The AIA Dallas community mourns the loss of Rodger Burson, FAIA, who passed away on May 14, 2025, in Albuquerque, NM. Born in Wichita, KS, Rodger grew up in South Texas, where the region’s historic missions inspired his lifelong passion for architecture.
Rodger graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1953. After serving as an officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers for two years, he began his architectural career in Corpus Christi in 1955, working alongside O’Neil Ford and Richard S. Colley. His leadership was soon recognized when he was appointed supervising architect for the Texas Instruments site in Dallas, and the following year, he oversaw the construction of Texas Instruments’ facility in Nice, France.
In 1965, Rodger co-founded Burson & Hendricks Architects with James Hendricks, and later established Burson & Williams Architects with David Williams. Throughout his distinguished career, Rodger became a preeminent figure in historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Notable projects under his stewardship include the restoration of the Texas School Book Depository, Belo Mansion, Texas Governor’s Mansion, Cumberland Hill School, Tarrant County Courthouse, DeGolyer Estate, Santa Fe Hilton, The Wigwam Arizona, Continental Gin Complex, and Galloways’ Old Home Place.
Rodger’s pioneering work in historic preservation began in 1971 with the restoration of the Cumberland Hill School—Dallas’ second oldest schoolhouse—transforming it into the headquarters for SEDCO, Inc. This project earned multiple awards and was featured in the AIA Journal. In 1974, he served as architect for the restoration of historic Texas buildings in celebration of the 1976 Dallas Bicentennial, further establishing his reputation as a leader in the field. He conducted groundbreaking research on late nineteenth-century Texas architecture, trained craftsmen, and sought out authentic structures across the state.
Rodger’s firm was entrusted with the restoration of the Texas School Book Depository, ensuring its preservation for future generations. His contributions are documented in the Oral History Collection of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. He also served on the Dallas County Historical Commission and the National Endowment for the Humanities Study Team for the Texas School Book Depository.
Rodger’s dedication to the profession was recognized with his elevation to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a distinction honoring architects who have made significant contributions to the field.
Rodger is survived by his wife, Carolyn Burson, whom he met during work on the Old City Park project. Together, they shared 46 years of adventures, including sailing, travel, cooking, painting, and laughter. They enjoyed summers in New Mexico and lived for several years in Wimberley and Austin, TX. He leaves behind four children: Tom Burson (wife Gloria, daughters Sarah and Sophie), Dr. Matthew Burson (wife Selah, daughters Ariel, Isabel, and Kyrie), Leigh Healy (husband John, daughter Shannon), and Claire Watson-Laub (husband Stephen, sons Owen and Keaton), as well as two great-grandchildren.
A military memorial service was held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in June.
Rodger Burson’s legacy as a visionary architect and preservationist will continue to inspire.