Burland, 45, will continue as an independent consultant to the practice after 1 January 2000.
Since becoming design director in 1992, Burland oversaw the growth of the firm from 50 to 120 people.
He said this week: "Arup Associates is too big for me now. I want to pursue my own design interests. I won't be competing."
Burland will remain involved in selected projects, including the £90m Manchester Commonwealth Stadium, further phases of a £20m, 600-bed building at Durham University, a mixed-use development at Bristol Harbourside, and two new office buildings at the 162 ha Stockley Park business park in Uxbridge.