ABSTRACT
A classic argument against bidding is promoted by many members of the architectural profession. It is argued that competitive bidding reduces prices to levels that inhibit good design. This line of reasoning suggests that the design process is intuitive and needs time in which to flourish and develop. Fixing an artificial time limit on the creative process, it is argued, can only result in poorly designed buildings, which cannot give pleasure either to the owner or to the designer. However, it is these same architects who will support the use of profession-wide fee scales so that competition is based on merit and not price.
