In 1797, he was promoted to major and chief architect.
In fact, some of the significant commissions have gone to black architects.
Not for nothing, it seems, many of the major urban projects in the city went to foreign architects.
"My sense of history tells me that the British always do this to architects," he said.
Such theory was not confined to architects, and continued well into the 20th century.
In Russia, interior design has often been left to architects.
In the past, the job has been given to industrial designers or architects.
You have to become known, particularly to architects around the country and that is difficult, especially on a shoestring.
"There would be no way I could communicate all that to a designer or architect."
In 1830 he established a medallion to be given to young architects.