It sounds like the architect might be a bit full of him(her?)self. You are correct. There are excellently designed gas fireplaces and stoves. If this is your preference, stick by it.

One thing to consider is whether one will be able to get parts for this stove 5, 10 yrs from now. This is a Danish stove and they have really nice designs, but it appears the import network is small. If this is really what you have your heart set on, consider getting a good parts kit with the stove. It is unlikely that you will be able to use American replacement parts.

I think my architect's attitude is really that a gas stove by definition cannot be any good, that what you need is wood. A lot of people have this attitude.

My response is that I want to use the stove every evening, as a "mood enhancer" and there's no way that's going to happen with wood. With the convenience of gas, yes.

I did some searching on this forum and now have an excellent list of good looking clean design gas fireplaces and stove.

Forsaking the Rais Wittus designs, I've decided I must have the Thermart Clarity model. Awfully expensive, though. I guess it's all that good German engineering inside.

As for spare parts, how much can I expect to go wrong with a high quality stove like this, used heavily year in and year out? Can I reasonably hope to be able to service it myself DIY? I say this because I am out of the country and anything I get will have to be imported.