Biography of Barry Wood

Barry Wood 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. ” The new series focuses on showing homebuyers how to get the house they want for a price they can afford. It’s inside real estate info, cutting edge design technology, and a chance for Barry to share his architectural expertise and help would-be renovators.  Barry’s designs are said to be layered with a balance of exploration, precedent, and invention.

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-air as a television personality and design expert. Barry is also featured occasionally as a guest designer on HGTV’s My First Place, and is often featured as a guest panelist on shows like HGTV’s The 25 Worst Decorating Mistakes.

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. 

Barry is available to give speeches on a wide range of topics such as:  interior design, residential and commercial renovation, budgeting for renovation and getting the most at resale, common decorating mistakes, general spatial design, finishes, lighting, tile, varied DIY workshops, design for stage and TV, history of architecture, etc…

Depending on the venue, speeches may include a slide show, project demonstration, or design consultation, and always include a Q+A session in which he will answer questions, including the usual “behind-the-scenes” inquiries! Barry will also sign autographs and take photographs with attendees.