Christophe egret has three black notebooks of varying sizes that accompany him wherever he goes. Looking through them is like getting a glimpse into the former Alsop design director's constantly engaging mind: his top 10 all-time favourite architects, sketches of monuments yet to be proposed, a list of the public's favourite buildings, a diagram of the make-up of his ideal practice. He says he has to buy new notebooks every month. Egret is in a relaxed mood and happy to share the sort of thoughts that litter the notebooks. His practice, Studio Egret West, celebrated its first birthday the previous night and he appears pleased to have this milestone under his belt. The setting is equally laid back - the practice's loft-conversion office in Clerkenwell is a gem of light and warmth at the top of several flights of stairs. Over Christmas, each person who reached the top of those stairs was asked which of the young designers they would like to kiss - not a bad proposition as most are under 35 and could have chosen careers as models.
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