Founder, Construction English
Michael Burkhardt
Michael Burkhardt combines 14 years of U.S. architectural practice with more than 6,000 hours of university English teaching. His background spans construction documentation, multidisciplinary coordination, and English for engineering and construction professionals.
Architectural experience
- 14 years in practice
- Designer, job captain, and senior job captain roles.
- Project sectors
- Higher education, research laboratories, civic facilities, hospitality, and multifamily residential.
- Project responsibilities
- Design development, construction documents, bid and permit packages, and construction administration.
- Technical coordination
- Structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, and waterproofing consultants.
- Construction support
- RFI resolution, field reporting, and documentation of site issues.
Teaching & course development
- University English faculty since 2013
- Teaching electrical, mechanical, materials, and aerospace engineering students.
- 6,000+ classroom teaching hours
- A focus on English for professional and technical contexts.
- Founder of Construction English, 2016
- Specialist courses in drawing documentation and design coordination language.
- Curriculum & professional publications
- Experience developing curricula, leading workshops, and editing engineering research publications.
Education
B.S. Architecture University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Why Construction English?
Specific English for a Specific Purpose
General English
English you’re studying now. This is the core of your ongoing English learning education.
General English is your base of critical grammar, vocabulary, and skills.
Construction English
English language and skills that are focused, functional, task-oriented, and connected to construction and design issues and topics.
These are an important addition to any ongoing general English study plan.
A Bridge
Construction English courses help bridge between general English and your professional knowledge and experience.
Real English
Learn using contents and resources from authentic publications and construction documents
Computer analysis of texts find key words and word combinations to teach and explore important language in authentic, real, and interesting ways.
Course Aims
Here’s a list of common aims and outcomes that all courses share.
YOU WILL:
Think more effectively in English about important issues related to design and construction understand them better in English.
Develop a stronger vocabulary, including powerful words and key expressions related to design and construction .
Prounounce the words and key expressions more correctly using natural syllable stress and intonation.
Use language more accurately in authentic, real situations.
Understand your learning needs better and set goals for further improvement and general English study.
English level system
You are welcome to take any course that interests you—if you’re not sure about your skill level, no problem! Courses are flexible, and you can adjust to find the best fit.
To help you choose, here’s a simple guide:
Basic
“Build a foundation for communicating and understanding”
You can introduce yourself, discuss daily tasks, and participate in simple office conversations.
Detailed, work-related topics are difficult
Learning priorities
- Practice understanding simple written texts and short conversations.
- Use basic grammar and vocabulary more accurately.
- Learn tips and tools for independent study.
Intermediate
“Communicate more clearly and collaborate on project teams more effectively.”
You can explain your ideas and participate in discussions about work-related concepts and topics.
Longer or more technical conversations may still be a challenge.
Learning priorities
- Explain project details, collaborate on designs, or handle client inquiries effectively
- Use advanced grammar more accurately and confidently.
- Build a more precise and descriptive vocabulary for technical and collaborative work.
Advanced
“Gain more language and skills to engage with projects, make decisions, and manage workflows.”
You can communicate with little effort in most technical and professional settings.
Misunderstandings can still happen with complex language, tone, or nuanced expressions.
Learning priorities
- Master advanced terminology, expressions, and functional language for professional contexts
- Develop natural pronunciation and intonation to convey subtle meaning and professionalism.
- Improve professional writing and stakeholder communication.
