Stirk

In 2009, he attacked them again: this time, by warning the Qatari royal family off Stirk's plans for the former Chelsea Barracks in London.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

Stirk joined in 1983, also cutting his teeth on Lloyd's, which was in December accorded Grade I listed status.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

Leeds-raised Stirk, 54, is trim and wiry, with a narrow tie, dark suit and spiky hair; he is softly spoken and emphatic.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour are here today too, flanking Rogers protectively like affectionate, respectful and, just occasionally, faintly exasperated sons.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

Richard Rogers (centre) and his partners in Rogers Stirk Harbour and partners, Graham Stirk (left) and Ivan Harbour (right).

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

Though in fact, one might contend that Stirk buildings – such as the Leadenhall Building in the City of London, and Neo Bankside, a new apartment block next to Tate Modern – tend to be somewhat orthogonal; Harbour's buildings, such as Madrid airport, more expressive and sculptural.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

But even a master builder can't go on for ever, which is why Richard Rogers Partnership discreetly changed its name, some five years ago, to Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

Stirk, meanwhile, is working on the new exhibition and conservation centre for the British Museum; he also designed the Knightsbridge residential complex One Hyde Park, infamous for its £140m penthouse, thought to be the most expensive apartment ever put on sale.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

According to Stirk: We replaced one big slab building that was impermeable.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012

"It's about humane scale in intensified development," adds Stirk.

Interview: architects Richard Rogers, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour 2012