As an extension of the University of Queensland Department of Architecture's public programs in 1983 to 1985, Don Watson organised a fortnightly public lecture program called Architecture is a Community Art. The program had local, interstate and international speakers and attracted large audiences. These lecturers were conducted at the Community Arts Centre, 109 Edward Street Brisbane. This series includes correspondence, notes, biographical information for some of the presenters, financial data, posters and flyers for the lectures.

Donald Watson was employed as a lecturer at the University of Queensland Department of Architecture from 1979 to 1989. He lectured in design and supervised history theses and electives. He was responsible for the Architecture Department's public programs, including lunch-time lectures and exhibitions. Included in this series are: course notes for Bachelor of Design Studies (B.Des.St.); lunch time lectures research and planning; student projects; exhibition catalogues; and correspondence.

The Queensland Architectural Archive was established to collect Queensland architectural records of individual and non-government architects and architectural firms. Don Watson was instrumental in collecting the records of Queensland architects and architectural firms for preservation in the Fryer Library. The Queensland Architectural Archive was initiated in 1986 with a grant from the Design Board of the Australia Council (for the Arts). The project built on the architectural collections already held in the Fryer Library, namely those of Karl Langer and A.B. and R. M. Wilson. The Queensland Architectural Archive, from the earliest period has been a collaboration between the Fryer Library and the Architecture Department/School and particularly Don Watson.