Where do you hail from, and how did you get into development?

I was born in Sheffield and educated at Millfield School in Somerset and The University of Manchester. Graduating in 1974 with a BSc in Building Technology and Management, I went straight into building site engineering with McAlpine and Wimpey. I got completely fed up with the theodolite and the level, so in 1976 I became a site logistics engineer on a massive low-cost housing project in the UAE. A year later I went to Yemen in and stayed until 1989, mainly involved in the logistics and business development of the foremost Yemeni trading and industrial company. Then I hit the so-called 'glass ceiling' and returned to England at the time of the political changes in Eastern Europe.

Do you come from a family of builders/developers/real estate people?

No, I come from a Sheffield family which was involved in the steel and machine tool business. My father never saw any real future in this in the sixties (he was totally right) and suggested I direct my studies by following the philosophy "where there's muck there's money.

"What brought you to Hungary, fate, luck, or muck?

I had made two trips to Hungary on business in 1983/4 and was impressed with the kindness and vitality of the people I had met on those visits. As I was at a turning point in my life I decided to visit Budapest and make good old friendships. At this point I saw some terrific property development opportunities and decided to stay, moving here permanently in 1991.

Having worked abroad, can you imagine going back home again?

No, never - Hungary is my home. I am married to a Hungarian and have a daughter with her. I like England, and often visit, but I could never see myself starting up again somewhere else. I've traveled enough and am very happy here.

Is there anything you particularly disliked about Hungary when you first showed up? Have you got over it?

I don't have any patience with people who moan about where they live. If you don't like it - move on. Obviously, things are different here but never to the point of dislike.

What's the biggest improvement you've seen since you arrived?

I suppose it must be the wealth of the people, if you could call that an improvement - but generally people are better off and see some hope.

What's the best part about your job? What do you like least?

One of the best things about what I do is who I work for. This is an outstanding company with a clear strategy and focused management - being part of that makes me very proud. On a more practical level it's great to realize your goals by creating something from what is basically nothing. I get a great kick out of conceptualizing a project from a seemingly run-down piece of land, designing the building, constructing it and then leasing the offices or selling the flats. It's a wonderful feeing and makes me proud to see the finished working product.

As a city, what do you think Budapest really needs? What sort of public or private investment would make it a better city?

This city lacks modern transport infrastructure. Roads and traffic, and public transport are abysmal - these issues must be dealt with and not brushed under the carpet. I believe that by sorting them out it will continue to raise the confidence of the population to be proud of where they live. This in turn should spark new investment and continue the regeneration of the capital.

And besides commercial developments and infrastructure?

If you exclude those, I think that Budapest lacks open spaces: quality parks and gardens. I believe that there should be many more entertainment facilities like this planned in the future.

What's your favorite building in Europe?

That's a very difficult question. There are many buildings I like, all over the place. I suppose I would like to define a collective style, and it has to be the Georgian houses in England, mostly in Bath. In Budapest I cannot actually say that I am particularly fond of any modern office project, apart from our own. Although the Bank of China Building in Hong Kong, designed by I. M. Pei, and the Swiss RE building by Norman Foster in London, are truly outstanding.

How's your Hungarian?

Awful.

What percentage of your reading is 'leisure'? Best book you've read in the past few years?

All my reading is leisure. PD James writes the best detective fiction I have ever read.

Favorite style of music or band?

I'm an old rocker and will bore anybody with the groundbreaking music of the great bands of the late sixties and early seventies.

If someone asks you what your favorite movie is, which three do you consider before answering?

Shirley Valentine, Pulp Fiction, Lord of the Rings I, II and III.

Most beautiful living actress?

Keira Knightley or Angelina Jolie.

Where will you take your next vacation?

Hopefully somewhere warm.