If we are to believe or accept that buildings are cultural markers, if architects work in a vacuum with their own preconceptions about society, then we won't be creating appropriate cultural markers.

Public commentary absolutely influences my work.

I'm a passionate person, and I care deeply about the work I do. It's very, very important to me that it's well received.

Any artist will tell you that when they get negative criticism of their work, it's personally hurtful to them.

The problem with architecture is it goes with the territory, because it's an applied art and because you're messing about with people and their environment.

We have to respond to budget concerns, we have to respond to functional and programmatic concerns of the building, and we have to respond to public engagement. That's what you sign up for when you decide to become an architect.

Yesterday is always better than today and the fear of tomorrow. I don't think there's anything absolutely wrong with that, it's just the way we are. So when people are presented with something new, there is a very visceral reaction.