This is an urgent message for all architectural practices that were planning to enter this competition.

Due to unforeseen circumstances the University of Cambridge has been obliged to withdraw Lot 6 from this competition.

The competition website is being updated to reflect this change.

This rather clever on-line tool promotes an integrated approach to defining the scope of services across a project, helping to clarify who does what: whether they are members of the design team, the contracting team or the client.  Interestingly, it can also be used to help practices define fee levels, estimate resource that will be required on specific projects and manage projects once they are up and running.

To enable us to deliver this support Colander has enlisted the services of Tony Broomhead.  Tony is Chair of the Scope of Services Board and a key member of the multi-disciplinary Steering Group that devised the Scope, so he is incredibly well placed to advise on its subtleties and how it can be put to best use.

To find out more take a look at our web page.

The University of Cambridge has asked Colander to run a competition to find a number of complementary architectural and landscape practices, large and small, for its ambitious new urban extension in North West Cambridge.  

The first phase of the project comprises nine Lots with landscape, a variety of residential units, retail, a school and community facilities.

Expressions of interest are required by 06 February 2012.

Interested practices will be expected to demonstrate exceptional design talent; a commitment to innovative, sustainable design; a proven ability to deliver both creativity and the highest possible value to their clients; satisfied clients for whom they have solved similar challenges, and the skills needed to deliver a project of this nature.

Further information and details of how to take part can be found at www.colander.co.uk/developers/nwcd.html

As one of last year’s participants said:  ”…this is an excellent report and the most useful data I have ever received from the RIBA.”

If you need further encouragement, take a look at this video…RIBA BUSINESS BENCHMARKING

‘This house believes that contractors are the architects of the future – is traditional, independent practice set to become a thing of the past?’

Confirmed speakers include Paul Morrell – Chief Construction Advisor to HM Government; Peter Trebilcock – Director for Design at Balfour Beatty Northern and Chris Boyce – Design Director at Capita Symonds.  Yours truly is in the Chair.

The event is free – but bookings are essential – email BuildingFutures@riba.org to reserve your place.

http://www.buildingfutures.org.uk/events/this-house-believes-that-contractors-are-the-architects-of-the-future

http://twitter.com/#!/BLDG_FUTURES

We have hands on knowledge of appointing architects on behalf of clients and of managing and growing architectural practices, in good times and in bad.

We have been helping practices define and implement their business strategies for more than thirteen years.  A key part of this service is training: architects from more than 450 different practices have attended our public courses and we have run in-house sessions with over fifty practices.

To find out more visit  http://www.colander.co.uk/architects/public_courses/index.html

In addition and also on Tuesday, video clips of the live debate will be posted on the web page:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/what-future-urban-living along with a summary of the five key issues that have been raised so far.

On the web you can join in the debate, add comments and ideas and take part in a provocative public poll.

If you are interested in developing new ideas or writing a formal piece for the web, please contact Peter Klyhn the Secretary of the Ove Arup Foundation: peter.klyhn@arup.com.

If you would like to make a contribution to the site – no more than 600 words – do send me your thoughts: caroline@colander.co.uk.  The idea is to gather together provocative but constructive ideas from across the industry as well as from people who use our cities – to engender debate and promote new thinking.  All submissions will be subject to editorial approval.

To get the ball rolling and to whet your appetite, the Guardian has commissioned four pieces that are already posted on the site, about creating a holistic environment, technology in the city, where we will live in the future and model urban developments.

Even if you don’t want to make a contribution yourself do visit the site and encourage others to do so.