	In 1906, he became Assistant Chief Architect in the Department of Public Works in Ottawa, Ontario. He serving directly under David Ewart, then Chief Dominion Architect. In June 1914 he retired to work in the private sector. In October 1915, he returned to his post as Assistant Chief Architect in the Department of Public Works in Ottawa, Ontario. In early 1918 he succeeded Edgar Lewis Horwood as Chief Dominion Architect.