Initially an archaeologist by undergraduate study and training, Jonathan moved into historic buildings through postgraduate study in industrial archaeology at the Ironbridge Institute in Shropshire. He worked for the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (a government advisory body responsible for documenting buildings and monuments of archaeological, architectural and historical importance) at their East of England office in Cambridge. After it merged with English Heritage in 1999, he worked in the London office as a Senior Investigator.

Since 2012, Jonathan has been freelance and remains committed to the importance of sound research and understanding in underpinning heritage-related decision making. His recent work has included research on poorly understood types of buildings for Historic England for designatory and other purposes. His interest in one overlooked type of building saw him champion it further through part-time doctoral study at the University of Cambridge.

Using of his knowledge to benefit the conservation, design and enjoyment of the built environment is at the heart of Jonathan's work. Having made Birmingham his home, he has relished being a member of its Conservation and Heritage Panel, assisting council officers in critiquing projects that aid heritage-led regeneration. 

Jonathan is delighted to be Committee Member for the Midlands & East of England, both for the experience of consensual decision-making in grant-giving, and for seeing the many exciting outcomes enabled by the Heritage Fund’s work.