Charles Wright

Wright initially studied fine art before undertaking architectural studies at RMIT University in Melbourne, graduating with first-class honours.

Engineering and Innovation Place, James Cook University

Engineering and Innovation Place is a university building within James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland, designed to support engineering and innovation programmes, which were previously scattered across the campus. The project was part of a long-standing redevelopment plan, which had the intention of creating new building structures which were better connected to each other and which responded to the particular climate of Townsville. Construction started in March 2021, with completion in December 2023. The overall project is attributed to Richard Kirk Architect, i4architecture and Charles Wright Architects.

Some 20,000 m² of infrastructure was combined into a compact building of 9,400 m², where modern teaching methods were worked into the design. This includes a multi‑modal studio enables large‑group, project‑based learning; teaching spaces of various dimensions, laboratories, workshops and prototyping areas. These are arranged around a triple height atrium around a central stairwell, which can be used as an informal auditorium. The design responds to the dry‑tropics climate through deep roof eaves, some up to 13 metres deep, shaded microclimates, extensive transparency and surrounding planting areas for thermal buffering. The façade is timber-framed, and with the intent is to provide resistance to the cyclones that occasionally pass through. One writer said that the end result will "demonstrate ways of addressing the unique climate through innovative and memorable spaces."

The project received the Daryl Jackson Award for Educational Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards, where the jury described it as an "exceptional piece of educational architecture." The building was also recognised in the Prix Versailles architecture awards programme, which highlights contemporary architecture in relation to cultural and environmental contexts.

Following graduation Wright worked with Lyons Architects in Melbourne for four years, contributing to institutional and research projects including the BHP Billiton Global Headquarters and the John Curtin School of Medical Research at the Australian National University. Both projects are documented in Justine Clark's monograph More: The Architecture of Lyons 1996–2011, which includes Wright among the architects involved in projects undertaken by the Lyons practice during this period.

Wright later established Charles Wright Architects in Far North Queensland. The practice subsequently expanded to include a studio in Melbourne and undertakes residential, civic and institutional projects across Australia.