Howlett and Bailey Architects
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture |
| Founded | 1960 in Perth, Western Australia |
| Founder | Jeffrey Howlett, Donald Bailey |
| Fate | Merged with Cox Architects in 1995 to form Cox Howlett & Bailey Architects |
| Successor | Cox Howlett & Bailey Architects (1995), later Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland Architects (1998) |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Architectural design and services |
Howlett and Bailey Architects was established in 1960 in Perth, Western Australia, by Jeffrey Howlett and Donald Bailey. The firm earned numerous accolades from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and secured the commission for the Reserve Bank of Australia Building in Canberra through a competition held in 1962. Their architectural approach combined elements of Modernism with Classical design principles, focusing on symmetry and axial alignment. Noteworthy projects encompassed the Public Suite, the kiosk and Manager’s residence at Beatty Park Pool (now demolished), along with two prominent Australian landmarks: the Council House (1962) and the Perth Concert Hall (1973). In 1995, Howlett and Bailey Architects joined forces with Cox Architects, forming Cox Howlett & Bailey Architects. This entity later merged in 1998 with Forbes & Fitzhardinge Woodland to become Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland Architects, an active firm to this day.
Jeffrey Howlett
Jeffrey Howlett (1928–2005), co-founder of Howlett and Bailey Architects, was a leading figure in Western Australia's Modernist architectural movement. He was honoured with the State Living Treasure award by Western Australia and received a Life Fellowship from the RAIA in 1978. In recognition of his significant contributions to architecture as both a practitioner and educator, he was appointed Member of the Order of Australia in 2000. Born in Hyderabad, India, Howlett earned a scholarship to study at the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London. After gaining experience at London County Council starting in 1950, he relocated to Australia where he worked with various Perth firms before moving to Melbourne to serve as Senior Design Architect at Bates Smart and McCutcheon. Alongside Donald Bailey, he won the competition for Perth City Council’s administration buildings, which led to establishing their practice in Perth. Bailey described Howlett as an exceptionally gifted and imaginative designer. The University of Western Australia showcased his work in a 1992 exhibition titled Howlett: Architectural Projects. Despite suffering a serious stroke in 1993 that left him wheelchair-bound, Howlett continued his creative expression through oil pastel artworks. These pieces were displayed at Perth Galleries in 2002, illustrating both his architectural insight and personal resilience.
Council House, Perth
In anticipation of hosting the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games, the Perth City Council commissioned a new modern headquarters to represent Western Australia's advancement. Out of 61 submissions, Howlett and Bailey won the design competition for Council House in 1960. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1963, this thirteen-storey structure exemplifies minimalist modern design consistent with Perth’s urban planning framework. The layout prioritizes efficient use of office space, while its exterior features a curtain wall system combined with T-shaped sunshades designed to enhance both natural daylighting and artificial illumination. Council House quickly became an emblem of civic identity for Perth.
Perth Concert Hall
In 1961, the commission for Perth Concert Hall was awarded to Howlett and Bailey. The building process took place from 1971 to 1973, with the official opening occurring later that same year. This Brutalist architectural complex features two prominent oval-shaped structures distinguished by their solid, opaque interiors and a striking cantilevered roof crafted from white off-form concrete. This bold design offers a stark contrast to the more transparent appearance of Council House. The venue has a seating capacity of approximately 1,720, establishing it as an important cultural landmark in Perth.
General references
- Geoffrey.L, 2006, Vale Jeffrey Howlett 1928-2005 [obituary, Architecture Australia, issue:2, pg:56.