Karen A.D. Burton

A designer, consultant, and entrepreneur based in Detroit, Michigan, Karen A.D. Burton brings extensive experience to the business side of the building industry. With a foundational education from the University of Michigan, she has expertly transitioned from working on large-scale architectural design teams in Michigan and Las Vegas to providing vital marketing, business development, and communications services.

Karen leads the charge in advocating for inclusivity, diversity, and equity across the architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate professions. She is highly active as a board and charter member for local chapters of NAWIC, NOMA, and NABWIC, while also serving as a program director for Project: Accelerate to inspire the next generation of women in construction.

As the insightful co-host of the Hidden in Plain Site podcast, Karen shares a very personal journey alongside Saundra Little.

Stemming from their award-winning Noir Design Parti project, she uses this engaging platform to elevate the careers of Black architects, documenting their vital work and highlighting the incredible contributions they have made to major cities.

Her leadership as the CEO and co-founder of SpaceLab Detroit, a dynamic coworking and shared office space, demonstrates her deep commitment to community growth. She actively provides crucial resources and collaborative workspaces to help small businesses and startups successfully compete in Detroit’s Central Business District.

She continually leverages her diverse expertise to encourage professionals to reach their highest potential while actively shifting the lens through which minority designers are recognized.

Podcast Series

Karen A.D. Burton is a Visionary Entrepreneur and Advocate, Designing a Legacy of Equity and Innovation.

Karen’s journey from a young girl dreaming of becoming an architect to a prominent 2026 Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence honoree showcases her lifelong dedication to the profession. By producing deeply resonant podcast content aimed at uncovering hidden histories, Karen believes we can fully recognize the diverse talent within our communities. She envisions an industry where all trailblazing professionals are celebrated, helping us build a more equitable and inspiring world together.