James Birrell

James Birrell (born 1928) is a retired architect responsible for the design of significant buildings in Queensland, Australia. James Birrell practiced from 1951 to 1986. James Birrell was born in Melbourne 1928, the eldest child of Harry and Elizabeth Birrell. Growing up in North Essendon, Birrell attended North Essendon Primary School from 1934–40 and Essendon State High School from 1940-44. In 1945 at the age of 17 James Birrell was accepted into the Melbourne Technical College as an architecture student. To help finance his studies Birrell worked part-time as builder’s labourer. In 1947 Birrell began work as a draughtsman for the Victorian State Works Department and continued his studies Part-time. The same year he also became...