Above: Architect John Irving, John Irving's sketch and architectural model.

When we met with architect John Irving it became evident within five minutes that he's an avid collector of many things. Evidence of such collections spring up from all parts of his office. His bookshelves are lined with old books - anything from modular homes of the 1950s to 1960s to old Playboy magazines. Model planes are hung from the ceiling; vintage postcards are found in stacks; he even has (we can only assume) stolen Lufthansa spoons to accompany his fascination with flight. He likes graffiti and cites an artist's patience in achieving the perfect piece as something he has a lot of admiration for. His office, located in Vulcan Lane, Auckland, overlooks much of the inner city and it's here that we sit down to find out what ten things he's currently influenced by.

1. My clients

It's the most fun and important part of being an architect - working out what my clients really want. The bulk of my clients are owner occupiers, which means, my work has a massive impact on their lives. It's very important to drink wine with them and share laughter. The shot below was a great meeting on an incredible yacht in Monaco.

 

 

Above: house by John Irving

2. My office

It's a big inspiration being up here. I love stepping out onto Vulcan Lane, it's the little piece of Europe that I need (I was in Europe for nine years) and pieces of my travels are everywhere. It's a inspiring place for me and I've had some great parties up here. If you love where you work, then you work well. I also keep many of my collections here (old magazines, postcards, books etc).

 

Above: John Irving's office, a 1969 issue of Playboy magazine, vintage postcards, the view from his office balcony.

3. Flight

I'm currently into propellers. They're the beauty of pure engineering and I think those old wooden laminated aircraft propellers are astoundingly beautiful. I have a lot of plane stuff in my office. I love my Concorde model and I also have a massive 70s Air New Zealand D10 above my desk - the Cadillac of the skies.

 

Above: 1970s Air New Zealand D10 model, a plane puzzle, Lufthansa spoons, a collection of fans.

4. My daughter

Isla is currently heavily into symmetry. She's my harshest critic and is generally supportive of my 'sculptures' although she is fiercely critical of their lack of colours and leaves. I always seek her opinion - the last one was summarised as 'where's the swimming pool?' - she had a point.

 

Above: John's daughter Isla.

 5. Courtyards

I am obsessed with courtyards - all houses should have at least one.

  

Above: courtyard by Marcel Breuer.

6. Timelessness

I feel very strongly about this. I strive for my work to be modern but of no particular date - architecture isn't fashion. It's not about the right now because it's a lot more permanent than say, last season's scarf. I'm not a fan of grabbing the latest architecture mag with the latest thing. The good architects don't get caught up with the latest thing. If a building dates - it's wrong. I am indifferent to the latest materials. There is stone, steel, concrete, wood, glass...I think a great example of an architect who has achieved this in his work is Marcel Breuer.

  

Above: house by Marcel Breuer

7. My partner in crime

She keeps me on my toes, also an architect she has been working for my long term hero Jean Nouvel in Paris, she's an inspiration and gives me the best presents. She did the stencil work below in inner city Auckland. We both share a love of street art. No price-tags.

  

Above: Stencil Art in Auckland and Serpentine pavilion by Jean Nouvel

8. Restrictions

I am learning to embrace those blessings in disguise. There are always things that restrict what you are doing whether it's a restricted site, dealing with Kafkaesque council planning or a tight budget. You are always trying to reconcile the restrictions. Surprisingly often, they help you to do better work.

9. Simplicity

A simple strong idea, if you can't explain the design in 30 seconds with a quick sketch then you've blown it.

  

Above: John Irving sketch

10. Surfing

 It's important to get into healthy things, it's good for the mind. Surfing is my latest and greatest inspiration. It's difficult physically and mentally demanding. Anyone who surfs has my utmost respect. At best you become at one with our planet, at worst it's a sheer terror. It forces you to confront your fears and puts you in the most beautiful spots you could ever imagine. Staying fit is vital for a designer. I've been getting into running and I have signed up to do the Auckland marathon this year. I have my best ideas when I am out running or sitting on a surfboard.