After graduating from Victoria University, John returned to Nelson where he worked with Design Team Architects (later Warren Wiggins Architects Lts) from 1993 until early 1996 on a variety of public projects, educational facilities, and private residences. A year working for Estates Department of Kings College, London was followed by another with Lyons Sleeman Hoare in Hampshire, England. Upon his return to New Zealand, John worked in Nelson for several months before moving to Wellington and joining Stephenson&Turner in mid 1999.
John has worked on a wide variety of architectural projects, encompassing public libraries, sports facilities, shopping centres, office fitouts, residential, health and institutional facilities, and schools.