schluter has exterior tiling system that deals with water drainage and expansion and contraction that can prevent tile lifing and cracking from freeze/thaw cycles (still/puddled water that freezes inside the install without proper drainable). Its very expensive solution though.

As to the artistic ability of an installer, yYOU would be the designer. The installer just installs them to your aesthetic specifications and design patterns.

we NEVER offer opinions on aesthetics because aesthetics are opinions and opinions differ from person to person. Last thing we need is someone deciding they dislike out aesthetic opinion after we installed something.

Here is a link that might be useful: Schluter TROBA and TROBA-PLUS