At a time when all the other builders were selling homes with basements but without carports, we would sell homes without basements and with carports. This allowed us to provide a more appealing product at a lower price. In other words, we felt we would be giving customers greater value.

Civilizations are not remembered by their business people, their bankers or lawyers. They're remembered by the arts.

People always say congratulations. When you're a successful bidder it means you're willing to spend more money than anyone else. I'm not sure if that's congratulations or condolences.

There were periods when the art market got overheated, but there is no reason it should appreciate dramatically.

I'm strong-willed. Architects are strong-willed. You get the best results with a strong client and a strong architect working together.

A lot of executives act like their time is worth more than anyone else's. But I always respect an employee who guards his or her time, even from me.

School boards are, for the most part ,made up of political wannabes who see a board seat as a stepping stone for political office, or well-meaning parents who represent an ethnic group or geography, or have some other narrow interests. Few people on them understand what governance is about.