Less Work For Architects

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31380, 27 May 1967, Page 1

Less Work For Architects

Christchurch architects are now being affected by the economic situation. Some have had to put off staff, but most of those dismissed have been absorbed by other firms with work in hand. Architects-say that trends in their business presage effects in the building industry, and difficulties there may worsen.

Many architects havework on their books or on their boards which is held up by the Government’s own economies—either in direct spending or in subsidies to institutions. “I know several firms which have two or three such jobs held up, and the green light on any one of them would make a considerable difference to architects and builders.” one man said. “The graph of work drying up is deepening markedly," said another. Government economies were also reflected in commercial building. An architect in this field said he knew a number of firms which had plans to build new premises or make substantial improver

ments but were simply “waiting to see how things go.” A 1- ier in the Institute of Architects said the biggest straw in the wind was the number of applications being received for plans. In recent

years 12 or 16 builders might seek plana and six or eight of them offer tenders. This week he heard of 30 sets of plans being taken out for one This architect said his own guess was that two groups of builders were now "colliding” in seeking work. Contractors who norinally undertook really big jobs were lowering their sights to tender for medium commercial jobs and

house builders were raising theirs to get' into this field. Tendering should be keen.