While the architecture profession has its problems – low pay, long hours, diminishing project roles – one resource it has never been short of is strong opinions. John McAslan is arguably the most outspoken, shoot-from-the-hip of the lot.

Take, for example, his thoughts on the proposed restoration of Parliament. A report by the scheme’s delivery authority caused a certain amount of consternation last month when it suggested that the refurbishment could take 61 years and cost £40bn. McAslan, one of the country’s leading experts on heritage projects, admits he was “baffled” by the timescale.

“You could do it in 10 years,” he claims.

…