Charles James Tait was born in Islington, London, England in 1858 and was articled to Thomas Chatfield Clarke (1829-1895) in London from 1877 to 1890. He then remained as his assistant while attending University College, London. After qualifying as an architect in 1882 he worked as an assistant to John Dando Sedding (1838-1891). He commenced independent practice as an architect in Exeter, Devon in 1888. He was in partnership with John Hayward (1808-1891) in Exeter, and with Jacob Emlyn Harvey in Exeter from 1904 to 1910. He seems to have maintained an office in London as the RIBA Directory of British Architects lists three address in London for him between 1906 and 1926.
Tait was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects (ARIBA) in 1882; and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (FRIBA) in 1906.
In addition to his work as an architect, Tait was an etcher and was the author of 'The Art of the Etcher' in Drawing & Design vol.1, no.3, July 1920 (pp.67-78). He was a member of the Arts & Crafts Exhibition Society and exhibited with them at the New Gallery in London in 1889. Between 1911 and 1916 he also exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.
Tait's address was given as 7a Northampton Park, Islington St Mary, Islington, London in 1861; 54 Highbury Park, St Mary Bolington, Islington, London in 1881 and 1882; 43 St. Leonard Road, St. Leonard, Devon in 1891; 6 Staple Inn, London and 48 Highbury Road, London in 1906; and 30 Hampstead Way, Golders Green, London in 1914 and 1930. He died at 12 Hinde Street, Manchester Square, London on 27 June 1930
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