I always find these critiques so out of place. Yes, many large houses have weird architectural elements that basically consist of "we copied bits and pieces of

I always find these critiques so out of place. Yes, many large houses have weird architectural elements that basically consist of "we copied bits and pieces of historically significant works of architecture". But I've also seen numerous houses that didn't do this, which I often describe as the "assembly hall". It is a house that has no distinguishing features at all. It looks like where you would go to a city council meeting and sit in benches. That's it. I live in a tiny ~1000 sq. ft. home. Per sq. ft. it includes as many of these out of place design elements than a McMansion. Pointless columns, rooflines that come out of nowhere, trim that looks like someone took a set of prison bars for inspiration. Randomly added brick because the developer thought it would increase home value. Vents that are purely aesthetic. A window over the front door, so if you're 9 ft tall you can see the people outside without opening the door.