I'm not a creature of habit. I like to find things from unexpected sources.

The pencil and computer are, if left to their own devices, equally dumb and only as good as the person driving them.

I was born in 1935, and as far back as I can remember, I was sketching designs. My first subject was an aircraft, which I imagined myself piloting.

I hope that any expansion of London will learn from the planning examples of some of its most desirable areas such as Chelsea, Notting Hill, Belgravia and Mayfair. All are characterised by high density and a generosity of green spaces. They are all pedestrian-friendly with shops, entertainment, restaurants and pubs within easy walking distance.

It takes a lot of effort to make a building look effortless.

As an architect you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future which is essentially unknown.

Everything inspires me; sometimes I think I see things others don’t.