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I fully endorse the review and the recommendations which have been published by The Design Council CABE. They have again underlined that the methods used for the procurement of architects and other designers within the construction sector are disproportionate and are not fit for purpose.

Their detailed work shares many of the same conclusions offered in the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland's 'Public Procurement in Scotland: Building a Better Future?' which was published in December. The RIAS underlined serious systemic problems which are having an enormous adverse impact on our built environment, our economy and the management of risk. The written examination of bidders is currently not shedding enough focus on those with appropriate skills, talent and empathy, whilst at the same time the accompanying tender system is promoting a culture of 'cheapest is best'.

That mindset is damaging, what legacy will it leave for our children?

It is a mindset which is particularly perplexing when guidance, related to the selection of architects and their design teams, from HM Treasury clearly states that design costs are a tiny proportion of overall project costs and more pertinently life time costs. Their guidance goes on to state that great care should therefore be taken in the selection of appropriate design teams because their skills should be used to drive down life time costs, thereby realising far far greater savings compared to the marginal savings and indeed potential risks created by apparently cheep fees.

The Design Council CABE proposals go a long way to suggesting a means by which these problems can be rectified.

Those problems are the number one challenge in the construction industry. That point and the huge problems encountered across the country were emphatically underlined by both public and private sector delegates at the recent RIAS Procurement Conference. The mood from the floor was that a continuation of the status quo was simply not good enough and that fundamental improvements must be brought forward. I and other speakers therefore welcomed the announcement by Alex Neil MSP Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure & Capital Investment of a review of procurement in the construction sector.

I am sure that the proposals brought forward by the Design Council CABE should inform that review.

Willie Watt
Partner Nicoll Russell Studios