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

I cannot look at modern buildings without thinking of historical ones.

My favourite authors include Trollope and Dickens.

I have a recurring nightmare that I wake up in a gutter with nothing. I've had it all my life. That's why I work, I think.

Architecture was pretty much the sexiest thing to be doing from 1700-1800.

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.

Every breath we take as human beings damages the planet.