Trained as an architect, Fred moved into public sector management.

Since retiring from Southwark he has worked as an internal critic at the Heatherwick studio. At Southwark He oversaw the development of Tate Modern, the millennium bridge, and Peckham Library (1986-2001).

He was a member of the Cabe design panels including school review panel and Local Development Framework panel. Fred has been a trustee of Artangel, Foundation for allergy Research, Photographers Gallery and Open City. He is currently a trustee of Studio Voltaire.