John James Clark

[6] Prior to his father and older brother seeking reward at the gold fields, 14-year-old Clark on the basis of his revealed abilities, was employed on 26 April 1852 as a 'drafting copyist' in the Colonial Architect's Office, ensuring his family an income.

[8] To broaden his 'apprenticeship' he sought evening work with the partnership of Alfred Louis Smith and Osgood Gee Pritchard, and for a short time with Joseph Reed.

[4] Between 1881 and 1896 Clark relocated several times between Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia in pursuit of commissions and employment.

In 1896, Clark and his son formed a professional partnership that lasted until his death,[12] and saw them complete works in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland, New Zealand.

That year Clark took ten months leave to tour Europe and the United Kingdom, and on his return he completed the design, possibly changing that of the second floor, and removing the fourth level attic of the central section in favour of a continuous eave.

He resigned from that position in 1885, but the building was completed largely to his design, with arcaded loggias on three sides, and a lively composition of recessed and projecting bays and central pavilions above the cornice.

Considered a significant example of the Edwardian Baroque style, the building uses a bold two tone palette of red brick and cream coloured rendered detailing.

The highly articulated facade wraps around the corners of the triangular site, with a lively skyline of numerous domed cupolas, and is a much loved Melbourne landmark.

The design consisted of a series of separate 5 and 6 storey pavilions in red brick Edwardian Baroque style, topped with numerous turrets, linked by walkways, and was completed in 1916.

Dodd, Andrew (2012): JJ Clark: Architect of the Australian Renaissance, University of New South Wales Press Taylor, Florence (12 June 1917).