Who was your hero when you were nine?

When I was nine, rather predictably, my father was my hero. Only a year or two later I was given a portable record player and I bought my first album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. David Bowie opened my eyes to a very different kind of hero and man.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever done?

I’ve been self-employed most of my life, so have had very few actual jobs. As a student at the RCA I worked behind the bar in an old pub. My lasting memory is that oak shelving hung down above the bar and as I stand two metres tall my head disappeared out of sight behind the shelves. Communicating with customers was challenging.

And the best?

Earning a living, working for myself in design and art for over 30 years, has been the greatest privilege. Despite the ups and downs I’ve made it this far, so I don’t think there’s any turning back now.

Got an achievement you’re proud of?    

Given a chance to blow my own trumpet, I confess that I am most proud of the fact that I have work in the permanent collections of a handful of excellent museums, including the MoMA and Copper Hewitt (New York), Design Museum (London) and Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Paris).

Name an artwork you’d most like to own

The artwork that impacted me most is a small globe of hand blown glass with a label ’50cc Air de Paris’. It was the moment as a student that I first understood conceptual art and the importance of the idea in any creative work. To own the Air de Paris by Marcel Duchamp would be indescribable.

If you could travel back in time where would you go first?

As I’ve been cold all day, I’d go back to this morning when I left the house so I could grab an extra jumper.

Which fantasy guest would you most like to join you for supper on the Members’ table?

As a young designer I was lucky enough to meet the great Italian designer Achille Castiglione on a couple of occasions. He was a small man in his late 70’s who spoke almost no English and I was a very tall young man who spoke almost no Italian. Let’s just say the conversation did not go well. I have since learned Italian and the chance to sit with him and share a meal at the Members’ table would mean a great deal.

Got any interesting projects coming up?

I’m somewhat superstitious about discussing future projects. There’s nothing worse than enthusing about some amazing project coming up only to have to admit months later that it never quite happened.

Where do you go for inspiration?

I never look for inspiration, but I am often inspired when I walk around a new city or sit in a café with nothing particular to do. Observing and enjoying everyday life happening around me is where most of my projects start.

Been to any good exhibitions lately?

The small and densely packed Skissernas Museum in Lund is great. It has the world’s largest collection of sketches and mock-ups for public art. If you find yourself in southern Sweden it’s well worth a visit.

How do you best like to spend time at the Club? 

On reflection, my favourite moments in the Club have been chance encounters with people, music and artworks that were unplanned and unexpected. Beyond that I have routines that I enjoy. Quiet afternoons thinking and doodling on the mezzanine or memorable meals with friends or family in the Dining Room or Garden.

What fact about you would surprise people?

The fact that I was born in Tehran might be unexpected. My father was a British diplomat posted there in the 60’s. Sadly I remember nothing of it and am indeed only really reminded myself by long waits passing through passport control in countries like the US.

Finish this sentence: You should never…

…mind.