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Principles

Principles of the House.

These principles describe how the House intends to work. They are ambitions, set down at the outset, against which its ventures can be measured.

Corinthian capitals and a carved cornice seen from below, in black and white.
Corinthian order, Helsinki CathedralPhotograph: Ivo Kruusamägi · CC BY-SA 3.0

  1. A long view

    Ventures are built to endure. Decisions are weighed in years rather than quarters, and nothing is hurried simply to appear sooner.

  2. Independence of thought

    Each venture forms its own judgement. Considered conclusions are preferred to borrowed ones, and honest disagreement to easy consensus.

  3. Responsible innovation

    New technology is adopted where it serves people, and within limits that people set. Capability alone is never a sufficient reason.

  4. Quality over quantity

    Fewer undertakings, carried out with care. A small number of things done well is preferred to a large number done adequately.

  5. Clarity of purpose

    Every venture should be able to say plainly what it does, why it exists and what it is not.

  6. Sustainable development

    Growth at a pace the work can sustain. Ventures are developed steadily rather than inflated, so that what is built can last.

These principles are statements of intent rather than claims of achievement.