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About



Primary Projects believes in the transformative power of better housing. The drive to create the most sustainable, affordable, and communal housing gets us out of bed in the morning.

While we’ll never stop trying to wring the most out of every design decision, with time, we’ve learned that this same degree of care needs to be brought to financing, development, and construction. We’re always searching for partners with shared values, and if you think you could be one of them, please reach out!

With every project, we aim to...
  • Honor the planet by using less energy and banking CO2,
  • Support simplicity to lower upfront and lifecycle costs, and
  • Strengthen community within and beyond each building.  



Differentiators

We’re allergic to jargon.

We’ll talk to you like that teacher you loved who made complex things sound simple. We spell out acronyms, and we’ll never call a window an “aperture.”

We’re environmental nerds.

We have experience designing to the strictest energy & performance standards. Many of our projects incorporate straw insulation and sequester more carbon than they emit during construction.

We’re wildly practical.

Sometimes, a large, custom window is worth it! But sometimes, a slight adjustment that allows for using a standard product saves money without sacrificing quality. This value-conscious ethos permeates our decision-making.

We like sharing.

We have extensive experience designing for multi-generational families, co-ops, intentional communities, etc. (We’ve also researched, lectured, and taught on these topics!)


Services

Architectural Design

Primary Projects provides full architectural services, from concept design to construction documents and construction administration. We’re comfortable working with large stakeholder groups and managing teams of consulting engineers and specialty consultants to achieve a common goal.

Feasibility Studies

When needed, we help our clients determine a project’s viability by:
  • Analyzing code, zoning, historical, accessibility, and affordability regulations
  • Evaluating a site’s unique environmental factors
  • Understanding the approvals process
  • Testing design options
  • Coordinating cost estimates

Interior Design

We provide full interior design services on most projects, helping clients with:
  • Space planning & programming
  • Finish selections
  • Custom millwork
  • Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) specification
  • Environmental signage & graphics

Facilitation

We like people. We're there if you need us to provide visual assets to help tell your story, facilitate large stakeholder groups, or attend community meetings!


Bio



Kyle Barker, AIA, NCARB

Founding Principal (he/him)

Kyle formed Primary Projects in 2021 after over a decade working at three of the country’s top architecture firms. A drive to design inclusive, energy-smart housing fuels his work, research, and teaching. As an eternal tinkerer, Kyle always seeks better, simpler solutions to achieve clients' goals. He is passionate about design in its many forms and values clear communication above all. With extensive experience as a facilitator, Kyle strives to ask the questions that get clients the project they want. He also really loves hummingbirds and peanut butter. LinkedIn︎︎︎

Registrations

  • Registered Architect:
    MA, ME, MI, NY

Experience

  • Primary Projects
    Founding Principal, 2021-
  • Merge Architects
    Senior Associate, 2016-2021
  • MASS Design Group
    Associate, 2014-2016
  • Kennedy & Violich Architecture
    Designer, 2008-2010

Education


Media

The annual Flasnburgh Young Designers’ Presentation. Kyle spoke about communal housing, straw insulation, “audience,” and more.

Projects discussed: Store House, Jackson Hole Workforce Housing, Thick House, Green House, Straw House, Uphill Housing, All Season Housing, and Communal Housing Design Guidelines

A conversation with architect Toby Witte about cohousing and other collective housing models.

Projects discussed: Communal Housing Design Guidelines

An interview with Kyle after winning the 2023 Flansburgh Young Designers’ Award.

Projects discussed: Uphill Housing

A presentation of Kyle’s Rotch Travelling Scholarship entries.

Projects discussed: Data Port, Primitive Play, Thick House, Civic Core, Green House, Mix & Match Housing, Permanent Collection


An interview with Kyle after serving as a design juror for the Boston Society for Architecture’s annual awards.

Projects discussed: Data Port, Straw House

A presentation on three communal housing projects.

Projects discussed: Store House, Green House, and Mix & Match Housing