Tendering process increasingly bypassing architects

Just read this article on Journal of Commerce: http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id36777

Public owners are exerting greater control over the tendering process, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability. The architecture community, who have traditionally provided this service, feel they have the skill and tools to perform this service, and that the shift in responsibility may be driven by owners' desire to cut fees.

There's no question the design team will continue to provide input during the tendering process, but the owners interviewed for this article explain that online procurement portals are making it easier to ensure a fair and open process.