice, announced the next step in a generational leadership transition. Chief Executive Officer Dave Norback is retiring after nearly 40 years with RSP, including 25 years leading the firm. RSP Principal Andrew W. Burnett AIA, LEED AP BD+C succeeds Norback as CEO. Burnett joins Ed Hess, who was named Chief Operating Officer in October 2023, to lead the next generation of the firm.
“Andrew and Ed make a compelling team,” says Norback. “They combine the strategic vision and operational pragmatism to tackle anything the future holds. This shift is the natural next step in the intentional, ongoing evolution of the firm. I couldn’t be more optimistic for RSP and its future.”
Burnett, who brings more than 25 years of industry experience, joined RSP in August of 2023 as Managing Principal of the firm’s Miami office. His leadership qualities, strategic savvy and industry knowledge make him the ideal candidate to take the firm into its next evolution of growth. Following a national search, the RSP Board announced Burnett’s appointment internally in September, notifying clients thereafter. Norback will retain Chairman of the Board responsibilities until March 2025, after which he will retire.
“Dave has been a steady hand at RSP for nearly 40 years,” says Burnett, “so we have a solid foundation. We are well-positioned to build on that foundation and grow into our next chapter as a national practice. When I joined RSP last year, I was excited to develop a generational studio focused on design excellence and client service in Miami. I am humbled by the opportunity to bring that passion and spirit firmwide and to grow our practice on a national scale.”
RSP’s transition to a new generation of leadership comes at a time of unprecedented complexity and consolidation within the architecture industry. The simultaneous rise of artificial intelligence (AI), climate change, and labor costs has significantly impacted the field. Today’s successful practice requires a new level of operational excellence, service delivery, and design – a reality fully recognized by both Burnett and Hess.
“RSP works with some of the most sophisticated clients in the country, across dynamic markets and industries,” says Hess. “We need to be smart, agile, and innovative. Andrew gets that, and I am excited to work alongside him as we continue to evolve and elevate our practice.”
Burnett, even in his short tenure with the firm, has had an outsized impact on RSP. As Managing Principal of the Miami office, he has led several high-profile, developer-driven projects, mentored a growing team of architects, and advanced the firm’s design profile. He officially assumed the CEO title October 1.
Burnett holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech. Prior to joining RSP, he was a senior principal at Stantec, where he was a practice leader for their mixed-use market.
About RSP
Founded in Minneapolis in 1978, RSP Architects has emerged as one of the country’s most trusted, diverse, and agile architecture and design firms. Our clients are a dynamic cross-section of established Fortune 100 global brands and retailers, innovative start-ups, thoughtful non-profits, government entities, and more. In addition, RSP i_SPACE is a proprietary consultancy service that specializes in facility data, while RSP Dreambox offers environmental and experience-rich design. RSP is a 100% employee-own organization.
With over 375 employees, the practice is headquartered in Minneapolis and maintains offices in Baltimore, MD; Fort Worth, TX; Miami, FL; Phoenix, AZ; Rochester, MN; and Seattle, WA. A subsidiary is based in Bangalore, India.
