The collection comprises 1109 photographs, 1 album (with 39 photographs), and 10 digital images relating to the University of Queensland. It also includes real photo postcards.

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.

Bound presentation volume, cover title J.D. Story Administration Building, University of Queensland, by University Architect J.P. Birrell, first page has 4 x b&w photographs showing similar construction procedures and remaining 17 leaves are coloured architectural plans. Drawings are for stage one; stage two is marked as a future extension. They comprise: site plan; lower ground floor; diagrammatic layout, underfloor service ducts; ground floor; Senate house, ground floor; first floor; second floor; third floor; fourth floor; fifth floor; south elevation; east elevation; north elevation; cross section; typical detail of double hung windows; preliminary sketches showing proposed method of precasting; and sun control, data and analysis. The plans for the different floor levels describe some of the future occupant positions for selected rooms.

Site plan for the J. D. Story Administration Building, line drawing in ink on tracing paper, by University Architect J. P. Birrell, undated. Same as colour drawing in bound presentation volume.

Senate house on the ground floor level of the J. D. Story Administration Building, line drawing in ink on tracing paper, undated. Same as colour drawing in bound presentation volume. In this early design, Birrell envisioned the Senate House as a separate building connected by a covered walkway to the ground floor of the administration building and underground service tunnel connecting to the lower ground floor.

Fifth floor level of the J. D. Story Administration Building, line drawing in ink on tracing paper, undated. Same as colour drawing in bound presentation volume.

Different verison of layout of offices for the first floor of the J. D. Story Administration Building, line drawing in ink on tracing paper, undated.

Contour map with placement of J.D. Story Administration Building and Senate House, line drawing in ink on tracing paper with pencil markings, no title block, unsigned, undated.

Senate house on the ground floor level of the J. D. Story Administration Building, ink line drawing with colour on paper, undated. Same as colour drawing in bound presentation volume with brighter colours.

First floor level of the J. D. Story Administration Building, ink line drawing with colour on paper, undated. Same as colour drawing in bound presentation volume, with brighter colours.