Known as Archibald, Lucas was a local architect and oversaw the redevelopment of St James Park in 1911. This included extending the ground at the big bank end as prior to this the pitch was too short for FA Cup matches. The local MP Henry Duke bought land at the Tiverton Road end to enable the extension to be made.  The improvements were officially opened at the game v West Ham on 14 October 1911.

A local newspaper report stated:

Today's Southern League meeting between Exeter City and West Ham was one that is likely to be remembered for more reasons than one. Importance attached to it primarily because it was the first match played on the new pitch, and before the kick off an interesting little ceremony took place, during which Miss Duke cut a red and white ribbon stretched across the space dividing the old and new portions of the ground, and then proceeded to hoist the new Exeter City flag, presented to the club by Mr J.I.Pengelly. It is unnecessary to repeat the familiar facts as to how Mr H. E. Duke, K.C., M.P., came to the assistance of the Grecians, and by purchasing the whole of the adjoining property solved a very serious difficulty for the directors. Suffice it to say that the management's invitation to Miss Duke to perform today's ceremony was a recognition of the club's indebtedness to Mr Duke.

Mr H.E. Duke had written expressing regret that he was not at present in sufficiently good health to make the journey from Harrogate, but that he wished his daughter to represent him.

Mr Archibald Lucas, as architect, presented Miss Duke with a solid silver inkstand as a memento of the occasion, while Mr J.H.Stile, the contractor, presented Miss Duke with an inscribed silver penholder. The inscription on the inkstand stated: "Presented to Miss Duke, October 14th 1911, by the Architect, Mr J.ArchibaldLucas". A handsome bouquet of red geraniums and white carnations was presented to Miss Duke by little Miss Kendall, daughter of Mr Norman Kendall, director, and subsequently the club's new flag was unfurled amid loud cheering.

Lucas was born in 1969 and died in 1945. He is buried in Higher Cemetery, Heavitree. The Friends of Higher Cemetery have this information on him:

John Archibald Lucas was an Exeter architect. He designed buildings in the city centre and developed much land in the locality. He was the son of John and Eliza Lucas of Exeter. Following his education his education at Exeter Cathedral School he was articled to F.J.Comminof Bedford Circus in 1886. He set up his own practice at the Guildhall Chambers in 1892.  

John married Dora Kenshole at St. Michael’s Church, Heavitree, on 2nd April 1894 and in 1896 the first of their four children was born. He was elected to Exeter City Council in 1900 and was made alderman in 1919. He controversially named Archibald Road after himself. In 1911 he designed a new grandstand for Exeter Racecourse and the ‘big bank’ at Exeter City FC’s newly extended ground. With J.B.Orchard, he bought Haldon Belvedere for £300 at auction in 1925 but it was soon passed into the ownership of Bessie Smith.

John Archibald Lucas of 22 Blackall Road died on 3rd March 1945. He was buried in the Higher Cemetery 4 days later. His wife died in 1958 and was buried with him in plot 239.