Dumfries Workhouse
 

Dumfries - Infirmary competition.

The conditions issued by the governors contain a very objectionable clause. After announcing that "though they will consider favourably the claims of the architect who obtains the premium (they) will not be bound to employ him to carry out the work" they continue :-

"It is proposed to expend the sum of £10,000 upon the buildings, which sum shall include the architects' fee and the salary of the clerk of the works, the amount of which fee and salary shall be stated by each architect in a lump sum. The architect whose plans may be selected as the best, shall not be entitled to payment of the premium unless and until the committee and governors are satisfied that the works can be contracted for, at or within the said sum of £10,000 including as aforesaid." 

In other words, as will be seen, the governors, in a by sort of way, invite competition for terms amongst architects, tempting competitors to name a low sum for remuneration as a means of increasing their chance of being selected. Architects will do well to reflect before they respond to this condition. The profession is being dragged into the dirt. The premium really offered to the successful competitor is £50. A correct estimate of the cost of carrying out his design would itself cost more than double this amount.
Source: The Builder 1868 Vol XXVI 14th November 1868 p.839
Submitted by Alan Longbottom

Page updated August 06, 2007 by Rossbret