He grew up in England and attended the department of science and art at the Imperial College London.

On 21 December the same year, Skinner joined the Royal Rifle Volunteers, and served during the earlier part of the New Zealand Wars.

[1] Major Skinner held the Imperial decoration for long service, and also New Zealand war and long service medals; and he was selected to represent New Zealand at the Intercolonial Rifle Match in Melbourne in 1873, and also in 1888.

From 1880, he practised as an architect, and designed and carried out several important buildings in Auckland and Thames, New Zealand.

[1] He also helped establish an early gymnasium and singing classes in Auckland; held the position of precentor at the Newton Presbyterian Church for over ten years; was an active member of the Orpheus Glee Club and several choirs; and was one of the founders of the Auckland technical school.