Architectural drawings of residential and commercial buildings, job files, incoming and outgoing correspondence, photographs and research material for his book on Walter Burley Griffin. Includes plans by Scorer and Scorer which Birrell obtained when he purchased the firm in 1966. The architectural drawings in this collection include those from his student days, his time with the Commonwealth Department of Works, the Brisbane City Council, the University of Queensland (as University Architect), and his private practices. Drawings for buildings not constructed are also in this collection.

Architectural drawings by James Birrell from his time as a student at Melbourne University, as a fourth year student in 1950 and fifth year in 1951. Drawings from work with the Commonwealth Department of Works in Melbourne (1948-1951, and 1954), Canberra (1952-1953); and Darwin (1954-1955). Drawings of buildings designed by Birrell while employed as an Architect in charge of the drawing office at the Brisbane City Council (1955-1961). Drawings designed by Birrell while employed as the University Architect for the University of Queensland (1 July 1961 to approx. 30 March 1966). Drawings done for buildings which were private commissions (1948-1966). Drawings while practicing in his firm, James Birrell and Partners (1966-1970) as well as drawings for buildings that were not built.

From his book A life in Architecture : Beyond the ugliness, James Birrell notes on pages 71-72 "The University was vested as property of the State Government and came under the control of the Co-Ordinator General of Public Works. The university was thus a tenant of the Co-Ordinator General who had control over all work".

Three plans by James Birrell and Partners for Job no. A37 J.D. Story Administration Building Stage 2: [Item 1] Music library, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 100, May 1966 (previously numbered A10.205); [Item 2] File storage units for fifth floor, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 102, Jun 1966 (previously numbered A10.206); and [Item 3] Set out for proposed notice tag for aluminum windows J.D. Story Building, ink line drawing on tracing paper, no drawing number, 1 Mar 1967 (previously numbered A10.224).

This file comprises architectural drawings that have not been created by James Birrell, as either University Architect or in private practice for the J.D. Story Administration Building.

Antony Tod, Consulting Structural Engineer: [Item 1] Preliminary sketches showing proposed method of precasting, line drawing on paper, undated, previously numbered A10.230).

R. J. McWilliam and Partners, Consulting Structural Engineers: [Item 2] Erection procedure - precast wall units, drawing number 64181/1, 15 May 1964, previously numbered A10.220 ; [Item 3] Windows, creator undetermined, undated, no drawing number, previously numbered A10.223.

Wunderluich Limited: [Item 4] Extentions : Units type 56, drawing number BM4260, 7 Oct 1965, previously numbered A10.226 ; [Item 5] Extentions : Units type 88, drawing number BM4261, 7 Oct 1965, previously numbered A10.227 ; [Item 6] Details of fixings per unit, drawing number BM4285, 1 Nov 1965, previously numbered A10.228.

P.R. Scott & Associates, Consulting Engineers, Job no. 1153 Electrical services power & layouts, ink line drawing on paper: [Item 7] Lower ground floor, drawing number 1153/1, undated, previousy number A10.233 ; [Item 8] Third floor, drawing number 1153/6, 7 Dec 1965, previousy number A10.234 ; [Item 9] Fourth floor, drawing number 1153/7, 7 Dec 1965, previousy number A10.235 ; [Item 10] Ground floor, drawing number 1153/9, 3 Nov 1965, previousy number A10.236 ; [Item 11] First floor, drawing number 1153/10, 3 Nov 1965, previousy number A10.237 ; [Item 12] Second floor, drawing number 1153/11, 3 Nov 1965, previousy number A10.238 ; [Item 13] Third floor, drawing number 1153/12, 4 Nov 1965, previousy number A10.239 ; [Item 14] Fourth floor, drawing number 1153/13, 4 Nov 1965, previousy number A10.240 ; [Item 15] Fifth floor, drawing number 1153/14, 4 Nov 1965, previousy number A10.241 ; [Item 16] On volume, 27 plans , with 'Office copy' written on first plan, for: Job no. 1091 J.D. Story Administration Block Lift (Drawing no.s 1091/1 and 1091/2) ; Job no. 1092 J.D. Story Administration Block Elec. Services (drawing no.s 1092/1 to 1092/14, 1092/17 to 1092/23 ; Job no. 1093 J.D. Story Administration Air conditioning, (drawing numbers 1093/1 to 1093/4). Plans for this volume previously numbered A10.107 to A10.133.

7 plans for electrical specifications, mostly placement of general purpose outlets for J.D. Story Administration Building, unidentified creator, undated, no title block, annotations: [item 17] J.D. Story Administration, ink line drawing on tracing paper (previously numbered A10.183) ; [Item 18] Lower ground floor, ink line drawing on paper, (previously numbered A10.184) ; [Item 19] Ground floor, ink line drawing on paper, (previously numbered A10.184 [duplicated number]) ; [Item 20] First floor, ink line drawing on paper, (previously unnumbered) ; [Item 21] Second floor, ink line drawing on paper, (previously numbered A10.186) ; [Item 22] Third floor, ink line drawing on paper, (previously unnumbered) ; and [Item 23] Fourth floor, ink line drawing on paper, (previously numbered A10.188).

