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".

Forty-six architectural drawings for St Mary's Church, Gatton for Reverend Father J Cahill, including floor plans, elevations, sections, details, joinery plans and furniture designs.

Six architectural drawings for job 229 Proposed church at Surat for Reverend Father R White PP and two architectural drawings for job 257 Proposed presbytery for Reverend Father R White PP at Surat, including floor plans, site plans, sections, elevations, electrical layout and joinery plans.

One sketch drawing from job 24 (1963) Church at Mt Sylvia and five architectural drawings from job 424 (1971) Proposed Church at Mt Sylvia for Reverend Father J Cahill PP by A Ian Ferrier and Associates, including floor plans, elevations, interior, site, and drainage plans, roof plans, sections and sketch of the sanctuary.

Architectural drawings for St Mary's Cathedral, Port Moresby, including 2 measured drawings and one plan of additions and alterations by John R. Wild Architect, 13 sketch plans and one site plan by A. Ian Ferrier, and 17 working drawings by A. Ian Ferrier and Associates in association with John R. Wild. Drawings include floor plans, elevations, sections, structural plans and joinery details.

Sixty architectural drawings for the Church of the Holy Spirit at Auchenflower including a measured drawing by Corbett & Ryan Architects, with the remaining plans by A Ian Ferrier and Associates including nine sketch plans, twenty-three working drawings and twenty-six additional drawings including joinery plans, stonework details, and lettering plans.

Fifteen architectural drawings for St Finbarr's Church, Quilpie, by A. Ian Ferrier and Associates including sketch floor plan, section and perspectives, working floor plans, site plans, elevations, sections and glazing schedule, and undated joinery details and elevations.

Seventeen architectural drawings for a new classroom block and alterations to existing classrooms at St Augustine's Convent and School, Coolangatta, by A Ian Ferrier and Associates, including floor plan, perspectives, roof plan, elevations, sections, and joinery plans.

Twenty-six architectural drawings for St Columba's Church and Presbytery at Charter's Towers for Reverend A Ryan including sketch plans, floor plans, site plans, elevations, sections, joinery plans, roof plans and electrical layouts.

Twenty-one architectural drawings for Proposed Alterations to St Joseph's Church, Gayndah, including reference drawing, sketch plans including floor plans, sections, and elevations; working drawings including floor plans, sections, details; and joinery plans including an altar, sacristy, and furniture plans.