1939
Adelaide-based architects, Charles Alexander (Alec) Russell and Keith Mills Yelland form partnership. The Architects Registration Act is passed, both Directors register the following year.
1940s
Defence projects define wartime designs, followed by commercial and residential opportunities post-WWII. William Lucas and Russell Ellis commence significant associations with the practice. Yelland away on active service (RAAF) 1943-45.
1950s
Russell & Yelland moves from the CBD to Unley, and grows its civic, parish and education works in the regions and interstate as town populations boom. Works extend from Port Lincoln to Broken Hill and the Mildura region.
1960s
Residential alterations and additions comprise the majority of works. R&Y commences work in the aged care sector. John Russell (Alec's son) joins the practice in 1966 following a period working in London.
1970s
John Russell is made Director in 1970, then Managing Director in 1975. Architectural commissions shift to a more competitive tendering process. R&Y focus moves away from residential to more education, health and aged care projects.
1976
John Held joins the team, having worked with the practice as a student in 1973 and 1974.
1981
Alistair McHenry joins Russell & Yelland.
1982
John Held is made a Director.
1983
The practice cements its role in the metropolitan education sector, commencing its first project for Concordia College.
1990s
The practice expands its work in the aged care sector, including the first project for Copperhouse Court, Whyalla. Major commercial designs include a factory extension and upgrade for Arnott's biscuits in Marleston.
2000
Alistair McHenry is made a Director. James Hayter & Associates, landscape architects, join R&Y for the coming four years. First in a series of collaborations with Canberra-based Guida Moseley Brown Architects commences.
2001
Stewart Caldwell joins the practice.
2009
R&Y turns 70. UniSA’s Architecture Museum produces a monograph of the practice history: “Designing for Communities.”
2011
Lauren Knight is made an Associate at R&Y. John Held is appointed SA President, Association of Consulting Architects.
2014
Stewart Caldwell joins John Held and Alistair McHenry as Director.
2015
Stewart Caldwell co-founds industry BIM design body BuildSA.
2017
John Held is honoured Life Fellow, Australian Institute of Architects.
2018
John Held is appointed National President, Association of Consulting Architects.
2019
R&Y marks 80 years in practice.
2020
Hariklia Pontikinas and Rhiana Bell are appointed Associates at R&Y.