Jason Burnside, Managing Director of GAJ

Burnside’s path into architecture began in his teenage years, driven by a fascination with the way buildings shape human experience. Growing up in Donegal, Ireland, where traditional career paths often gravitated towards the trades, his interest in design was sparked by the striking St Aengus Chapel by architect Liam McCormick. Inspired by its powerful sense of place and architectural expression, he pursued his studies at the University of Dundee, graduating in 1996. He began his professional career in London with a small urban design practice, where he spent five years working across architecture and planning. This formative experience instilled a broader understanding of the built environment, teaching him to view buildings not as isolated objects but as integral components of the wider urban fabric. In 2001, Burnside relocated to Dubai to join Godwin Austen Johnson, arriving at a pivotal moment in the city’s evolution.

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Specialising in residential, hospitality, leisure, education, and mixed-use developments, he has played a key role in designing over 30 schools across the region, establishing Godwin Austen Johnson as a leader in educational architecture. Promoted to Managing Director in 2023, Burnside has shaped GAJ’s strategic direction, driving its financial performance and business growth. His leadership has seen the firm consistently deliver award-winning projects, further strengthening its position as one of the region’s leading architectural practices.

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Known for balancing design quality with technical rigour and practical delivery, Burnside brings a thoughtful and commercially grounded approach to architecture. His focus on team leadership and project excellence ensures Godwin Austen Johnson continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation for contextual, sustainable, and innovative design. Recent projects include the Saudi Arabia Museum of Contemporary Art (SAMoCA) in Diriyah, Serenia Living, which was recently handed over, and the Jafar Centre at Dubai College.