Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Barber
Hi Tim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a fearless (some might say ‘foolhardy’) entrepreneur and I’ve been extremely lucky. I started life in a trailer park in rural Appalachia; but I was lucky enough to have first-rate schools, athletics, music and art programs, and breathtaking Federal and Greek revival architecture. To get through college, I worked as a radio disc jockey, a house painter, a finish carpenter, a wedding singer, and a railroad.spike driver. I even cut hair in the men’s dorm.
After college I made my way to Los Angeles – where I did well on the game show Super Password (thanks to Betty White). Shortly afterwards, the Northridge earthquake devastated Los Angeles – yet it brought a boom in architecture work – and I opened Tim Barber Architects in 1994 with my game show winnings.
Since then, I’ve been on a constant learning bender, studying classical architecture, earning LEED AP credentials, learning Italian, studying painting and earning a master’s degree in Historical & Sustainable Architecture at NYU in London last year. Now I’m focused on giving back: teaching and coaching my talented, hardworking team.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I did not cause the 2009 recession or the 2020 COVID pandemic. However, many of my other struggles were self-inflicted. We added interior design to our offerings in 2003. We made beautiful spaces, but we were never profitable, so 10 years later, we stopped. I started Auteur, a house parts company – with the same result. I started Tim Barber House & Home, a pre-designed house plans company – same result. I’ve learned that even the best ideas need marketing: smart, captivating, and non-stop.
We’ve been impressed with Tim Barber Architects, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We design homes for families that are unique, memorable, and durable – to be handed down to future generations. Now, with my new degree, we are aiming at adaptive reuse projects – adding housing while creating walkable communities.
Our architecture is often traditional and familiar – even when we are solving new problems. Our documents are notoriously thorough and clear. Our service is prompt and kind. We strive to have a net-positive impact on the planet. Learning is key: we teach, coach, mentor, sponsor outside programs – working to elevate the talent of our team.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I was a hyperactive boy with a serious attention deficit. I didn’t like it at the time, but my dad would take me into the woods and we would sit – for an eternity – watching worms and bugs, learning to identify trees by their bark, and birds by their song. He would ask me to draw a rose, again and again. I’m unspeakably grateful for his patient work to focus and calm me. I’m trying to apply his lessons to my teammates today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://timbarberarchitects.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timbarberarchitects
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timbarberarchitects
Image Credits
01-Karyn-Millet-Spanish-Colonial-Revival-Residence-Tim-Barber-Architects.jpg
TBA renovated and expanded this 1930s Spanish Colonial Revival residence in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, from a dark labyrinth into a bright and spacious family home. Photo by Karyn Millet.
02-Sam-Frost-Classical-Contemporary-Elliptical-Stair-with-Lay-Light.jpg
Elliptical stair with lay light within a now classical contemporary residence in Beverly Hills. Photo by Sam Frost.
03-Karyn-Millet-Sustainable-Home-Tim-Barber-Architects.jpg
A new LEED Gold-certified home in Studio City, California. Green features include solar panels, a rain cistern, a greywater tank, an air purification system, water filtration, and state-of-the-art insulation; while fresh air, natural light, and casual living are celebrated throughout the 5,000 sq. ft. residence. Photo by Karyn Millet.
04-Laura-Hull-Jonathan-Club-Natatorium.jpg
Tim Barber Architects was commissioned to restore the DTLA Jonathan Club’s natatorium. Subsequent projects include a rooftop bar, reimagined barbershop, valet parking, and a new internet lounge. Photo by Laura Hull.
05-William-MacCollum-MCM.jpg
This mid-century post and beam house in Laurel Canyon was renovated and expanded with a split-level addition while making dynamic use of the sloping site; capturing a level inner courtyard where a wild, steep slope had once been. Photo by William MacCollum.
06-Team-Site-Visit.jpg
A team site visit to a ground-up home in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
07-Team-Sketch-Day.jpg
Staff sketches from a group sketch outing to the Schindler House.
08-Tim-Barber-Graduation-NYU.jpg
Tim’s graduation from NYU London in 2023, where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in Historical & Sustainable Architecture.
