Thierry Lacoste and David Stevenson LACOSTE + STEVENSON

Noted for achieving something unexpected and beyond the brief with every project, Lacoste + Stevenson recently completed a refurbishment of Sydney's Customs House, won awards for a project in the Port Botany Industrial Estate and a house on the Noosa River, and took out French design competitions for an innovative public housing project and a toy factory.

Why did you decide to become an architect?
David: For the mix of art and science, along with an urge to travel.
Thierry: To change the built environment. That was before I realised that you are better off being a politician if this is your aim.

What is your most treasured possession?
D: Currently my new bicycle.
T: My wife even if I do not possess her.

If you weren't an architect, what would you be?
D: Winemaker.
T: Astronomer.

In your opinion, what personal qualities make a good architect?
D: Curiosity.
T: Never ending excitement mixed with permanent dissatisfaction.

What books do you have on your bedside table?
D: "Inhaling the Mahatma" by Christopher Kremmer.
T: "Massive Change" by Bruce Mau.

Who would you like to design something for?
D: Public housing in Australia, as it seems to have disappeared.
T: The most in need.

Favourite tool of the trade?
D: Pencil and paper.
T: Photoshop.

Your greatest extravagance?
D: Travel.
T: Overseas holidays with my family.

Your greatest achievement?
D: A wonderful daughter, although it was mostly her own work.
T: Avoiding compulsory military service.

Best architectural holiday destination?
D: Japan.
T: Japan.

What are you afraid of regarding the future?
D: The lack of interest shown by the government in addressing alternative energy sources.
T: The rise of inequality and short term vision.

Best vista?
D: Clear evening skies.
T: No buildings.

Worst blight?
D: Endless suburban development.
T: Endless suburban development.

What project has given you the most satisfaction?
D: "Built Envelope" Neutral Bay.
T: "Windows to the sky" in Dunkerque.

If you could meet one person alive?
D: Nelson Mandela.
T: Jesus Christ.

One artwork that inspires you is?
D: The cascading water plaza at Sayamaike Museum, Osaka by Tadao Ando.
T: Gustave Courbet's "L'origine du Monde".

Straight line or curved?
D: Curved with all its attendant delights and difficulties.
T: A straight curvy line.

The greatest hero from the history of architecture?
D: It's never just one person or one period.
T: A combination between Corb, Koolhaas and Seijima.

The dastardly villain?
D: They know who they are . . . !
T: The unknown architect that seems to be responsible for half of Sydney.

Perfect happiness is . . .
D: The next voyage.
T: Tickling my kids.

Any advice for the young?
D: Try most of what comes before you.
T: If you want to be an architect for philosophical reasons, try politics.