The striking similarities between Greek temples and subsequent Roman villas testify to the fact that great architects typically draw inspiration from the work of other architects  Such drawing of inspiration does not mean, however, a slavish lack of originality; building according to formulas does not make good buildings  When formulas are used, the results are either bland or disastrous
By contrast, a great architect creates fresh architectural compositions out of familiar forms and synthesizes past and present into a new, richer whole
Some Roman architecture exemplifies the creation of fresh architectural compositions out of familiar forms.