James Birrell was given the brief by the Union College Council to design new accommodation for students. This file has pilot plans and sketches for the College. Drawings:
[Item 1] Job I Union College - St. Lucia - Pilot plan only, ink line drawing on tracing paper, topographical lines drawn in red pen, drawing number I/1, title block with J.P. Birrell as University Architect, July 1963 (previously numbered A15.01) ;
[Item 2] Job I Union College - St. Lucia - Pilot plan only, ink line drawing on paper, with pencil annotations, drawing number I/1, title block with J.P. Birrell as University Architect, July 1963 (previously numbered A15.02) ;
[Item 3] Job I Union College - Uplands Road St. Lucia - Thumb-nail perspective pilot planning scheme, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number I/2, title block with J.P. Birrell as University Architect, July 1963 (previously numbered A15.03) ;
[Items 4 - 9] Sketch plans, ink and pencil line drawings on tracing paper, no title block, no job/drawing number (previously numbered A15.04 to A15.05 and A15.07 to A15.10. A15.06 missing)

The construction of Stage 1 commenced on 26 June 1964 and was completed in May 1965. This file comprises plans from contractors: [Items 1-3] Amelco American Elumin Co.; Series 802 windows for Union College ; set of 3 drawings, numbered A-2308-1 to A-2308-3; dated 17 Aug 1964 (previously numbered A15.78-80);
[Items 4-7] J. Connolly (Qld) Pty Ltd; Gearing details; set of 4 drawings, numbered B.973/1-B.973/4; dated Nov. 1964 (previously numbered A15.81-84).

The construction of Stage 1 commenced on 26 June 1964 and was completed in May 1965. This file comprises plans with the title The working drawings of Union College in title block, J.P. Birrell as University Architect (on all drawings) and D.G. Cheesman as Assistant Architect (on most drawings) . All, except one, are ink line drawings on tracing paper and most are dated May 1964. Drawings:
[Item 1] 'Site plan', number i/10B (previously numbered A15.24) ;
[Item 2] 'Foundations plan', number i/11 (previously numbered A15.25) ;
[Item 3] 'Ground floor plan', number i/12 (previously numbered A15.26) ;
[Item 4] 'Upper floor plan', number i/13A (previously numbered A15.27) ;
[Item 5] 'Roof plan', number i/14 (previously numbered A15.28) ;
[Item 6] 'Elevations', number i/15 (previously numbered A15.29) ;
[Item 7] '1/2" section', number i/16 (previously numbered A15.30) ;
[Item 8] 'Elevations', number i/17 (previously numbered A15.31) ;
[Item 9] 'Elevations', number i/18 (previously numbered A15.32) ;
[Item 10] 'Bedroom details', number i/19 (previously numbered A15.33) ;
[Item 11] 'Brickwork', number i/20 (previously numbered A15.34) ;
[Item 12] '1/2' section', number i/21 (previously numbered A15.35) ;
[Item 13] 'Doors', number i/22 (previously numbered A15.36) ;
[Item 14] 'Doors', number i/22, pencil annotations (previously numbered A15.37) ;
[Item 15] 'Toilet details', number i/24A, (previously numbered A15.38) ;
[Item 16] 'Toilet details', number i/25A, (previously numbered A15.39) ;
[Item 17] 'Plumbing details', number i/26, (previously numbered A15.40) ;
[Item 18] 'Kitchen details', number i/27, (previously numbered A15.41) ;
[Item 19] 'Window details', pencil line drawing on tracing paper, number i/28, June 1964 (previously numbered A15.42) ; and
[Item 20] 'Soil pipe amendment', number i/29, July 1964 (previously numbered A15.43).

Thirteen plans with the title Sketch plan of Union College in title block and J.P. Birrell as University Architect. All except one are dated October 1963. The last plan has the date December 1964. Comprises:
[Item 1] 'Typical section thru stairwell', ink line drawing on tracing paper, job/drawing number i/3 (previously numbered A15.11) ;
[Item 2] 'Typical section thru stairwell', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/3 (previously numbered A15.12) ;
[Item 3] 'Ground floor plan and elevations', ink line drawing on tracing paper with pencil annotations, job/drawing number i/4 (previously numbered A15.13) ;
[Item 4] 'Ground floor plan and elevations', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/4 (previously numbered A15.14) ;
[Item 5] 'Typical residential floor plan and elevation', ink line drawing on tracing paper, job/drawing number i/5 (previously numbered A15.15) ;
[Item 6] 'Typical residential floor plan and elevation', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/5 (previously numbered A15.16) ;
[Item 7] 'Roof plan and elevation', ink line drawing on tracing paper, job/drawing number i/6 (previously numbered A15.17) ;
[Item 8] 'Roof plan and elevation', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/6 (previously numbered A15.18) ;
[Item 9] 'Perspectives from outside', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/7 (previously numbered A15.19) ;
[Item 10] 'Perspectives from outside', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/7 (previously numbered A15.20) ;
[Item 11] 'Perspectives of inside', ink line drawing on tracing paper, job/drawing number i/8 (previously numbered A15.21) ;
[Item 12] 'Perspectives of inside', ink line drawing with colour on paper, job/drawing number i/8 (previously numbered A15.22) ; and
[Item 13] 'Perspectives for common and dining rooms', ink line drawing on tracing paper, job/drawing number i/9 (previously numbered A15.23).

