Norman founded the practice in 1967, and over five decades he has established a sustainable approach to the design of the built environment. He believes that the quality of our surroundings affects the quality of our lives, and is driven by his passion for innovation and excellence. He is also president of the Norman Foster Foundation, based in Madrid. In 1999, he was honoured by The Queen with a life peerage, taking the title Lord Foster of Thames Bank. Norman is a keen pilot, enjoys cross-country skiing and cycling.