Mike Burton

Mike is a Chartered Engineer, CIBSE Fellow and Honorary Fellow of RIBA with over 30 years of award-winning sustainable building design experience.

Mike is a Partner at Scotch Partners, an independent UK building engineering consultancy, having previously been a Director at AECOM, Faber Maunsell and Oscar Faber. He has successfully led many major UK and international projects known for their high standards in sustainability and architectural quality.

Mike studied Architectural Engineering at the University of Leeds and Penn State University, starting work as a graduate building services design engineer, working on projects including Sheffield Arena, Electronic Arts HQ and The Royal Academy of Music.

Mike is particularly proud of The Stephen Lawrence Centre for its lasting impact on the architecture community, the iconic and trailblazing BBC Broadcasting House – the home of news and radio, and the award-winning, naturally ventilated LSE Library. He is currently leading the next generation of sustainable, smart and healthy buildings, including listed buildings, refurbishments and new builds.

In 2021, Mike was awarded the mentor of the year at the European Women in Construction and Engineering WICE Awards for supporting women into leadership positions.

In 2022, Mike was awarded the CIBSE Building Performance Engineer of the Year; the judges highlighted ‘his passion, high level of knowledge and uniquely his holistic approach to building projects make him a shining example in the field of engineering’

In 2023, Mike was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of RIBA for his significant contribution to environmental design and architecture, his dedication to improving the industry, mentoring, and supporting women working within construction and engineering.

In 2025, Mike was awarded the BCO Outstanding Contribution for supporting NextGen. ‘This one-off honour recognises someone who has gone above and beyond for the NextGen community – championing emerging talent, driving inclusion and innovation, and making a lasting impact through mentorship, advocacy and unwavering support.’

Mike has contributed to a number of leading industry publications, including the 2019 RIBA Future Office book, the 2019 British Council for Offices (BCO) Guide to the Specification of Offices, the 2023 BCO Fit Out Guide and the 2023 RIBA Book Reworking the Workplace: Connecting people, purpose and place.

Mike is an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham and a visiting Professor at the University of Leeds. Mike has lectured on environmental design, undertaken project reviews, and industry/career advice.  Mike is a member of the University of Leeds Industrial Advisory Committee and the Professional Engagement and Advisory Forum (PEAF) for the University of the Built Environment.

Mike is particularly active in the workplace sector, working with developers such as Landsec, Derwent and British Land and occupiers including the UK Government, Schroders and BBC.  Mike is a past BCO Board member and Chair of the National BCO Awards Judges.