[2] Training as an architect, he was articled firstly to William Smith of Trowbridge,[1] he then became assistant to John Prichard of Llandaff.

[1] Following Burges's death in 1881, Frame remained in the service of John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute and continued Burges's work at both castles, as well as designing the Grade I listed Pierhead Building in the docks built by Bute's father.

He undertook the building of the Animal Wall, in the grounds of Cardiff Castle, for which Burges had got no further than drawing the designs.

[1] Later in his life, Frame also produced a small number of very well regarded grandfather clocks in the village of Larkhall, Scotland.

[1] His drinking had been problematic for some time; in 1890, Bute noted in his diary, "Frame … drunk again … had to dismiss him".