The decorated architect leaves behind a vibrant, generational legacy of contemporary Australian architecture. He passed away peacefully on 15 August 2025, at the age of 100. His impact on the design community, both abroad and within his native Australia, continues to be seen and felt today. 

One of the founding partners of Sydney-based firm Allen Jack + Cottier Architects, now AJC Architects, Russell Callam Jack was a contemporary of fellow leading light of Australian design, John Allen. The two studied together at Sydney Technical College and were also colleagues at architecture firm Rudder, Littlermore & Rudder, where Jack worked in conjunction with his studies.  

Leafy exterior of home designed by Russell Callam Jack.

The budding designer had always aspired to be an architect, with this passion even extending to his service in the Royal Australian Air Force, where he dedicated his time off to freehand drawing and learning complex construction processes. 

His early promise was recognised with numerous design prizes, including the lauded Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship. From there, Jack went to London in 1952 and joined Tripe & Wakenham Architecture, where the broad range of projects to which he contributed even included a harem for the Sheik of Kuwait.

It was thanks to his wider exposure to art and design across Europe that Jack’s unique approach to urban spaces and townscapes began to consolidate itself. This singular worldview aided his return to Australia, where he continued to hone his craft at Rudder, Littlemore & Rudder. 

Keith Cottier’s original design sketches of Clubbe Hall, set within the grounds of Mittagong’s Frensham School.

Keith Cottier joined Rudder, Littlemore & Rudder in 1957, the year before Jack’s first prestigious award, when he received the RAIA Sir John Sulman Medal in 1958 for the design work on his own home, in Sydney’s Upper North Shore suburb of Wahroonga. 

In 1965, Cottier earned his place as a partner in Allen Jack + Cottier, while also serving as a design lecturer at the University of New South Wales. Cottier resigned his post at the design practice in 1976, thereafter joining the UNSW Architectural Faculty on a full-time basis as senior lecturer for final-year design students. 

A lasting and enduring legacy

AJC Architects remained keenly involved with Jack’s activities and thoughts in his later years, as staff regularly maintained contact with the founding partner to gauge his opinions and insight. 

Sun-drenched interior hallway of Jack-designed home.

The firm even received a thank-you note from Jack in response to the message that the practice had given him a 100th birthday cheer at their monthly meeting. Addressed to the chair of the board and design lead Michael Heenan, the note read:

Hi Michael,

Thank you for the big cheers in the meeting room – I could even hear them over here!!!!

I can’t believe I’ve got to the first 100!!

Russell.

As AJC Architects commemorates the passing of Jack, the practice recognises his vision and expertise in laying the foundations of the business. Beyond that, Jack’s impact and influence can be observed throughout Sydney’s built environment. It is this legacy that continues to inspire emerging and established talent at AJC. 

A remembrance event will be hosted by AJC Architects later this year, bringing together colleagues and friends within the architecture community to honour Jack’s distinct contributions to the built environment and design industry. 

The practice sends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jack, and to all who had the privilege of working with him. 

Lead image: Ku-ring-gai Community College, NSW, designed by Russell Callam Jack.

Imagery supplied.