Col James

Colin Leslie James (18 July 1936 – 12 February 2013) was an Australian architect, educator, activist, and mentor. He was known for his commitment to creating good affordable housing for those in need, and his work with the Aboriginal Housing Company in Redfern spanned thirty years. He also taught at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning for many years.

Early life and education Colin Leslie James was born on 18 July 1936 in the country town Walcha, New South Wales, where his father, Arthur James, was a bank manager. His mother was Estelle (nee Ferguson). He came into contact with many Aboriginal people while training for the sport of boxing.

James attended The King's School in Parramatta. He commenced part-time studies in architecture at Sydney Technical College before transferring to the University of New South Wales. At UNSW he became president of the Architecture Club, and also won a boxing blue. he established a collaborative called Archanon In Redfern, a suburb with a large population of Aboriginal people, James worked with Father Ted Kennedy, Mum Shirl, Dick Blair, and Bob Bellear and his wife Kaye on many grassroots community services. These included the Aboriginal Medical Service, Aboriginal Legal Service, and Black Theatre. He also supported and worked with the Aboriginal Housing Company (AHC) on the acquisition and upgrading of properties that made up The Block in Redfern, from 1973.

In late 1975, James bought a derelict warehouse on Shepherd Street in Darlington, just behind the university, intending to create a dwelling with shared occupancy along with friends, staff, and students who signed up for it, operating as a "single family" via a cooperative arrangement. However, regulations did not allow this and a long legal battle ensued in the Supreme Court of New South Wales before they won victory in 1978 and were allowed to convert the building. (having been previously owned by Dempsey & Co.). Architects Marra and Yeh moved into the downstairs studio in 2006 and they discussed possible upgrading of the building with James and his wife, Karine Shellshear. Their shared concept of a roof garden with solar panels was incorporated into the design brief much later, and eventually carried out in 2021.

In 1977 he earned a diploma in town and country planning at the University of Sydney, 2003: NSW Royal Australian Institute of Architects President's Medal 2009: Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as inaugural recipient of Lifetime Membership of the Australasian Housing Institute, presented by NSW Governor Marie Bashir

He was also made life fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and life member of NSW Shelter.

Death and legacy James died on 12 February 2013,

The Col James Student Accommodation, completed in 2021 as part of the Pemulwuy Project that has revitalised The Block, was named in honour of James.