An incubator space at Quadrangle Architects? offices allows for workshopping with clients early in the design process. Photo: Quadrangle Architects.
Designing a Way Forward
Architects naturally think outside the box when considering design options?but designing ways out of the low fee box has proven to be more challenging. Recently, I interviewed five Canadian architects who explained how they prepare clients to look beyond lowest fee bidding practices. They each have found ways to apply their design-thinking skills?non-linear reasoning, holistic analysis, ?what if"? scenario creation?to think differently about setting fee expectations.
Although everyone I spoke with acknowledges ongoing difficulties related to scope, contracts, risk and reward, they all seek ways to make the architectural pie bigger?and to attract clients with new services rather than continuing to carve up the old pie.              Shift Happens
It may be difficult to imagine a value-driven ?race to the top? that would make today?s tight ?race to the bottom? fee structures a dim memory. But change throughout history?from the computer revolution to the green movement?has typically followed the adoption curve below. How can we accelerate this shift in thinking that is only beginning to happen in the realm of architectural fees" One of the most effective ways of tackling entrenched, complex problems is to shine a light on ?positive deviant? best practices that have the potential to spread mo...