Create.

James Barker

ba (hons), dip. arch. (leics), dip. arch. prac., riba

Design Director

From an early age James knew that he wanted to be an Architect, and shortly after completing his GCSEs decided to focus his studying with the aim of becoming a Chartered Architect. After completing his A-Level examinations in 1992 James went on to study Architecture at De Montfort University in Leicester, a seven year long course which included a total of five years studying, and two years practical ‘office based’ training in an Architectural practice. Most of James’s colleagues secured training positions with practices across the UK, with most heading for the larger well-known offices in London, however despite being offered a position at Grimshaw & Partners in London (Waterloo International Terminal), James moved over to Guernsey and secured a position with a small local firm of Chartered Architects. It was here he worked and gained experience in Architecture for over 5 years until leaving to set up Create in 2004.

James reflects on the time spent at De Montfort University, a course which he found both interesting and stimulating. ‘The course was great fun and I learnt a lot. We spent many a day (and night) working on design projects, building models, and using basic 3D CAD models to present our ideas to colleagues and lecturers, all of which gave me a very good foundation for my current role as Architect and Director’. The course also included numerous trips both within the UK and abroad including destinations such as Paris, Barcelona and Venice.

James has always been interested in Architecture and enjoys pushing the boundaries of design to get the most out of a client’s brief. ‘I enjoy meeting with clients and running the company. There is a lot to learn but as an Architect I am always keen to learn more in order to develop my career and build on the success of the practice’. In response James has this year been enrolled on a Practice Management training course with a local Guernsey college, and has already made arrangements to attend a workshop next year organised by the RIBA.

In between work and family life, James also finds the time to pursue his new hobby of mountain biking and gets out regularly at the weekends for rides across the island.