Simon Hui, design manager at the Shangri-La hotel group, thinks if there is any failing it belongs to the people who buy properties. "The developers just do what is legally allowed. It is the property purchasers who do not use their power," he said.

A building may look terrible, but it is not wrong. In case of typhoon, it will not fall down. In rain, it does not leak. When fire breaks out, people can escape quickly. Where is the blame? Hui asks.

Architects need to establish their own power first, Hui said, to convince clients and override decisions from developers. Architects' power comes from their understanding about what is needed from developers, clients and their bosses. Deep down, they want to do a nice job, add a bit more creativity, but that's a big gamble for them, Hui said.

Architects need to think from the client's side, about whether the product can sell, and from the end-user's side, about being user-friendly.

Proper time management and team motivation are both important. Architects, surveyors, interior designers, the estate management group, security team, all want to have their say and often run into disputes. These people need to be motivated and find solutions, Hui said.

"These are all beautiful words. In reality, it is extremely difficult to do. It takes a long time for the client to say definitely 'we want this one'," he said.

(HK Edition 10/04/2013 page2)