Adam,
Good question and worth of an answer.
I think most gca's study their favorite bunkers. I would bet MacKenzie would lead the pack in the abstract bunker field, with Thomas close behind.
That said, there is a real difference in the artistry of theirs, and the artistry of most who seek to emulate, including me. It is probably due to dozer construction, and the tendency of dozers to cut capes and bays a little too symetrically, unless specifically guided by the architect.
When I measure attractive bunkers, the thing that struck me is that the size (width and height) of each cape or bay of bunkers were different, rather than all being a blade wide. They can range from as little as 10 to as much as 30-45 feet wide, and each should be different than the one next to it.
I also notice the the most attractive noses come in at different angles, and not 90 degrees to the bunker floor base. And, the high point of that nose isn't always necessarily right in the center and symetrical in shape. Nor does it come down in a perfectly even slope, but may have some variation in it.
Lastly, good bunkers have different heights to their capes and bays, rather than all being, say 4' above the bunker base.
Dan,
I have developed bunkers by hand sketch, tracing aerial photos, and in CAD, actually taking some Dick Wilson bunkers at La Costa in CAD just to measure the items above to see what made those bunkers attractive. I do have a collection of them I can drop in place, if desired. It rarely works quite that easily, so I don't do it often.
Also, the final bunker design is something I always do in the field. It usually takes me three cans of paint colors to get me to the final shape I want.