Charles Johns Mole [also known as C. J. Mole and Sir Charles Johns Mole] was born in Broadhampton, Devon, England, on 6 February 1886. He was articled to Frederick Avent Wiblin (1864-1941) in Plymouth, Devon from 1901 to c.1904 and remained with him until c.1906. Mole qualified as an architect in 1908. He subsequently practised in Plymouth, and later in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.
In 1911, Mole began working for H. M. Office of Works [later Ministry of Works]. In 1944, he was appointed the Director of Works and in 1946 Director-General of Works,
a position he held until 1958 when he retired.
During his time at the Office of Works, he oversaw the arrangements for the Coronation of George VI in 1936 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. He was knighted for his service in 1947.
Mole was was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) in 1909 and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA) in 1932.
His address was given as "Melrose", King's Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey in 1914; "Glenlyn", Bowes Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey in 1923 and 1933; and "Broadston". Ashley Drive, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey in 1939. He died in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey on 4 December 1962.
Directory of British Architects 1834-1914. Compiled by Antonia Brodie, et al. Volume 2: L-Z. London; New York: British Architectural Library, Royal Institute of British Architects/Continuum, 2001
'Obituary'. The Builder vol. 203, 14 December 1962 p. 1183