Howlett was born in India, but later traveled to London for his studies and then moved to Perth, Australia for training to become an architect.
While in Melbourne, Howlett, together with Donald Bailey, won the Australia-Wide competition for the design of the new Perth City Council administration buildings.
The stroke caused him serious damage making him unable to continue practicing as an architect though he eventually learned to work with his left hand on small tray-bound paper which was later assembled into larger sheets.
These adjustments included beautification and landscaping of the main pedestrian approach from St Georges Terrance and one construction of a subway system under the terrace.
This building is an example of brutalist architecture, with its solid opaque interior, imposing projecting roof, and use of white off-form concrete.
It took place at the University of Western Australia, focusing on the periods when Howlett was a visiting professor at the school of Architecture.
In 2002, an exhibition on Howlett's pastel works was held at Perth Galleries featuring his drawing, which showed him staring straight out, foursquare, strong and forthright, his jaw thrusting forward in a determined set.