John Burton
Partner, Surveyor to the Fabric of Cantebury Cathedral, Architect, Dip Arch RIBA AABC

John began his career as assistant to the practice’s founding partner Donovan Purcell, conserving Ely Cathedral and many National Trust properties. Learning from the great pioneer of the post-war conservation movement equipped him with skills that would enable him to care for some of the country’s finest historic buildings and their settings.

His nationally-acknowledged expertise in this field led to his appointment as Surveyor of the Fabric at Canterbury Cathedral (a post he has held since 1990) and Surveyor of the Fabric of Westminster Abbey since 1999. Despite his ongoing involvement with conserving these World Heritage Sites, John is equally proud of the success of his efforts to save small redundant country churches.

‘I take pride in the fact that Purcell employs excellent people who really enjoy their work and are involved with some of the country’s greatest buildings.’