ABSTRACT
Architects are members of a profession, but just what this means has been subject to considerable debate. The main driver for development of the professions was socio-technical change–new health requirements, new materials, new structural possibilities, new stylistic influences – caused by the advent of the industrial revolution. The Institute of Architects first came into being in 1834. Its original prospectus makes its purpose clear–the advancement of the knowledge of architects. The Competitions Directive meant that UK architects were now allowed to market their services, something that had previously been prohibited. The problem was that the controls were taken away before the profession had enough solid knowledge of 'actual costs' or indeed was able to articulate its services in an effective way. After the dismantling of the fee scale architects undercut each other on price, reducing their ability to lead the team in the process and finding them managed by others.
