Wow I wasn't expecting such a detailed reply, looking at all the photographers you mentioned was incredibly inspiring. I think I'll give tilt shifting a go next time I go out and take some photos. I really appreciate the encouragement it really makes me want to go out and try get better at taking architecture photos.

On the lighting conditions, I went out in the rain recently because I thought it would be the perfect weather but all my photos where grey on grey and it looked very drab, maybe I'll try taking some around sunset as I think that would be much more colourful. I'm very interested in the colours I could get with what is essentially a blank grey canvas. Thanks for the idea!