Hugh qualified from the Faculty of Architecture, Dublin Institute of Technology and from Dublin University in 1978. After working with Scott Tallon Walker Architects in Dublin and London , he joined A&D Wejchert in 1987. He was made an Associate in 2000. He has been a member of the Royal Institute of Irish Architects since 1980 and was elected a Fellow in 2006. He was accredited as a Conservation Architect in 2003.

Among the projects for which he was responsible are; the award-winning Newlands Cross Cemetery Buildings, Newlands Cross Crematorium, the re-building of Cong Church, Chapel at the Blanchardstown Centre, Knock House Hotel, the refurbishment of Knock Parish Church, the Cat-Scan unit in Letterkenny General Hospital, and private Housing. He was involved in the preparation of the Development Control Plan for Letterkenny General Hospital , and has participated in competitions including the competition for the new Tallaght Hospital , and the competition for the new Basilica at San Giovanni Rotondo, in Italy .