Architecture does not exist in a vacuum. Good design is engaging

Buildings should be informed by the features of the site on which they are erected. The world is full of projects which ignore their physical, cultural and historical setting. Mediocre architects design their buildings without giving careful thought to how the completed project will interact with the existing surroundings. Good architects will react to the features of a place by producing a site-specific project that engages its end users and is appropriate to the age when it was built. This does not necessarily imply that buildings must always open towards their immediate environment and merge with the surrounding landscape. In some cases, the appropriate response will require that a building turns its back on its surroundings, much in the way that a turtle will hide under its shell when it senses danger. But there must always be a confident response to the given conditions of a site. Without it, a building has nothing to say, it becomes a mute and lifeless entity.   

Great architecture frames the world around it and elevates human experience

Some places have the ability to lift our spirit. They provoke an emotional response. The feeling we get when we reach the summit of a hill and we discover the landscape unfolding beneath our feet is cathartic. Good architecture can and should replicate these feelings. Sitting on a roof terrace while we enjoy a commanding view of the surrounding skyline is an example. On such occasions, even the humblest human being is overwhelmed by a sense of infinite power. For a brief moment, we feel like a god or a dictator. The same feelings can be experienced under the dome of a cathedral or within a small simple cabin hidden in the forest. How is it that such vastly different spaces can stir a similar emotional response? The answer lies in design that resonates. When architecture achieves harmony with its context—natural or urban—it allows us to feel at peace, as though we belong. In those moments, everything aligns: nothing is lacking, nothing feels out of place. This is what architecture should aspire to—spaces that heighten our awareness of the world and our place within it.

We love buildings which spark our interest and stimulate our imagination

The most powerful works of art challenge our assumptions and encourage us to see the world in unexpected ways. They are layered with meaning, elusive yet compelling, and they demand our attention. They cannot be consumed quickly, like a meal at a fast-food restaurant. Instead, they resist easy interpretation and reward careful reflection. Architecture, at its best, should do the same.

This doesn’t mean we must always think outside the box or strive to reinvent the wheel. On the contrary—we reject novelty for its own sake. In recent years, some architects have gained recognition through bold, eye-catching designs that go viral online. But these buildings often function like populist slogans: simple, striking, and immediately appealing. Yet just like slogans, they reduce complexity to a digestible soundbite. They promise instant clarity—but offer little depth.

The truth is, reality is complex—and becoming more so by the day. There are no easy answers, no shortcuts. This principle applies equally to architecture. We must approach our work with care and rigour, paying close attention to detail and resisting superficial solutions. The result will be buildings that are richer, more nuanced, and more deeply rooted in the world around them—spaces that serve people and endure over time.

Architecture is an expensive endeavour. We simply cannot afford to waste our money on trivial projects

Building anything is never cheap, and costs almost always escalate. This is the bane of anybody who has ever embarked on a construction project: “it was supposed to cost this much, but by the time it was completed it cost us twice as much”. Such uncertainty around cost comes down to several factors. Foremost among them is the fact that every building is, by nature, a prototype. That is the fundamental character of architectural construction. When one purchases a car, for example, the product has already undergone extensive prototyping, testing, and refinement. By the time it reaches the showroom, its performance, manufacturing cost, and sale price are all clearly established. This level of predictability simply does not exist in the construction industry. Each building is a unique creation – untested until construction is complete. For this reason, it is critical to get things right from the outset. Architecture affords no second chances. The most consequential decisions in a project are made early in the design process. As the design evolves, the opportunities for meaningful adjustment steadily diminish. Once construction is underway, the essential parameters are fixed, and even substantial changes will yield limited results. A flawed initial concept cannot be redeemed by skilled workmanship or the use of high-end materials. It is therefore imperative to think strategically from the beginning: to maintain perspective, prioritise what truly matters, and ensure that the key decisions are well-founded and deliberate.

The smallest of projects provides a chance to make big statements

Many people mistakenly believe that good design depends on the scale of resources or budget. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Quality design arises from a meaningful and collaborative conversation between client and architect. As the old adage says, “you cannot build good architecture without a good client.”

A good client typically has a clear vision of what they want to achieve but remains open to how that vision might take shape. They engage positively with their architect, fostering a collaborative relationship.

A good architect listens attentively to the client’s needs, thoughtfully challenges the brief when necessary, and asks probing questions to uncover what the client truly requires—not just what they think they want. Through this productive dialogue, the architect explores different design options to identify the best solution.

This approach leads to designs that not only meet the brief but often exceed expectations. Whether working on a new build luxury mansion, a modest extension to a semi-detached home, or even a piece of furniture, this process remains the same. Ultimately, the quality of design has nothing to do with money—it depends on collaboration, understanding, and thoughtful creativity.