ABSTRACT
By and large, architecture is not a well-paid vocation - certainly not within the traditional role of small to medium practice and considering the substantial debt and considerable time it takes to acquire the coveted Part. One can only conclude from the abundance of young architects entering the profession that the reason they persevere with the innumerable late nights and modest financial reward is something other than straightforward remuneration. With ever fewer construction firms now employing direct labour, modern contracting has become a complex service industry reliant upon a fragmented yet pliable supply chain with 'just-in-time' procurement and narrow margins. Meanwhile clients — especially those in the public sector — are increasingly wary of being seen to be profligate with taxpayers' money and are therefore keen to offload risk to whoever will accept it, often regardless of the inevitable effect on quality.
