I graduated college in December 1986 and I had nine months before I was to start law school. I was lucky enough to land a job in between as an architectural surveyor for the Metropolitan Historical Commission in my college town of Nashville, Tennessee. I had no background in the subject, but the great folks at the MHC trained me quickly. I combed neighborhoods in the city with a clipboard and a camera interviewing homeowners and photographing homes as part of an effort to secure protective zoning for some of the city's historic areas. I learned a lot about architecture in the job and have had an appreciation for the subject ever since.

One of my favorite modern architects is the great Frank Gehry, a Canadian-born immigrant based in Los Angeles. Chances are you've seen some of Gehry's masterpieces. Click here to see some gorgeous photos of Gehry projects. The Disney Concert Hall in LA (see below) is one of my favorites.