About

He has a vast portfolio of merchandise and a deep resume of manufacturer clients. Known especially for his lamp and decorative accessory designs, he has been a freelance lighting designer for over half a century.

In 2004 Burke told Home Lighting & Accessories Magazine that a lot of people know his work, but not in his “signature”, but rather in his craftsmanship.

“Nowadays companies promote designers who don’t know anything about the real execution. I’m not like that. I know how to make [the piece]. I used to make my own models. My thing is: I work, I create, I take pride in my product,” comments Burke, whose dominion encompasses mixed-mediums, a range of metals, and wood. “I do transitional classics,” he says.

While still enrolled at the New England School of Art in Boston, Burke was recognized with top honors by Interior Design Magazine in 1962. Sandy Chapman, principal of Avon, Mass.-based Chapman Manufacturing, spotted his designs in the magazine – which included several portables and decorative accessories – and offered him a job. At the time, Burke’s interests had been in illustration and interior design, but he decided to move in another direction.

His influence in the lighting design industry is wide reaching. He spent decades behind the scenes as a freelance designer for companies including Mario Industries, Reliance Lamp, Ainsley Lamps, Decorative Crafts, Jimway (parent company of Designers Fountain and Cordelia Lighting) and Lighting Enterprises, but he stepped into the spotlight in 2004 as the 15th Annual ARTS Award winner.

“Working for and with the right people” has been the key to Burke’s success, he told Home Lighting & Accessories Magazine, “They have to have faith to let you go.”

This industry savvy is a significant plus for the manufacturers who work with him. “I can look at a factory and tell what their capabilities are,” he says. “At one [factory] I can just give [them] a sketch and they know my work so well that they can interpret it almost perfectly.”

That kind of synchronicity coupled with Burke’s expertise allows him to generate as many as several hundred designs each year – many spinning off into different styles and models.

Burke is constantly turning to the fashion and furniture industries for inspiration and to stay ahead of trends.

“I’ve got to make it so it sells,” he comments.

He has a vast portfolio of merchandise and a deep resume of manufacturer clients. Known especially for his lamp and decorative accessory designs, he has been a freelance lighting designer for over half a century. In 2004 Burke told Home Lighting & Accessories Magazine that a lot of people know his work, but not in his “signature”, but rather in his craftsmanship.

“Nowadays companies promote designers who don’t know anything about the real execution. I’m not like that. I know how to make [the piece]. I used to make my own models.” “My thing is I work, I create. I take pride in my product,” comments Burke, whose dominion encompasses mixed-mediums, a range of metals, and wood. “I do transitional classics,” he says.

While still enrolled at the New England School of Art in Boston, Burke was recognized with top honors by Interior Design Magazine in 1962. Sandy Chapman, principal of Avon, Mass.-based Chapman Manufacturing, spotted his designs in the magazine – which included several portables and decorative accessories – and offered him a job. At the time, Burke’s interests had been in illustration and interior design, but he decided to move in another direction.

His influence in the lighting design industry is wide reaching. He spent decades behind the scenes as a freelance designer for companies including Mario Industries, Reliance Lamp, Ainsley Lamps, Decorative Crafts, Jimway (parent company of Designers Fountain and Cordelia Lighting) and Lighting Enterprises, but he stepped into the spotlight in 2004 as the 15th Annual ARTS Award winner.

“Working for and with the right people” has been the key to Burke’s success, he told Home Lighting & Accessories Magazine, “They have to have faith to let you go.”

Burke takes a hands-on approach to his designs. He conceptualizes his lines, produces drawings and specifies everything right down to the finish. With his drawings serving as blueprints, most pieces take approximately one year to go from sketch to market. Burke’s attention to detail has sent him to many clients’ factories.

This industry savvy is a significant plus for the manufacturers who work with him. “I can look at a factory and tell what their capabilities are,” he says. “At one [factory] I can just give [them] a sketch and they know my work so well that they can interpret it almost perfectly.”

That kind of synchronicity coupled with Burke’s expertise allows him to generate as many as several hundred designs each year – many spinning off into different styles and models.
Burke is constantly turning to the fashion and furniture industries for inspiration and to stay ahead of trends.

“I’ve got to make it so it sells,” he comments.