[4] The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture refers to Hardwick as being "well known for continuing the high standards of design in public buildings established during the gold boom, particularly in hospitals, schools and post offices throughout the state".

[7] In 1873, at 12 years of age, Hardwick commenced senior education, in Sydney, as a boarding student of Newington College.

[8] After leaving school, Hardwick served his articles in architecture in private practice in Victoria and worked in that state until the Australian banking crisis of 1893 when he moved to Western Australia.

[5] Whilst holding this position he was responsible for designing the Wyndham Meatworks, the General Post Office, Perth (in collaboration with the Commonwealth Architect, John Smith Murdoch), the Albany, Bunbury and Northam high schools, and a large number of post offices throughout the state.

[2] Hardwick’s 1911 proposal to remove the Perth railways yards and to underground the Fremantle-Midland line as far west as Subiaco, and convert the land above to the west of the Perth Station into a grassy mall, graced by public buildings, terminating at its western end in a circus or a Parisian Étoile on which nine streets were to converge, is now celebrated as a lost opportunity.