Building your own house is a primal urge, one of those universal genetic drives like the need to provide for your family.

I'm terribly fastidious. I like symmetry and neatness, but my house is as chaotic as any other family's.

As a property developer, I learned a long time ago to choose your battles wisely and that, unfortunately, compromise is a given.

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.

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.

I've forgiven all my enemies - even those who have stolen money from me.

It's possible to be satisfied with a day's work or a cake, but a life... what is a life but a history of events badly remembered?