Since co-founding DEGW in 1973, John has pioneered methods of adapting urban and space planning techniques to meet the needs of emerging knowledge-based economies. He is particularly interested in how the changing needs of complex organisations are trans-lated into a programme of practical action for design. From 1992-7, John was Director of the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies and Professor of Architecture at the University of York. He is chairman of DEGW's knowledge sharing group, Workplace Forum.

He is Visiting Professor in Briefing and Building Performance at the University of Sheffield and Deputy Chairman of Regeneration through Heritage (a Business in the Community initiative).