[blueatlas]

"If I build a fireplace for myself, it is natural for me to make a place to put the wood, a corner to sit in, a mantle wide enough to put things on, an opening which lets the fire draw.

But, if I design fireplaces for other people - not for myself - then I never have to build a fire in the fireplaces I design. Gradually, my ideas become more and more influenced by style, and shape, and crazy notions - my feeling for the simple business of making fire leaves the fireplace all together."