Was born in 1854, and educated at the Royal School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. He is one of the most famous living architects, and Vice-President of the Institute of Naval Architects, as well as member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, member of the Society of Naval Architects, and has been Professor of Naval Architecture, Glasgow University, since 1891.
He is a keen and practical yachtsman, and has for many years devoted himself to this form of sport. He is an active member of the majority of the Clyde clubs, and owned the fine steam yacht Fauvette, 408 tons, designed by the late Dixon Kemp, and built by Messrs. Ramage and Ferguson at Leith in 1892. Professor Biles was also owner of the Fife-designed Lais, 90 tons, and the Sibbick-designed and built 7-ton sloop Iridia, ex-Senta, built at Cowes in 1897. Both were fast craft, and successful prize-winners.
Clubs: Royal Northern, Royal Thames.
Residence: 10, University Gardens, Glasgow.
Vessels: Fauvette; Lais; Iridia (ex-Senta)