John Villiers was a founding member of the Automobile Club of Australia, and both Rupert and his father were featured in "Sydneyites as we see 'em", a series of caricatures of well-known people published by the Newspaper Cartoonists Association between 1913 and 1915.
[3] In 1934, Minnett designed large new premises for North Sydney Church of England Grammar "Shore" School, which included accommodation for boarders.
This entailed demolishing "The Towers", the mansion that was the former residence of Bernhardt Holtermann, taken over by the school for use as its main building in the late 19th century.
[3] In 1936, Minnett moved his practice from the city to the suburb of Crows Nest, and started a long-term partnership with North Sydney Council.
Among other work, he enlarged the Edward Jeaffreson Jackson-designed house "Kelrose", that had served as council chambers since 1926.