Wunderluich Limited: [Item 24] Proposed Wunderlich Double Glazed Venetian Blind Window for J.D. Storey Building - St. Lucia, 5 leaves and 1 plan in blue folder,undated ; [Item 25] Proposed Wunderlich Double Glazed Venetian Blind Window for J.D. Storey Building - St. Lucia, 5 leaves and 1 plan in yellow folder, 13 Jul 1964.

The construction of Stage II commenced in May 1965 and was presumably completed before the start of first term in 1966. 1 volume of 7 drawings, with cover page, held together metal staples. From cover page creators are James Birrell & Partners (Architect) and Antony Tod (Consulting Structural Engineer). All drawings are dated March 1966. Drawings all have the number 1712, followed by a running sheet number from 1 to 7.

The construction of Stage III commenced in July 1967 and was completed in June 1968. This volume comprises 13 drawings and a general notes page. It was previously held together metal staples. From cover page creators are James Birrell & Partners (Architect) and Antony Tod & Partners (Consulting Structural Engineer). All drawings are dated June 1967. General notes page and all drawings have the drawing no. number 2221, followed by a running sheet number from 1 to 14.

The construction of Stage 3 commenced in July 1967 and was completed July 1968. The drawings in this file comprise one undetermined drawing, some by James Birrell and Partners that do not have a job number and drawings by various contractors. Drawings:
[Item 1] Intersection of St. Lucia Raod and Mill Road with students car park; line drawing on tracing paper; unidentified; undated (previously numbered UQFL117 A15).
[Item 2] Drawing/sheet no. 1223/2 Hot & cold water flushometer piping arrg; Title block has James Birrell & Partners and P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawing on paper; Aug 1967 (previously numbered UQFL117 A15).
[Item 3] Drawing/sheet no. 1222/2 Electrical services - power; Title block has James Birrell & Partners and P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawing on paper; Aug 1967 (previously numbered UQFL117 A15).
[Item 4] Drawing/sheet no. 1222/1-1222/4 Electrical services; set of four plans stapled together, on back of last page there is a handwritten pencil note 'Set 10'; Title block has P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawings on paper; Aug 1967 (previously treated asfour separate items with descriptive numbers A15.139-A15.142).
[Item 5] Drawing/sheet no. BA-18780 Window type 'A'; Title block has Chubb's Australian Co. Ltd; ink line drawing on paper; 5 Oct 1967 (no prior numbers).
[Item 6] Drawing/sheet no. BA-18781 Window type 'B'; Title block has Chubb's Australian Co. Ltd; ink line drawing on paper; 6 Oct 1967 (no prior numbers).
[Item 7] Drawing/sheet no. BA-18782 Window type 'C'; Title block has Chubb's Australian Co. Ltd; ink line drawing on paper; 12 Oct 1967 (no prior numbers).
[Item 8] Drawing/sheet no. 1222/6 Laundry equipment & power requirements; title block has James Birrell & Partners and P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawing on paper; 13 Feb 1968; (no prior numbers).
[Item 9] Drawing/sheet no. 1222/6 Laundry equipment & power requirements; title block has James Birrell & Partners and P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawing on paper; 13 Feb 1968; (no prior numbers).
[Item 10] Drawing/sheet no. 1222/5 Laundry equipment & electrical services; title block has James Birrell & Partners and P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawing on paper; 13 Feb 1968; (no prior numbers).
[Item 11] Drawing/sheet no. 1103/3 Proposed method of sound attenuating existing cold rm. condenser set; title block has James P.R. Scott & Associates; ink line drawing on paper; 14 Feb 1968; (no prior numbers).
[Item 12] Drawing/sheet no. D-869/CA Proposed stay arm to windows; title block has Chubb's Australian Co. Ltd; ink line drawing on paper; 29 Sep 1969 (previously numbered UQFL117 A15).
[Item 13] Drawing/sheet no. D-869/CA Proposed stay arm to windows; photocopy; title block has Chubb's Australian Co. Ltd; ink line drawing on paper; 29 Sep 1969 (previously numbered UQFL117 A15).
[Item 14] Desk to Main Office at Union College St. III; title block has James Birrell & Partners; undated (previously numbered UQFL117 A15).
[Item 15] Amendments to Union College St. III; title block has James Birrell & Partners; undated (previously numbered A15.158).
[Item 16] Ground and Typical floor plans for Union College Stage 3; James Birrell & Partners; undated (previously numbered A15.106).
[Item 17] Detail of No. 3 ironing boards to be fitted at Union College Stage 3; James Birrell & Partners (Brisbane, Townsville, Port Moresby); undated (previously numbered A15.160).
[Item 18] Sketch plan for typical bedroom floor plan and part plan, Union College Stage three; James Birrell & Partners (Brisbane, Port Moresby); Sep 1969 (previously numbered A15.108).
[Item 19] Sketch plan for section, Union College Stage three; James Birrell & Partners (Brisbane, Port Moresby); Sep 1969 (previously numbered A15.109).
[Item 20] Sketch plan Schematics for basement and first floors, Union College Stage three; James Birrell & Partners (Brisbane, Port Moresby); Sep 1969 (previously numbered A15.107).
[Item 21] Job no. B1/12 'Amendments to kitchen at Union College extensions'; James Birrell & Partners (Valley); 10 Sep 1966; (previously numbered A15.144).
[Item 22] 'Warden's residence dressing table for master bedroom : working drawing'; James Birrell & Partners (Valley); undated; (previously numbered A15.145).
[Item 23] 'Concrete slabs to ground floor at Union College St. 3, St. Lucia'; James Birrell & Partners (Valley); undated; (previously numbered A15.146).
[Item 24] Union College Stage 3, St. Lucia; James Birrell & Partners (Valley, Port Moresby); undated; (previously numbered A15.147).
[Item 25] Union College Stage 3, St. Lucia;no title block; undated; (previously numbered A15.148).
[Item 26] Union College Stage 3, St. Lucia;no title block; undated; (previously numbered A15.149).
[Item 27] Union College Stage 3, St. Lucia;no title block; undated; (previously numbered A15.150).
[Item 28] Elevations;no title block; undated; (previously numbered A15.151).