The construction of Stage 1 commenced on 26 June 1964 and was completed in May 1965. This file comprises plans with the varying titles in title block, and J.P. Birrell as University Architect. All are ink line drawings on tracing paper and most are dated between September and February 1965. Drawings:
[Item 1] 'Union College toilet amendments', number i/30, Sep 1964 (previously numbered A15.44) ;
[Item 2] 'Detail of handrail to balustrade wall etc Union College', number i/31A, 14 Sep 1964 (previously numbered A15.45) ;
[Item 3] 'Foundation stone - Union College', number i/32, Oct 1964 (previously numbered A15.46) ;
[Item 4] 'Grease trap - Union College', number i/33A, 17 Sep 1964 (previously numbered A15.47) ;
[Item 5] 'Union College - detail of M.S. C.', number i/34, Dec 1964 (previously numbered A15.48) ;
[Item 6] 'Amended lighting layout to dining room - Union College', number i/35, Dec 1964 (previously numbered A15.49) ;
[Item 7] 'Union College - paving details', number i/36, Feb 1965 (previously numbered A15.50) ;
[Item 8] 'Union College - stair at roof level', number i/37, Feb 1965 (previously numbered A15.50A) ;
[Item 9] 'Union College - landscaping', number i/41, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A15.51 ) ; and
[Item 10] 'Union College - service road', number i/42, undated (previously numbered A15.52).

There is an additional drawing, without a title block or job/drawing number:
[Item 11] 'Revised window details bed rooms Union College', 23 Aug 1964 (previously numbered A15.53).

The construction of Stage 1 commenced on 26 June 1964 and was completed in May 1965. 1 volume of 22 drawings, with cover page and contents page, held together metal paper binders and staples. From cover page creators are J.P. Birrell (University Architect) and Antony Tod (Consulting Structural Engineer). All drawings are dated April 1964. The first page has the drawing index and general notes. Drawings all have the number 1244, followed by a running sheet number from 1 to 22.

10 plans, ink line drawings on tracing paper, for renovations to Main Building (now known as Forgan Smith Building). Stage 1 comprises 5 drawings for the Law and the Thomas Thatcher Memorial Libraries with drawing numbers A1/54 to A1/58, dated Aug to Sep 1965. The Thatcher Library, established in 1948, provided services for distance education and closed in 1993. Stage 2 comprises 3 drawings for the area between the Library and Arts entrance with drawing numbers A1/59 to A1/61. There is a plan for the Language laboratory which has no job number or details in title block. The final plan is Job A1/32 Proposed mezzanine floor to printery (Library basement): Architectural plan, ink line drawing on tracing paper, 38 x 70 cm; title block has University Architect J.P. Birrell; Job/drawing number A1/32; no date.

The Shapcott press was on the lower ground floor of Main Library. During the extension to Main Library there was discussion that the printery could be housed on the bottom floor of the Main Building. This last plan seems to reflect that idea. When Main Library was extended the Printery was moved to the Industrial Centre Building, located on the corner of Services Road and Hood Street.

The Geology Annex, the Chemistry Annexe and the Western Arts Building were part of a master planning concept. They shared the structural and construction concept developed by Birrell and Antony Tod (structural engineer). None of the proposals were built.

Main Library was part of the Great Court buildings designed by Hennessy and Hennessy in 1935-1936. It consisted of two floors with a glass ceiling in the light well in the centre. Main Building was designed to be extended with an additional three floors, with high ceilings and a large light well in the centre. When the Library had insufficient space for students and books it was decided to go ahead with the extension of three more floors, as specified by Hennessy and Hennessy. Birrell proposed five additional floors instead of the three, the installation of passenger lifts, fluorescent lighting, and air-conditioning. Birrell was responsible for the internal arrangement and finishes. This file comprises 15 plans for alterations and additions to Main Library. Includes: sketch of lower ground floor (now Level 1), working drawings for 1st to 5th floors (now Level 3 to Level 7), stair details and compactus shelving.

Main Library was later known as Undergraduate Library; with the construction of Central Library in 1971 its name was changed to Duhig Building; and later, around 2000, to Duhig Tower.

Thirteen working drawings, previously stapled together, for the completion of stage 2 of the J.D. Story Administration Building, with University of Queensland title block, University Architect J. P. Birrell, Assistant Architect L. Kulley, 47 x 74 cm:
[Item 1] Site plan, drawing number 45, ink line drawing on paper, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.207) ;
[Item 2] Lower ground floor, 'Office copy' written in red ink on lower right hand corner, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 46, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.208) ;
[Item 3] Ground floor, ink line drawing on paper, annotations in green pencil, drawing number 47, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.209) ;
[Item 4] First floor, ink line drawing on paper, pencil annotations, drawing number 48A, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.210) ;
[Item 5] First floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 48B, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.211) ;
[Item 6] Second floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 49A, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.212) ;
[Item 7] Second floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 49B, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.213) ;
[Item 8] Third floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 50, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.214) ;
[Item 9] Third floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 50A, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.215) ;
[Item 10] Fourth floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 51, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.216) ;
[Item 11] South elevation, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 55, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.217) ;
[Item 12] West elevation, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 56, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.218) ;
[Item 13] Fifth floor, ink line drawing on paper, drawing number 62, J.P. Birrell is the only architect on this plan, 1 Feb 1966 (previously numbered A10.219).
Seven working drawings for the completion of stage 2 of the J.D. Story Administration Building, with University of Queensland title block, University Architect J. P. Birrell, Assistant Architect L. Kulley, ink line drawing on tracing paper, 51 x 76 cm:
[Item 14] Fifth floor, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 52, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.198);
[Item 15] Roof plan, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 53, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.199);
[Item 16] Section, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 54, J.P. Birrell is the only architect on this plan, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.200);
[Item 17] Escape stair, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 58, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.201);
[Item 18] Miscellaneous details, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 59, Sep 1965 (previously numbered A10.202);
[Item 19] Details, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 60, Oct 1965 (previously numbered A10.203); and
[Item 20] Details, ink line drawing on tracing paper, drawing number 63, 1 Feb 19665 (previously numbered A10.204).