When English Heritage listed one of their buildings in 2006 they described the Lyons, Israel and Ellis partnership as 'one of the most influential post-war practices specialising in education, public housing and healthcare'.

[1] The list of architects who worked for Lyons, Israel and Ellis includes James Stirling, Richard MacCormac, Rick Mather, James Gowan, John Miller, Neave Brown, Eldred Evans, Alan Colquhoun, David Gray and many others.

During this period he also studied part-time at Lancaster School of Arts and Crafts where his academic work won him a Royal Exhibition (type of scholarship).

After qualifying Ellis worked in the architectural office of Vincent Harris in London and also taught in evening studio classes in the Regent Street Polytechnic.

After the war, Ellis worked on a number of hospital projects in Newcastle upon Tyne, including the masterplan for the Royal Victoria Infirmary.