Born in 1823 in Cornwall, England, Joseph Reed's early career may have included some local training, and he is known to have worked in the offices of some noted architects in London.

[3] In 1859, botanist Ferdinand von Mueller described Reedia, a genus of flowering plants from south-western Australia, belonging to the family Cyperaceae, naming it in Reed's honour.

[3] Reed's buildings represent an impressive body of work, in a range of then popular styles, each one a fine essay in the chosen idiom.

Major works include the classical State Library of Victoria (1856), Collins Street Independent Church (1867), Frederick Sargood's Rippon Lea Estate (1868) and Melbourne Trades Hall (1873).

Reed was faithful to the original design, but provided most of the furnishings, including the elaborate pulpit, and the attached Chapter House in matching style.