High affinity antibody antagonists of human interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 are disclosed. The antibody molecules are effective in the inhibition of IL-13Rα1-mediated activities and, accordingly, present desirable antagonists for the use in the treatment of conditions associated with hIL-13Rα1 activity. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antibody molecules, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antibody molecules. Methods of using the antibody molecules for inhibiting or antagonizing IL-13Rα1-mediated activities are also disclosed.