Most of his architectural work was executed in the Renaissance style, although he made use of relatively new technologies to create iron framed buildings, with large open galleries and spaces.

[2] Parliament declined the Government's proposal to purchase the building; the materials were sold and used for the construction of Alexandra Palace.

Before his sudden death from a burst blood vessel, he won the competition for the design of the Natural History Museum, although he did not live to see it executed.

His renaissance designs for the museum were altered and realised in the 1870s by Alfred Waterhouse, on the site of Fowke's Exhibition building.

A medal was issued by the Royal Engineers in 1865, as a memorial prize for architectural works carried out by members of the corps.