Harry Kent was educated at Camden College[3] and the University of Sydney where he graduated with a Master of Arts in 1875.

[4] Before his graduation Kent was articled to James Barnet, the New South Wales Colonial Architect, and in 1873 to John Horbury Hunt.

[2] Kent and his extended family were all active Congregationalists at a time when that Christian denomination was very influential in the upper middle classes of Sydney society and business.

[10] When Kent was unable to find employment after graduation from university, he sought advice from John Fairfax.

With a recommendation from Fairfax, Kent managed to secure work with master builder John Young.

[12] An important early residential design was Lincluden at 12 Fairfax Road, Bellevue Hill, for Sir Thomas Anderson Stuart.

1 Woolstore building is a 3 & 4-storey Federation style warehouse constructed of face brickwork with sandstone detailing and timber windows and doors.

Kent & Massie secured many commercial commissions including Bebarfalds,[20] later Woolworths on the corner of George and Park streets, Sydney.

Kent & Massie designed the former CBC head office on corner of George and Barrack Streets, Sydney, now heritage-listed,[21] and a series of country banks in Newcastle[22] and Cessnock.