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

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.

The greatest architectural illusion is not Baroque fancy or Victorian flamboyant, but minimalism.

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

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.

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.

Awesome is loud but awe is quiet.