He also restored and made additions and alterations to churches, and worked on other designs, including country houses, public buildings, schools, and banks.
While in Liverpool he met John Cragg, the owner of an iron foundry, and with him designed three churches.
In 1817 he opened an architectural office in Liverpool, and the following year he was joined by Henry Hutchinson, initially as a pupil, and from 1821 as a partner.
He opened an office in that city in 1820, and moved there with Hutchinson the following year, where he spent the rest of his career.
At about this time he was appointed as architect to Worcester Cathedral, and shortly after this he started work with Hutchinson on what was to become his major commission, New Court at St John's College, Cambridge.