How to Spot Foreign Architecture

What makes foreign architecture as easy to spot as Waldo in a Mondrian here in the US? Below is a comparative list:

Firm names: "Bloog" vs. "Wilson, Jonesly and Smithson Architecture and Interiors, Inc."
Project names: "Casa Volador" vs. "Davidson Residence"
Architects: Black glasses and Italian shoes vs. Dockers and Sperry Topsiders
Building Users: Italian women and Danish men vs. The Clarks and their golden retreiver.
Cars: GMC and Ford vs. Mini and Alfa Romeo
Motorbikes: Vespa vs. Chopper
Cities: Paris and Barcelona vs. Providence and Baltimore
Scenery: Mediterranean beach vs. New Jersey golf course sand trap
Suburbia: Redeveloped shipping containers in Amsterdam vs. Bollwood Farm View Estates
Back Yards: Kiddie pool and split rail fence vs. rimless pool with a view of Rio de Janeiro
Garages: Three car garage-cum-front door vs. "Car? We use the Metro."
Next to: Carniceria and cathedral vs. Two houses in the development that are identical to yours
Public transportation: U-bahn, S-bahn, Deutsche Bahn within a block vs. Drive to park at the commuter rail
Paving: Cobblestone pavers vs. Asphalt
Geometry: Square or ellipse vs. Gable, gable, gable, gable, gable, shed, gable, gable
Building Structure: Stainless steel truss and cables vs. Western platform framing
Signage: Three languages vs. Three primary colors
Privacy: Frit glass vs. ruffled curtains and velour valences
Ventilation: Operable windows vs. Ducted forced air
Cladding: Terra cotta rain screen vs. Vinyl siding
Flooring: Carrera marble vs. VCT flooring and vinyl base
Ceilings: Exposed stainless steel trusses vs. ACT grid ceilings
Wood: Birch or maple vs. Wood veneer plastic laminate
Interior furnishings: Guests draped over a Minotti chaise vs. Crumbs in the Laz-y-boy cushions
Interior finishes: Floral wallpaper with stencils vs. semi-gloss bright white paint
Air Diffusers: Operable windows vs. Big square grilles and lots of exposed galvanized ductwork
Switches: Hidden electronic sensors vs. Cream-colored plastic gangs of four to eight near every door

AGB 6/2005