Our Team
KELLY VICTOR-BURKE
Co-Founder/Co-Owner
Kelly Victor-Burke is an entrepreneur, woodwork manufacturing advocate & professor emerita who taught for 30-years at Eastern Michigan University as co-director of the Geotourism & Historic Preservation Bachelor of Science Program until her retirement in April 2020 to concentrate on her growing woodwork manufacturing business, Burke Architectural Millwork (BAM). Woodworking Network named her an Industry Market Leader in 2022.
Kelly and her husband/business partner Barry founded BAM in 2016 to disrupt the status quo in the woodwork industry and bring positive recognition to the field of architectural millwork manufacturing. BAM is Michigan’s first and only WBENC Certified WBE in custom architectural millwork. In June 2023, Kelly & Barry launched their new division, Bespoke Closets and Organized Spaces (BCOS) a luxury European inspiried in design & primarily sourced organizational spaces company. “Casa di Burke” Design Studio is a by appointment only 1800 sq ft luxury home for meeting clients. BCOS’s motto is “Come to our house to reimagine your house.”
As a woodwork manufacturing advocate & public speaker, Kelly conceived of and lead a team of dedicated innovative business owners, educational partners and industry organizations to create the first 21st century approved Department of Labor registered apprenticeship in woodworking, “Woodwork Manufacturing Specialist”. She drafted the initial framework to address the employment gap in the wood products industry through cross-training and upskilling new and existing employees in a combination of CAD, mechatronics (like CNC), wood processing including cabinet building, coatings, estimating and project management. After serving as a panelist on many webinars, Kelly looks forward to traveling the country advocating for apprenticeships in the wood industry.
A proud alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Kelly was also named a “Notable Women in Manufacturing” by Crain’s Detroit Business. She serves on the National Woods Board.
BARRY BURKE
Co-Founder/Co-Owner
The owner and president of Burke Architectural Millwork, Barry thrives as an entrepreneur constantly innovating fabrication techniques, mentoring employees, and growing the company’s expanding client base. Barry is the head of client relations, estimating and project management. Barry is also a hands-on owner, as he helps build every project that leaves our shop. Clients know and appreciate Barry’s meticulous attention to detail.
A native of the Galway City in the Republic of Ireland, Barry has been working in the architectural millwork industry for more than 25 years. Barry learned his trade from the best craftsmen in the Woodlawn Area of the Bronx: O’Brien Millwork, Grace Ryan & Magnus Millwork and Hi-Tech Interiors. He worked on many high-end projects throughout New York City and Connecticut before moving to Michigan. Now based in Metro Detroit, his work merges old world craftsmanship with the most up-to-date, efficient millworking techniques.
Barry is a licensed general contractor. In the shop setting, Barry worked his way up from working on a bench (his passion) — to estimator — to project manager overseeing large scale commercial projects across the United States. Establishing his own architectural millwork company has been a life-long pursuit. Barry’s leadership and industry knowledge are paramount in the running of the company.
JENNY O'CONNOR
Design Director
Jenny is an interior design leader with a Bachelor’s of Science from the College of Technology at EMU. She has over 15 years of experience designing both commercial and residential interiors. Having recently completed her exam and certification to become a Registered Storage Designer by the Association for Closet and Storage Professionals, she is a firm believer that her education as a designer is a lifelong journey.
Jenny is passionate about using design as a tool for improving day to day functions for both homeowners and business owners alike. Jenny believes in a global, holistic approach to design and that creativity & collaboration are crucial to the success of a project.
When she is not designing, she can be found reading or spending time with her husband and kids.
