In around 1685, apprenticed to the Alloa master mason Tobias Bauchop, he prepared plans and elevations of Kinross House, designed by the King's architect Sir William Bruce as his own country house. He worked as Bruce's draughtsman again on an unexecuted scheme for the house and gardens of Kinnaird Castle, Angus.
In the late 17th century, a young man was apprenticed to Tobias Bauchop, a master mason in Alloa. As part of his training, he designed Kinross House and worked on plans for Kinnaird Castle, both significant projects under the guidance of Sir William Bruce.