After two decades of reconstruction work, I want to work on projects that lay at the intersection of cultural diplomacy and national identity - ones that empower local communities to define progress, not have it sanctioned by others.

For me, I think the most exciting thing in architecture is the re-emergence of the locally-focused architect.

When sustainability is viewed as being a matter of survival for your business, I believe you can create massive change.

An architect is not an artist but an optimistic realist.

Ego gets you inches but it doesn't get you impact.

Families want their child to get an education; families want safe access to healthcare; families want a roof over their head. When we silo issues, we end up with solutions that are in conflict with each other.

Forget your environmental footprint. Think about your ethical footprint. What good is it to build a zero-carbon, energy efficient complex, when the labor producing this architectural gem is unethical at best?