For his degrees he studied the history of vernacular architecture and nineteenth century architecture before working on the re-survey and review of statutory lists for English Heritage. His interest in building construction and conservation led him to qualify as a building surveyor while working in London for one of the first surveyors to be accredited in conservation. He spent five years as Building Conservation Officer for the Yorkshire Dales National Park before returning to private practice as a Chartered Building Surveyor and Heritage Consultant. He worked for several firms, including an international construction consultancy and a heritage consultancy, before establishing JWRC Conservation. His knowledge of building history and construction and experience of preparing statutory lists, as well as time spent working as a conservation officer and as a surveyor in private practice, give him a broad understanding of building history, construction, materials, and the heritage planning system.

As well as being a Chartered Building Surveyor, he is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, and one of the directors of the Scottish Ecological Design Association.