The art of decoration requires the most sophisticated and self-indulgent skills. Its aim has always been to sate the senses as gloriously as possible. ... ornament is not only a source of sensuous pleasure; it supplies a necessary kind of magic to people and places that lack it. More than just a dread of empty spaces has led to the urge to decorate; it is the fear of empty selves.

Every generation tailors history to its taste.

Good architecture is still the difficult, conscientious, creative, expressive planning for that elusive synthesis that is a near-contradiction in terms: efficiency and beauty.

If the British are a nation of shopkeepers, Americans are a nation of shoppers.

Embellishment is an irresistible and consuming impulse, going back to the beginnings of human history. ... Probably the strongest motivating force is the simplest: the inability of almost everyone to ever leave well enough alone.

Postmodernism is a freewheeling, unfettered, and unapologetic pursuit of style.

It is the rare architect who does not hope in his heart to design a great building and for whom the quest is not a quiet, consuming passion.