Russell Callam Jack, 1925–2025

It is with great sadness that AJC Architects marks the passing of one of the founding partners of Allen Jack + Cottier Architects, now AJC Architects, Russell Callam Jack, who passed away peacefully on Friday 15th August 2025, aged 100 years.

Russell was a contemporary of John Allen at Sydney Technical College and worked alongside him at Rudder, Littlemore & Rudder while completing his studies. Aspiring to be an architect from a young age, Russell honed his skills in building construction and freehand drawing even during his service in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Following graduation, Russell won numerous prizes, including the prestigious Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship. In May 1952, he travelled to London to work with Tripe & Wakeham Architecture, where his projects included a harem for the Sheik of Kuwait. His travels throughout Europe further shaped his understanding of townscapes and urban spaces. Upon returning to Australia, Russell continued to refine his craft at Rudder, Littlemore & Rudder. His first major accolade came in 1958 when he received the RAIA Sir John Sulman Medal for his own house in Wahroonga, Sydney.

In 1957, Keith Cottier joined the practice as a third-year student, and in 1965, he became a partner in Allen Jack + Cottier. Russell also contributed to architectural education, teaching design at the University of New South Wales. He retired from the practice in 1976 to join the UNSW Architectural Faculty full-time as Senior Lecturer in final-year design. He gained his M.Arch in 1980 and continued as a visiting professor until 1990.

Russell was still vitally interested in AJC’s progress even in his later years, as we regularly visited him and shared updates to get his thoughts. Below is the last note we received from him after telling him we gave him a 100th birthday cheer at our monthly practice meeting:

Hi Michael,
Thank you for the big cheers in the meeting room – I could hear them over here!!!!
I can’t believe I’ve got to the first 100!!
Russell.

Russell’s vision and expertise were foundational to the establishment and growth of AJC, and his influence can be seen throughout Sydney’s built environment. His legacy continues to inspire all of us at AJC.

To honour Russell’s immense contribution to architecture and celebrate his life, AJC will host an evening event later this year, bringing together colleagues, friends, and the architectural community to reflect on his enduring impact.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Russell’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege to work with him.