The construction of Stage 4 commenced in Dec 1969 and was completed June 1972. This file has the working drawings for Job no. B66. From the title block creator is James Birrell & Partners (Architects and Town Planners). The drawings are:
[Item 1] 'Site plan', Job/sheet number B66/1, ink line drawing on paper (photocopy), dated Jul 1967 (previously numbered A15.167).
[Item 2] 'Floor plans & roof plan', Job/sheet number B66/3, ink line drawing on tracing paper, 10 Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.168).
[Item 3] 'Foundations and drainage plan', Job/sheet number B66/4, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.169).
[Item 4] 'Elevations : north west, north east', Job/sheet number B66/5, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.170).
[Item 5] 'Elevations : south west, southh east', Job/sheet number B66/6, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.171).
[Item 6] 'Site works', Job/sheet number B66/7, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.172).
[Item 7] 'Typical section through stairwell', Job/sheet number B66/8, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.173).
[Item 8] 'Various details', Job/sheet number B66/9, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.174).
[Item 9] 'Drainage layout', Job/sheet number B66/10, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.175).
[Item 10] 'Windows', Job/sheet number B66/11, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.176).
[Item 11] 'Door details', Job/sheet number B66/12, ink line drawing on paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.177).
[Item 12] 'Details : squash court, shop, kitchen, chalkboard, ducts', Job/sheet number B66/13, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.178).
[Item 13] 'Details : bathroom, toilets', Job/sheet number B66/14, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.179).
[Item 14] 'Bedroom details', Job/sheet number B66/15, ink line drawing on paper (photocopy), Oct 1969 (previously numbered A15.180).
[Item 15] 'Brickwork', Job/sheet number B66/16, ink line drawing on paper (photocopy), Oct 1969? (previously numbered A15.181).
[Item 16] 'Site drainage', Job number B66, ink line drawing on tracing paper, Sep 1970 (previously numbered A15.182).
[Item 17] 'Squash court', Job number B66, ink line drawing on tracing paper, 7 Sep 1970 (previously numbered A15.183).
[Item 18] 'Cupboard details to bed-sitters', Job/sheet number B66/16, ink line drawing on tracing paper, 13 Sep 1970 (previously numbered A15.184).

The construction of Stage IV commenced in December 1969 and was completed inJune 1972. This volume comprises 10 drawings and a general notes page. It was previously held together metal staples. From cover page creators are James Birrell & Partners (Architect) and Antony Tod & Partners (Consulting Structural Engineer). All drawings are dated October 1969. The General notes page is undated November 1960. General notes page and drawings have the drawing no. number 3093, followed by a running sheet number from 1 to 11.

This drawing is almost the same as the drawings that appear in Stage 1. It has stage 1 job no. i, with the title block client as the University of Queensland and the architect as J.P. Birrell as University Architect. (See UQFL117-Series A-Subseries 13-File 2-Items 9-10]. It appears that this drawing was reused, with a new date of Sep 1969, on tracing paper, and with no colour. It has mistakely labeled Stage 4 as Stage 3 (which is corrected in pencil) and Stage 5 is labeled as 'Future'.