If there are no other counters in the kitchen I would read it that way. I'm not as familiar with IBC/commercial code just doing residential architecture.

Same with the pictured room, seems to be overdone beyond the code (maybe IBC is stricter?). VRC just says within 6' of the end of the wall, and 12' on center beyond that for general use rooms. Could probably delete 1/3 or even 1/2 of those and still be ok.

Guessing in this case since the cabinet run is mostly fixture, they opted for 2 because a single outlet would kinda suck for the entire counter.

I don't think they are both required there, at least under the Virginia Residential Code. You need one within 24" of the oven and within 24" of the sink, and can otherwise be 48" on center.

I will also note that I've done large houses with two kitchens. Mainly for wealthy people who frequently entertain. A large main kitchen connected to the main living areas, and a separate catering kitchen usually connected to the mudroom or garage so caterers can back their truck in and setup.

Now, I have done a lot of larger homes and its not unusual for some appliances to get doubled. Washer/dryers are common enough on large houses (having two helps with laundry days with large families) and dishwashers sometimes get doubled in large kitchens.

4 times the stove space to cook for 4 vs 1 as long as the family eats the same thing together.

Architect: I would say that mostly because the increase in house size isn't to accommodate more people, its to increase the amount of space each person has. Appliances are mainly in ratio to number of people (or number of families; you don't need...

I would guess these are done under IBC; wood frame construction (type 5B) is limited to 3 stories, but you can get a bonus story by installing a sprinkler. The 5 story townhouses generally do 4 stories of wood frame on top of a concrete parking level (Type 1/2).

Teslas have always been mediocre semi-economy cars with world class electric powertrains. My old boss drove a 100k Model S and it was pretty amazing how cheap and plastic-ey the interior of that car was. Little bro has a Rivian and its much nicer inside.

Window thermal requirements have gotten much more stringent. Its amazing how much better even cheap vinyl windows perform now. Biggest improvement for these heat waves is low-e coating, which was an uncommon add-on but is now basically standard. Reflects a lot of heat energy!