I cannot work and listen to Wagner at the same time, nor Mahler, nor Beethoven's late quartets. I enjoy listening to Chopin's piano music when I work.

You cannot defend your design without knowing what you're designing for.

I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity.

Life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life.

I haven't taken any new projects in the past years - I told myself, if I cannot live long enough to finish it, I don't want it.

I travel to the Middle East, I travel to China, I travel to Europe. It's all very rewarding - the only problem is the travel is getting more and more difficult for me now. Ten years ago I would have enjoyed it a lot more.

Be the best, not necessarily the original.