On the subject of maintaining an architectural practice, Conran declares his great admiration for model making. The ability to examine a design from every direction, and to make architectural decisions based upon a model, is a facet Conran strongly associates with Norman Foster’s working method.

A helicopter flight over the City of London provided the two friends with an apposite moment to discuss the planning of this complex urban settlement, and anticipate the most suitable locations to position tall buildings. This discussion was to prove prescient, given Norman Foster’s numerous contributions to this urban fabric.

Conran contrasts this with a lack of understanding shown to the potential of fine architecture and design by those in authority. He reasons that the best qualities of design are built on the achievements of such individuals as Norman Foster; an architect who few can compete with, but whose works “make the world a better place”.