About the practice

emBarkArchitecture is a new architectural practice established in 2012 by Neil Barker. Neil is a Chartered Architect with 40 years' professional experience of initiating, developing and facilitating delivery of capital projects of varying scales and types for a wide range of clients. Most recently this was through a medium size architectural practice, Mackellar Architecture Limited (MAL). MAL had a distinguished pedigree dating back to 1890's. This experience and expertise, together with extensive professional networks of previous clients and colleagues underpins the business proposal for emBarkArchitecture. The Company is formally Registered with Companies House in England and Wales as Neil Barker Associates Limited and is an RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Chartered Practice. Neil is a registered RIBA Client Design Adviser and a member of the Association of Project Safety (APS). The focus is on work from inception, through feasibility to planning negotiations and contract procurement, when working on capital projects.These areas provide the maximum added value for clients, increasing site values and removing risk and uncertainty. In addition to working on specific development projects, Neil offers related services, as Client Representative or Employer's Agent. Early advice regarding design and procurement can reduce risk, time and cost before significant investment decisions are committed. Neil is actively seeking to extend the geographic scope of services by exploiting his previous experience of working in France. The target audience includes companies trading in the UK and France, the French dependencies and territories (DOM TOM) and the French speaking Maghreb States. In the UK previous MAL clients are already working with Neil to progress existing, deferred projects in the North East, Midlands and Gibraltar. Particular expertise in the design of facilities for an ageing population, combined with many years as a non-executive director in the National Health Service, provides Neil with an insight into health and care systems and environments with emphasis on dementia related issues. Neil is a Senator of JCI (Junior Chamber International), he is also one of the first graduates of the Newcastle Common Purpose leadership development programme.