Architect. Born in Dalmuir (West Dunbartonshire), Baird was apprenticed in a Glasgow firm of architects. When the owner died in 1818, Baird was able to take over the business. He specialised in the classical style and was able to profit as the Merchant City of Glasgow developed to the west of the old city. His works streets such as Woodlands Terrace and Claremont Terrace, as well as a number of buildings for the University of Glasgow on their new campus at Gilmorehill. He also built Ury House in Aberdeenshire for the Bairds of Gartsherrie.