Reginald Bertie Rowell was born in Reading, Berkshire, England in 1875. He was articled to Charles Smith (1832-1912) and Charles Steward Smith (1858-1923) of Charles Smith & Son from 1892 to 1896 and remained with them as their assistant. He also attended Reading University Extension College and the Architectural Association in London. He worked as an assistant to J. & A. S. Bull; to W. Grant; to George Thomas Hine (1841-1916) in 1898; and to Alfred Conder (1845-1931) in 1899.
Rowell qualified as an architect in 1901 and was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) later that year. He commenced independent practice as an architect in Colchester, Essex in 1901.
His address was given as Palace Chambers, Wesminster, London and Edennhurst, 66 Elms Road, Clapham Common, London in 1901; Rocquaine, 1 Nassau Road, Barnes, London in 1914; and 5, The Triangle, East Sheen, London in 1914 and 1939. He died in Richmond-upon-Thames, Surrey [now London] on 6 October 1966.
Cemetery Lodge and Chapel for Barnes Urban District Council; large block of residential flats; several cinematograph theatres; corner block of business premises: many shops and private houses; oak-panelled billiard room; several estates developed; alterations in Welbeck Street; quantities for various Jobs; local surveyor to the London and Prov. Banking Co., Ltd.; (in conjunction with partner, J. W. Start, F.S.I.): Schools round Colchester; Club, Colchester; Reading Room, Brightlingsea.
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