Born in England in 1911, Les Barley came to Nanaimo, via Toronto, in 1948 to work as an architectural assistant for Thomas McArravy. Barley eventually became partners with McArravy and, later, with Weismiller. During his career, Barley worked throughout the mid-island, designing institutional buildings including the Legion on Wallace, an addition to the Malaspina Hotel, Nanaimo District Secondary School, Nanaimo Centennial Museum, Owen Park Complex, the Golf Club and numerous schools. He retired in 1977. Barley was also active with the Nanaimo Figure Skating Club, serving as president for several terms.