James has worked as a conservation consultant and archaeologist for Southgate Associates since 2020, where he manages conservation projects particularly those grant funded by Local Authority and Government grants. James writes and contributes to various Architectural Heritage Impact Assessments, conservation method statements and strategies and condition and structural reports for structures in both urban and rural settings particularly in relation to the planning process.

James also acts as a member of design teams for projects with a conservation element. He advises on and interacts with archaeology and the planning process advising on planning issues relating to archaeology as well as carrying out practical on-site works. Before his current position, James worked as an archaeologist in a variety of roles on a wide range of sites as well as spending several years on site working for a specialist masonry conservation company. James is a full member of the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland.