Educated in Launceston, Bevan lost interest in a degree in mathematics and drifted into engineering, only for a career diversion into architecture in the office of Philp Lighton Floyd and Beattie while completing studies at the Hobart Technical College in 1968. Under the influence of Alan Floyd, he would design the Motors Pty Ltd showroom, which would receive a Tasmanian RAIA Triennial Award in 1971.