Nigel started his career in precious metal fabrication and design by going on a foundation course in General Art Studies at the West Surrey College of Art and Design and then being accepted for a BA Hons course in 3D Design at Brighton Polytechnic.  Whilst there, he gained the prestigious Johnson Matthey Design Award in both 1977 and 1979. 

In 1981 he moved to California to complete his training in workshops and in 1987 opened his own workshop in Sausalito, north of San Francisco.  In September of that year, he became the Official Silversmith for the Visit of Pope John Paul II to San Francisco to celebrate Holy Mass at Candlestick Park. 

He moved back to the United Kingdom in 1989 and did further work, mainly within the production of other Holy Vessels, until deciding to train as a teacher in his chosen craft.  He has taught at East Devon College from 2003 and at Exeter College from 2006 and is now a Member of the  Institute for Learning. 

He opened his freelance teaching studio in January 2008 for the purpose of allowing adults, within an intense teaching environment, to learn all the skills that he has mastered over the years.  His workshop in Bickleigh is in a tranquil countryside environment by the river Exe.