About us

A man sitting at a desk in front of a white bookshelf filled with books and decorative items, in an office or library setting.

Robert Barnes Architects was founded in 1988.  Since then, the practice has completed over 350 projects.

Robert Barnes, practice principal, obtained his Degree and Diploma in Architecture at Cambridge University School of Architecture, gaining his Master of Arts and registering as an Architect in 1978. 1988 saw the Practice become a Chartered Practice Member of the RIBA. In 1996 he was elected to the Ordre des Architectes in Paris, France. Robert Barnes is also currently Senior Lecturer in Theory and Design at London Metropolitan University, School of Architecture and Interior Design. He has been a visiting lecturer at the London School of Economics, Architecture and City Planning Unit, and at Cambridge University School of Architecture. He has been a Committee Member of ACME Artists Housing Association since 1993.


An architecture based in the clients needs and designed through dialogue and study. To create a simple building using appropriate natural materials, with an architectural language of uncomplicated form, to achieve a sense of calmness and equilibrium. The architecture should positively contribute to the well being of both the users of the buildings and the public at large.

We aim to provide simple robust design for our projects eschewing fashionable trends. Our planning of open flexible space allows for change in the future without the need for major structural alteration. Principals of “Long Life - Loose Fit - Low Energy” are applied where possible to give simple shaped floor plans, which can be subdivided over the life of the building in a variety of ways.

Our approach to environmental and structural engineering is to provide naturally lit and naturally ventilated spaces, which maximise the enjoyment of sunlight and daylight and fresh air through operable windows and natural ventilation where possible. This results in the provision of quality internal environments at a modest capital and operating cost. Landscape is integral to the site development strategy and optimises the external and internal environments in and around our buildings.

CONTRIBUTORS

A+ G Partnership
Alan Baxter and Associates
Alan Conisbee and Associates
Anstey Horne
Arup
Atelier Ten
Building Workshop
Buro Happold
Centrespace Design Llp
Davis Langdon
Delva Patman Associates
Fulcrum Consulting
Helyer Davies Architects Ltd.
Hepher Dixon
Jane Wernick Associates
Jennifer McGrandle
Lucas Assocoates
Robert Martell and Partner
Structure Workshop

COLLABORATORS

Alexander Nacu
Andrada Luca
Angela Silva Jones
Ben Sansom
Catherine Burd
Clare Brew
Dehra Mitchell
Eamon Broderick
Eva Maria Benito Benito
Franziska Wagner
Helene Roubinet
James Platts
James Read
John Cannon
John Webb
Jurg Altherr

Karina Porto
Louise Herbert
Manja Knauer
Mark Dziewulski
Mary Watts
Matthias Haertel
Michele Mambourg
Miguel de Sousa Pires
Nicola Thomas
Noga Faust
Odel Jefferies
Patrick O’Sullivan
Paul Butler
Peter Wislocki
Robert Walters
Ron Haselden

Ronald Hauber
Rosie Garvey
Rupert Cook
Sara Yabsley
Sarah Bevin
Silvia Fillipelli
Simon Pendal
Simon Pummell
Sophie Horton
Steven van der Heijden
Susan Kudo
Susan Williams
Taeko Matsumoto
Tanya Zein
Zsuzsa Antiloczi