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 your own home is about desire, fantasy. But it's achievable; anyone can do it.

I admire anyone that follows the road less travelled.

I'm not too fond of really cool design. I've got quite kitsch taste really, in things like tableware. I'm quite a sucker for 1930s pressed glass.

I was never a hugely successful theatre designer. I painted a lot of scenery and did the lighting, and my lighting business grew out of that.

My favourite authors include Trollope and Dickens.

Generally speaking, I think that if you do anything with commitment and passion, it will come good.