George is Chairman of Bristol-based Acanthus Ferguson Mann Architects, Past President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (2003-2005) and a founder and Director of the Academy of Urbanism. He built up his Bristol-based practice in the mid-1970s and founded the UK-wide group of architects, Acanthus, in 1986. His practice has won many awards including RIBA, RICS, Civic Trust and Housing Design Awards for a wide variety of new and conservation projects.

A tireless campaigner for better cities, in the nineties he developed the ‘Tobacco Factory’ a catalyst for the regeneration of South Bristol and a model for mixed-use regeneration.  He lives above a theatre, performance studios, creative industry workspace and his own thriving café/bar. Other business interests include the Bristol Beer Factory and the Bristol Ferryboat Co. George was Chairman of the Bristol Adventure Play Association and a founding trustee and Chairman of the Bristol Exploratory, the UK’s first hands-on science centre. He is also President of the Avon Youth Association and a Trustee of Arnolfini art gallery.

George writes and broadcasts extensively on architectural, environmental and urban issues and has honorary degrees from the universities of Bristol and West of England.