[natelox]

I just had a thought. If you appreciate historical architecture so much, what about considering studying, or having a career in historic preservation. I have taken a course in it myself. I learned more about "reading" buildings in that course than any other. It really makes you focus on what makes particular buildings significant (even if they are representative of the prosaic). Working in the field, as far as I can tell, requires one to be a champion for the historical significant and contemporary relevance of historic structures. It means liaising with architects, engineers and contractors and lending one's knowledge of historical materials, styles and what features are the most significant. Maybe this is what you are more interested in?