To sum up the state of architecture in America: ninety percent of the buildings we live in and around aren't architecture. No, that's not right - 98 percent.

How does an artist know when the line that he just painted is good or not good? That's the catch. De Kooning was the greatest of my contemporaries in art, and he knew when he'd done a good line. When he didn't, he threw it away. I wish I'd thrown away some of mine.

I haven't any wisdom - just a child like everybody else. I'm not as great as Frank Lloyd Wright.

There's no worse feeling than seeing my buildings and realizing the mistakes.

I wouldn't build a building if it wasn't of interest to me as a potential work of art. Why should I?

It is wonderful to be in the country in a glass house, because no matter what happens out there, you're nice and safe, you know, cuddled in your little bed, and there it is, raging storms, snowing - wonderful.

Houston is undoubtedly my showcase city. I saved all my best buildings for Houston.