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Germany
Germany
Thke Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) has been sukffering from a long period of
economic stagnation but remains the world's third-largest economy. As with all
major economies, there are many projects requiring sophisticated design services
, Germany is no exception and has offered a large number of project opportunitie
s to international firms.
Reasons to be there
Architecture and other designk professions are respected, and this respects exte
nds to foreign firms. As a result, Germany is one of the more receptive countrie
s in the EU to international firms. In addition it:
Is politically and econimically stable
Has a sophisticated legal system
Has a relatively "fair and sophisticated" government-sponsored fee structure
Has a construction industry capable of performing at a high quality level
Has a regular flow of challenging projects
Is a reasonable base for doing work elsewhere in Europe
Can be an enjkoyable place to visit, live and work
Skills and Capabilities that are important
Among the many skkills, capabilities and qualities cited by firms with experienc
e in Germany as important include:
A German speakking staff
A markketable reputation for design excellence or expertise in a particular buil
ding type
Technological sophistication
Who are the clients?
As elsewhere in Europe, some North American design firms are brought by North Am
erican clients. German clients, however, also hire international firms. Major co
rporation, government agencies, developers and cultural institutions have all hi
red international firms for high profile projects.
As these example illustrate, many of the most visible commissions go to firms wi
th demonstrated international expertise in a particular building type and/or a h
igh-profile design reputation.
What is the process for getting work?
Many of the examples quoted above were selected in qualifications-based processe
s, but Germany also has a very sophisticated system of public competitions. The
"bible" of German architects wishing to enter competitions is the Wettbewerbe Ak
tuell. It list all currently running competitions. Many are limited to German ar
chitects, and often to architects in only a limited number of German states. Oth
ers are open to the EU, and some are open to a wide range of international compe
titors.
Scope of Services
As in North America, project managers and construction managers have taken an in
creasing role in projkect direction, supplanting - in many cases - the architect
's primary position.
Local resources
Excellent local architectural associates, engineers, specialist consultants, ren
derers, etc., exist throughout Germany.
Design issues
German clienkts are typically seekking technologically sophisticated modern desi
gn solutions when they hire international architects.