Why do all architects have those glasses?
It started with Corbusier. Mine are from Oliver Peoples. I like them because they define my face, which is fairly nondescript. In a sense, my glasses “crossimilate” with my more general design principles regarding how to play materials against color and proportion.
How do you describe your style?
I call myself an “Urban Nerd.”
What does that mean?
It’s kind of subtle. I mix different ideas that I come across, and then turn them into my personal stuff.
Does the way you dress correspond to your work?
It definitely relates. My style is minimal eclectic, in the sense that the architecture itself is minimal, and then the accessories come from different styles and periods.
Tell me about this outfit.
The shirt is custom-made by an old tailor in Hong Kong: Swiss cotton, French cut. The trousers, which I guess you’d call pencil pants, were custom-made as well. The shoes are suede sneakers from Sperry Top-Sider. They have them exclusively at Jeffrey. The belt and the watch are Hermès, and they’re my basics. I wear my underwear, I wear my Hermès watch. Every day.
What are you listening to on your iPod?
Goldfrapp. She’s like the 21st-century Debbie Harry. I like to listen to her and Coldplay together. It’s like everything: Whatever works!