I don't look at what people do with their homes in terms of money, but the social and personal value of what they're trying to do and achieve.

I don't want anything that I buy to have done any harm to anyone or anything.

I like the absurd and the surreal: the Coen brothers, Bunuel, Kubrick.

Every decently-made object, from a house to a lamp post to a bridge, spoon or egg cup, is not just a piece of 'stuff' but a physical embodiment of human energy, testimony to the magical ability of our species to take raw materials and turn them into things of use, value and beauty.

Building design isn't trendy.

Awesome is loud but awe is quiet.

A great deal of energy is wasted in hating people, and I can honestly say I've no wish to expend such a precious resource on being outraged about anyone.