While working on Google's 2.5 million-square-foot Googleplex, an architect told CEO Larry Page about a parking issue. "It's nothing," he said, "that $50 million won't solve." (Page was wrong; the city denied permission to build it.)
During a press conference in Spain, "starchitect" Frank Gehry was asked what he thought of critics who called his work a "spectacle." Gehry replied by silently raising his middle finger.
Noel Coward once refused to see the Taj Mahal even though he was staying around the corner. "I've seen it on biscuit boxes," he said, "and I didn't want to spoil the illusion."
When building inspectors told architect Christopher Wren that his Windsor Guildhall was supported by an insufficient number of pillars, he installed four faux supports which only appear to touch the ceiling.
Tom Selleck started acting at USC: "I was planning to go into architecture but when I arrived to register, Architecture was filled up. Acting was right next to it."
Ben Franklin was invited to admire a home, built by an English peer, whose design was blighted by an odd-shaped plot. "All you need to do to enjoy your house," Franklin told the man, "is to rent a spacious apartment across the street."
