 |
Is one part artist, one part architect, and one part rock 'n' roll. His diverse professional experience and wide open spirit allow him to create thoughtful, yet fun, environments. He has designed his way through America on TLC’s Trading Spaces and can now be seen on his new show Hidden Potential, airing on HGTV. Barry’s designs are said to be layered with a balance of exploration, precedent, and invention.
- Professional Background:
Barry discovered his passion for architecture at twelve years-old. He developed his theory-based design process both in Florence, Italy and at Syracuse University, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture. Barry honed his skills working as a designer for several firms in San Francisco, Baltimore, and New York before becoming licensed and launching his own firm, b.wood Architects. Simultaneously, Barry has built a successful career as a model, appearing in numerous fashion shows, editorials, and advertisements in New York, Milan, Hamburg, Miami and Los Angeles. He has also appeared in films, commercials, and on television.
- Personal History:
Raised in north-central Connecticut, Barry is the youngest of three children. A fiercely competitive athlete, he excelled in sports and won several awards including Scholar Athlete. After college, Barry moved around the country before setting up a home base in Manhattan. He now balances his city life with extensive travel. His experiences around the globe, as well as in his multi-cultural home of New York City, inspire his creativity.
- Design Style:
Each design is experienced as modern, eclectic layers unfolding. Barry harmoniously integrates the elements of the space: forms, functions, views, sun angles, breezes, aromas, proportions, textures, colors, etc., 'molding' a new space. Driven by the belief that buildings and rooms should be inspired by the surrounding land and history, yet spirited by today's new and unique 21st century world, Barry's designs are always a fresh breath.
- The Homes:
"So much of our housing is cookie-cutter, and box-like," he says. Barry tries to free-up homeowners stuck in their box by showing them the panorama of possibilities design can afford. His spaces include natural curves, free forms, bold colors and unusual materials, resulting in a perfect balance of form and function. Every design of Barry's is a journey, from sweeping concrete countertops and city-skyline reliefs to glowing glass block walls and kitchen islands dubbed “operation home plate!”
- Quotable Barry:
…"every home has its hidden potential buried somewhere within. We have to dig in, excuse the rules, and analyze the options. Then we can swing the sledgehammer!" …"Trading Spaces is a healthy mix of improvisation and execution. One room can become a catalyst to redo an entire house and make it truly yours."
