Biba Barrett Design

Biba Barrett Design Architecture + Design

Pretty proud of this ✨ I’m thrilled that our fundraising will enable two fully-funded week-long respite breaks for Yorks...
09/12/2025

Pretty proud of this ✨ I’m thrilled that our fundraising will enable two fully-funded week-long respite breaks for Yorkshire families 💛

I thoroughly enjoyed the first module of the  conservation course this afternoon. Hosted by David McDonald and Janie Pri...
13/10/2025

I thoroughly enjoyed the first module of the conservation course this afternoon. Hosted by David McDonald and Janie Price, I spent 3.5 hours learning about conservation accreditation, the history of conservation legislation and education and training guidelines.

While I undertake regular continuing professional and development (CPD) activities as part of the scheme, it’s been almost 15 years since I completed my architectural studies so it was fun participating in a live webinar!

A much needed slow Sunday at home today with pumpkin carving for my daughter’s school competition tomorrow and a roast d...
12/10/2025

A much needed slow Sunday at home today with pumpkin carving for my daughter’s school competition tomorrow and a roast dinner with my parents.

These last few weeks have been very busy work wise and I’m starting to look ahead to the impending October half term and Christmas holidays, thinking about what I want to achieve before then. As someone who thrives on being busy, I need to remind myself to enjoy the slow moments too!

📸 Photograph of our kitchen by

Since establishing my own business last year, the majority of my work has been based on word of mouth which means the wo...
03/10/2025

Since establishing my own business last year, the majority of my work has been based on word of mouth which means the world to me. I was therefore thrilled to receive a phone call from a potential new client a couple of weeks ago following a personal recommendation from .

I worked on this project where I was appointed post planning to review the previous architect’s drawings because the initial construction costs exceeded the client’s budget.

I prepared a revised proposal for the full redevelopment of this former school house near Clitheroe which aligned with the client’s budget and submitted a full planning application to for the works. Permission was granted in July 2021 and the works started on site later that year comprising various internal alterations and a two storey side extension forming an open plan kitchen, living and dining space with access onto the garden together with a master bedroom suite above taking advantage of far-reaching views to the rear.

Having met my potential new client during an initial consultation on site last week, I’ve been appointed to provide architectural design services for the full redevelopment of a six-bedroom property which falls within Grindleton Conservation Area and the Forest of Bowland AONB. I’m really looking forward to working with this client to create a home which is conducive to modern family living - ending a great week on a high!

📸 of by

Yorkshire bound after a long but productive day in London!I’ve been appointed to prepare an application for listed build...
29/09/2025

Yorkshire bound after a long but productive day in London!

I’ve been appointed to prepare an application for listed building consent for internal alterations to an apartment within this Grade II listed building which falls within the Birdcage Walk Conservation Area.

The proposed works seek to reconfigure this open plan studio into a one bedroom apartment while creating a more high-end look and feel.

Today I carried out a measured building survey of the apartment in order to prepare an accurate set of existing drawings together with a detailed photographic survey of original features.

A real ‘pinch me’ moment - watch this space!

As part of ongoing discussions with the local planning authority to obtain listed building consent for the redevelopment...
23/09/2025

As part of ongoing discussions with the local planning authority to obtain listed building consent for the redevelopment of this Grade II listed building on the Harewood Estate near Leeds, we instructed Joanne Harrison to carry out an assessment of existing doors and windows.

The official list entry describes the building as a C18 garden pavilion flanked by houses which constitute early C19 additions. The building now forms two interconnected dwellings with the former garden pavilion providing a central, single storey element linking the two properties.

The proposed works seek to split the building into two seperate dwellings together with various sympathetic internal and external alterations including improvements to the thermal performance of existing doors and windows.

Joanne’s report provides an invaluable resource and sets out options and recommendations for improvements to the thermal performance of existing doors and windows based on established research by and . It is hoped that her findings will assist decision making regarding the proposed works.

I took a break from my laptop to visit  in Saltaire today. From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by this former ...
18/09/2025

I took a break from my laptop to visit in Saltaire today. From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by this former textile mill which now comprises art galleries, shops and restaurants. I used to waitress in the Diner as a teenager; I pursuaded my parents to let me go to for sixth form because of my love for art and ; I wrote my dissertation on industrial buildings as a resource for regeneration in Bradford as part of my undergraduate studies ; and now I enjoy spending time there with my daughter on rainy days. She’s also developed a love for and enjoys recreating his drawings of flowers!

If you haven’t been to before, I would highly recommend a visit! The exhibition ‘20 Flowers for 2025 and Some Bigger Pictures’ is on until January 2026.

I’ve always been a big believer in the benefits of continuous learning, it’s essential for personal and professional gro...
11/09/2025

I’ve always been a big believer in the benefits of continuous learning, it’s essential for personal and professional growth. Establishing my own business last year has only served to reinforce this belief because I’m committed to providing my Clients with the highest level of service.

Growing up in Yorkshire, I’ve always had an interest in historic buildings. From barns and farmhouses to halls and townhouses, I’m surrounded by them! It’s therefore no coincidence that the majority of my projects are historic buildings which are listed and/or in conservation areas.

This autumn, I’m looking to enrol on a conservation course to expand my skills and expertise in listed buildings and conservation areas. Having attended an informative conservation seminar hosted by for and earlier this week, I’m also looking to further my understanding of retrofitting historic buildings to improve their energy efficiency together with the new listed building consent order recently introduced by various local planning authorities.

The planning system continues to be a source of frustration for me and my Clients but I’m determined to position myself to ensure the successful delivery of all projects.

September is often seen as an opportunity for a fresh start, so I thought I’d reintroduce myself 👋I’ve spent some time o...
04/09/2025

September is often seen as an opportunity for a fresh start, so I thought I’d reintroduce myself 👋

I’ve spent some time over the summer holidays reflecting on my first year in business and setting some goals that align with my aspirations. I’ve also put together a client brochure which explains a bit more about me and my design process together with some examples of work. Please DM or email me to receive a copy!

Looking ahead, I’m starting work on some exciting new projects this month together with ongoing commitments to various existing projects which are at planning and pre-construction stage. I’m also looking to enrol on a conservation course to expand my skills and expertise in listed buildings and conservation areas.

I’m looking forward to various networking events this month including my fourth Gathering in collaboration with today; a conservation seminar hosted by for and next week; an event for Yorkshire business owners hosted by and on 23rd; and an event about women’s wellness hosted by on 25th.

September let’s go 🙌

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