Architecture is the very mirror of life. You only have to cast your eyes on buildings to feel the presence of the past, the spirit of a place; they are the reflection of society.

— I.M. Pei

At the beginning, I thought the best Islamic work was in Spain - the mosque in Córdoba, the Alhambra in Granada. But as I learned more, my ideas shifted. I traveled to Egypt, and to the Middle East many times. I found the most wonderful examples of Islamic work in Cairo, it turns out. Furthermore, I'd visited mosques there before, but I didn't see them with the same eye as I did this time. They truly said something to me about Islamic architecture.

— I.M. Pei

Be the best, not necessarily the original.

— I.M. Pei

Contemporary architects tend to impose modernity on something. There is a certain concern for history, but it’s not very deep. I understand that time has changed, we have evolved. But I don’t want to forget the beginning. A lasting architecture has to have roots.

— I.M. Pei

Great artists need great clients.

— I.M. Pei

I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity.

— I.M. Pei

It is not an individual act, architecture. You have to consider your client. Only out of that can you produce great architecture. You cannot work in the abstract.

— I.M. Pei

I want to bring out the best in a community and contribute something of permanent value.

— I.M. Pei

Let's do it right. This is for the ages.

— I.M. Pei

Life is architecture and architecture is the mirror of life.

— I.M. Pei