Bernard Ridley Walker was born on 7 July 1884 to John Ridley Walker, clerk and 4th son of George Washington Walker, and Adah Caroline Walker (formerly Giblin). Bernard attended the Friends School and in 1903 was articled to architect, Allan C Walker for 3 years while training at the Hobart Technical College. Bernard worked for several years before embarking overseas to broaden his architectural experience. In London, he worked for Millard and Pryce, architects. He was able to attend lectures and excursions offered by the Royal Institute of British Architects and studied many buildings, which influenced his design and architectural work.;;On returning to Hobart, Bernard Walker set up a practice and shared his rooms with Stanley Crisp, architect. In 1915 Bernard began his long business partnership with Herman Hutchison (Hutchison and Walker, Architects, Engineers and Surveyors- previously Huckson and Hutchison). This lasted until Hutchison's death in 1949. Notable people also engaged by the firm at various times included Sydney Rodway, Ronald Read and Ursula Waker.;;Bernard enlisted for service in the AIF in1915. He had three sisters - Ursula, Margaret and Joan. On 12 February 1924 Bernard married Phyllis Burcham, They had 5 sons, Burcham (died in infancy), Bernard (Jim), Kenneth, Ian and Christopher. They lived at the family home, "Wylam" 13 Parliament Street. Bernard's hobbies included bush walking, gardening and painting. He was a member of the Field Naturalists Club and of Rotary. Bernard died on 8 May 1957.;;