Percy Edgar Everett (1888-1967)

Percy Everett became the Chief Architect of the Public Works Department (PWD) in 1934, where he brought about revolutionary change. He insisted on approving and signing every drawing, and was pivotal in changing the traditional eclecticistic style of buildings done by the department to more modern designs. 

Everett developed a cream-brick modernised Collegiate Gothic style, of which the New Chemistry Building is an example. He also designed the Old Commerce Building with the intention of incorporating the Joseph Reed bank facade into the new building. 

He also had a great interest in master planning and precinct design that was evident in his attempts to rectangularise the campus during the construction of the New Chemistry Building and the Old Commerce Building. He also proposed precinct plans for the Teachers' College site, additions to the 1888 building and the design of the Frank Tate Building.