ABOUT
Established in 1979 by Michael Barber, the Firm has completed over 750 projects ranging in size from 5,000 square feet to over 2.5 million square feet, and offers a full range of architectural and interior design services.
Throughout the firm's history we have sought projects that define communities and enhance the built environment. Regardless of project type, we believe that good design is uplifting and benefits owners and users through positive architectural symbolism and effective, functional spaces. We maintain the philosophy that architecture and interior design must involve the continuous development of process and idea - a simultaneous movement that ultimately leads to inspired buildings and satisfied clients.
Barber Architecture engages in only a few select projects each year. We view each client, and each project, as unique. We are committed to nurturing these relationships, and the result is an extensive list of repeat clients!
SERVICES
Master
Planning
Barber Architecture's urban design and planning work is often the result of a collaborative process that unifies multiple, and sometimes conflicting, interests. Whether it is a neighborhood group, a city council, a design review board, or a zoning department, we effectively pull diverse viewpoints together for unique solutions to challenging problems.
We believe that a process that supports an open and participatory dialogue adds to the quality and character of our work.
We believe architecture should be a specific expression of time and place - speaking to the aspirations of our clients. We recognize that programmatic requirements must be balanced with the intellectual and emotional aspects of architecture.
We know that dynamic client relationships result in dynamic buildings; architecture is ultimately a collaborative process that involves the client, the public, other professional disciplines, artisans, and builders.
Our design approach is characterized by creativity, intensity, and responsiveness. Our work is delivered with focus and is a synthesis of client, site, program, budget, technology, community, and vision that evolves from an interactive process.
Architectural
Design
Interior and architectural design are most successful when they are fully integrated and respond to the specific programmatic requirements of a project. Our close collaboration with our clients brings their organizational structure into focus, anticipates change, accommodates flexible space planning strategies, and accurately models costs.
We believe successful interior spaces create aesthetically pleasing, functional, and healthy environments that communicate philosophy and personality.
Interior
Design
Computer-aided design and presentation tools allow us to create virtual views of sites, buildings, and interior spaces. These tools are employed from the start of conceptual design to help our clients and the project team envision multiple options and alternatives.
In addition to virtual models, we make use of physical building models, materials mock-ups, and renderings to illustrate our design concepts.
Project
Visualization
"Programming is a process leading to the statement of an architectural problem and the requirements to be met in offering a solution" - Webster
We believe that programming is not a routine exercise, but a vital process that generates insight and inspiration, and must be supported by technical and creative thinking. The ultimate test of the program is its usefulness during design for the creation of a functional, successful building.
Programming involves considering all requirements for developing a design, qualitatively and quantitatively. It ranges from the macro level of defining space allocation standards and defining proper building massing and location, to the micro level of choosing appropriate adjancencies within a floorplan, proper daylighting, ventilation, and every conceivable element impacting human comfort and productivity within the building.
Programming often involves reconciling disparate ideas and opinions. Our ability to mediate between individuals and groups to produce collective priorities has resulted in strong program plans that address the interest of all parties involved.
Programming
Barber Architecture's commitment to sustainable design began long before the current interest in green building.
Our projects have always featured light-filled, healthy indoor environments protected by durable, locally available materials. Energy efficient operation continues to be an important bottom line consideration for both speculative development clients, and long-term corporate and institutional owners.
The delivery of relevant sustainable design solutions starts with the concept of integration. Integration, in both the collaborative goal-setting process involving the owner and design team, and in the synthesis through constant refinement of design alternatives, processes, and materials, allows the owner and the design team to arrive at the best possible balance of cost, performance, and aesthetics.
Barber Architecture supports the concept of third-party verification for green building design and construction. Using the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, we designed the first LEED certified building in Colorado, the CH2M Hill World Headquarters, South Building.
Sustainable
Design
40 YEARS OF EXCELENCE
ON THE BOARDS
LEADERSHIP
Michael Barber, Principal
Michael Barber is Director of Design at Barber Architecture. As the firm's principal designer, he is responsible for a project's initial conception, working firsthand with clients to communicate various design approaches that satisfy their specific functional and aesthetic needs. During the detailed design development that follows, Michael oversees the emerging documents for creative intent while mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security systems, materials, and details are integrated as integral components of the design.
Michael has been teaching and practicing architecture for 44 years. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree with Honors from Ohio University, and received the American Institute of Architects Alpha Rho Chi Medal.
As lead architectural designer, Michael has completed a variety of projects including campus master plans, university facilities, historic restoration and adaptive reuse, conference centers, city halls, religious buildings, retail projects, performing arts centers, corporate headquarters, and private residences. In addition to his Principal role at Barber Architecture, Michael serves as a visiting lecturer and jury critic for the Graduate School of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado, Denver, is a member of the GSA National Register of Peer Professionals, and serves various Design Review Boards in the Denver area.
CONTACT
Inquiries
Client and New Business Development Contact:
Michael Barber
Contact
Barber Architecture
Phone: 720.560.9043