wardell was notable for his work in victoria designing public buildings such as st. patrick's cathedral, government house the royal mint and the customs house. in new south wales his works included st mary's cathedral, st john's college at sydney university, the nsw club and the old m.l.c. offices. he did extensive work for the e.s.a. bank including their head office in collins st. in melbourne. berry museum, former e.s. & a bank building is the only surviving bank of a group of five suburban e. s. & a bank buildings which were designed by wardell with a northern european architectural influence.