When is Karle Burford retiring from AHR?

Karle Burford, director and southern region lead, has announced his plan to retire at the end of 2026 after a highly successful 23 year career with our practice.

What was Karle Burford's role at AHR?

Karle was our director for the Southern region, responsible for leading our teams and growth across the South West and Wales. He was instrumental in establishing our Bristol office and opening our newer office in Cardiff.

Who will lead AHR's southern region after Karle's retirement?

Leadership of the southern region will be continued by our established team of directors, Gary Overton, Adam Spall and David de Sousa, ensuring strong continuity for our clients and colleagues.

How did Karle Burford help grow AHR's presence in Bristol and Cardiff?

Karle grew our Bristol office from a small team into a major regional presence with expertise across all sectors. He later led our expansion into Wales, including the successful launch of the AHR Cardiff office.

What is AHR's focus in the South West and Wales?

AHR is a multisector architecture and building consultancy practice. In the South West and Wales, we have a strong reputation for design and technical delivery across a wide range of sectors including transport, mixed use regeneration, offices, leisure, education and residential.

Practice News

Bidding a fond farewell to Karle Burford who retires after nearly 23 years

Min Read

by AHR

After a remarkable career spanning more than 40 years in architecture, director and southern region lead Karle Burford retires, leaving behind a legacy that has helped shape our practice and its presence across the South West and Wales.

Throughout his time with AHR Karle has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a genuine commitment to his people and a clear, consistent ambition for the region he helped build. His influence has extended far beyond the projects he has led, to colleagues, clients and the wider architectural profession across the South West and beyond.

Karle joined AHR with a clear brief to grow the Bristol office and establish a meaningful multisector presence across the South West. Over the years that followed, that ambition evolved into something much broader. What began as a small team grew into a large, established regional presence with depth across all sectors and a strong reputation for design and technical delivery. More recently, Karle led the expansion into Wales, including the opening of our Cardiff office, while taking on responsibility for the wider southern region.

Karle joined AHR with a clear sense of direction and has delivered on that in every respect. He has grown a brilliant team, strengthened our presence across multiple sectors and built lasting relationships with clients across the region. Just as importantly, he has supported and developed people throughout his time here. We are very grateful for his contribution and wish him all the very best for what comes next."

Anthony Langan

Managing Director, Architecture

He has also played a central role in securing and leading major regional and national public sector frameworks, helping to position AHR as a trusted name across both public and private sectors. Alongside this, Karle has been a consistent advocate for greater inclusion in the built environment, championing the belief that diverse perspectives are essential to creating spaces that are both equitable and innovative.

Perhaps what stands out most, however, is the lasting impact he has had on the people around him. Whether offering a steady perspective in complex moments, encouraging colleagues to take the next step in their careers or simply making time for a conversation, Karle has shaped the culture of the team as much as any project or framework.

When I joined AHR, the focus was on growing the Bristol office. More than 20 years on, we have a thriving region, a talented team and a presence in both the South West and Wales that I am incredibly proud of.
What stands out most, though, is the people. I have had the chance to work with brilliant colleagues, supportive clients and develop some very rewarding mentoring relationships. Gary, Adam and David are well placed to take things further and I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve. For me, it feels like the right time to step back and spend more time with my family and on my other interests. After over 40 years working in architecture it's time to do something else, but I will greatly miss AHR."

Karle Burford

Director

Going forward, Gary Overton will lead the southern region alongside directors Adam Spall and David de Sousa, and the wider regional senior management team. Together, they bring strong continuity, deep regional knowledge and a shared ambition to build on the exceptional foundation Karle has established.

As Karle prepares to retire from the practice at the end of 2026, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his extraordinary contribution to AHR and wish him every happiness in the years ahead, with plenty of time for family and the other interests we know he is looking forward to pursuing.

Join the conversation and share your fondest memories of working with Karle over on our social media channels, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Frequently asked questions

: Karle Burford, director and southern region lead, has announced his plan to retire at the end of 2026 after a highly successful 23 year career with our practice.
: Karle was our director for the Southern region, responsible for leading our teams and growth across the South West and Wales. He was instrumental in establishing our Bristol office and opening our newer office in Cardiff.
: Leadership of the southern region will be continued by our established team of directors, Gary Overton, Adam Spall and David de Sousa, ensuring strong continuity for our clients and colleagues.
: Karle grew our Bristol office from a small team into a major regional presence with expertise across all sectors. He later led our expansion into Wales, including the successful launch of the AHR Cardiff office.
: AHR is a multisector architecture and building consultancy practice. In the South West and Wales, we have a strong reputation for design and technical delivery across a wide range of sectors including transport, mixed use regeneration, offices, leisure, education and residential.