A native of Hamburg, Germany, Burchard began his career as a furniture maker. His passion for sculpture brought him to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
In 1982 his love for the Pacific Madrone Burl hardwood prompted the opening of a studio in Southern Oregon. His sculpture work is highly revered and has been par t of all the most major woodturning exhibitions for the last 20 years. He says, "I have been working with wood for most of my life. We are comfortable with each other, have a close relationship and I value the connection immensely. I make things out of a deep urge to create and out of driving curiosity."
Burchard's work is exhibited widely throughout the US. His pieces are part of many public and private collections. His current work includes wall sculptures and freestanding sculptural objects. He is also sought after as a teacher and demonstrator at craft schools and conferences and related turning events. He currently resides with his wife in the outskirts of Ashland, Oregon.