The Architect’s Race to the Bottom

Recognize that low-cost architectural bids often translate to reduced scope and quality in design documents; understand what you're truly getting.

Be aware that architects face pressure to minimize time and cut corners due to competitive bidding and historical antitrust rulings, which can impact your project.

Prioritize value over the lowest bid when selecting an architect; a more comprehensive design upfront can prevent costly issues during construction.

Communicate clearly with your architect about your project's value and desired outcomes, and be willing to pay for the level of detail and support you expect.

Understand the impact of lending requirements on the design process; developers often push for minimal design before funding is secured, which can affect the project's foundation.