Harry Joseph Birnstingl was born in Kensington, London, England in 1890. After studying at the Stadtische Kunst Institut in Frankfurt, Germany in 1909-10, he was articled to Charles Edward Barry (1855-1937) in London from 1910 to 1913 and remained with him as his assistant. He also attended the Architectural Association Schools in London. He qualified as an architect in 1913 and subsequently practised in London. He was employed as Assistant Architect at the Ministry of Health Housing Department.
Birnstingl wrote extensively on architecture and was at one time Assistant Editor of The Architects' Journal. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) in 1914.
In the 1911 Census of England and Wales, Birnstingl gave as his occupation "Renowned Architect". He hadn't even qualified in the profession at this point.
His address was given as Boulters, Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1911; Parliament Mansions, Victoria Street, London and 5 Pembroke Gardens, Kensington in 1914; Town End Farm, Radnage, West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire in 1923 and 1926; and "Greenacre," Bledlow Ridge, West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire in 1927. He died in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on 19 December 1927
Houses at Angmerlng, Bognor and Radnage; shop premises, Church Street, Kensington
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 1: A-K. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001