No, it's also a result of the demand for pretty-looking stuff. Some people, for example, appreciate the aesthetics of apple products (though I'm not as much a

No, it's also a result of the demand for pretty-looking stuff. Some people, for example, appreciate the aesthetics of apple products (though I'm not as much a fan) and will pay extra. Many will buy a fancier home for more than the size. Others buy cars which are outrageously expensive, less reliable, and some times (depending on the brand) less comfortable than others. These act as status symbols and are aesthetically pleasing. Those who build and sell them are maximizing profit, because they believe there to be a market for such items. In fairness to your point, there are craftsmen and artisans who insist on doing things a certain way. That said, they usually have buyers for their products. Those buildings stand today because some one wants them there, are usually quite valuable, and have been re-sold numerous times.