John Baird

With more than 25 years of experience in the field of architecture, construction and master planning, John is the Managing Director of NORR’s UK region. He has in-depth design experience in multiple market sectors across Commercial, Education, Industrial and Science & Research. John leads multi-disciplinary project teams at each stage of a project to ensure a disciplined and creative approach to realize the project vision.

Appointed to The NORR Group of Companies Board of Directors in 2025, John brings valuable perspective to North America aligning global best practices with local needs—particularly in sustainable and low-carbon design. As people, AI and digital design technologies coexist, global collaboration and dialogue is essential—connecting designers, clients and project stakeholders to challenge convention and drive bold, long-term positive impact in the built environment.

John has a long-standing interest in sustainable and environmental design. He has been a member of the practice sustainability group, established to promote sustainable design at NORR and to support partners and technical employees with information, tools and resources. When his projects involve carbon reduction, key considerations are given to embodied and lifetime use for the construction and lifespan of his projects.

Outside the office, John spends most weekends with his family, walking, cycling and exploring Northumberland and the Lake District where he is involved in the regeneration of the nearby historic harbor town of Whitehaven.