We built the iPod in weeks. It had to be what I thought it was going to be because there wasn't time for endless refinements.

I've been working with contractors designing and building a house on a nonstop basis since 2005. I learned about all these systems of audio, construction, electricity, energy, water systems.

Every person I talk to has a story about how their smoke alarm went off or woke them up with a battery beeping. So you take it off the wall and you take the battery out and say 'screw this.' They hate the products.

I’ve been working with contractors designing and building a house on a nonstop basis since I learned about all these systems of audio, construction, electricity, energy, water systems.

There are a lot of designers who think they understand technology and a lot of technology guys who think they understand design. But to put them together and make it robust and repeatable for the mass market? It’s an art.

We’re thrilled to join Google. With their support, Nest will be even better placed to build simple, thoughtful devices that make life easier at home, and that have a positive impact on the world.

When I encounter a problem – something that’s not quite right with a product – I enjoy breaking it down in my mind and exploring possible alternative solutions: Why this? Why not that? I apply the latest in technology and design to reinvent that product and solve my frustrations.

The truth is, homes change over time – and technology has to adapt, not try to do everything at once.

Even if you have constrained resources, don’t cut corners. People will feel it.

It’s easy to solve a problem that everyone sees, but it’s hard to solve a problem that almost no one sees.