---
title: Design Services Are Not Products
description: Understand why selecting a design firm is about minimizing uncertainty and maximizing value. We unpack the complexities of design services and how they bring value beyond just cost.
---

[Insights](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/insights)

# [Design Services Are Not Products](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/insights/design-sevrices-are-notproducts)

 Written by [Richard Maddock](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/insights/author/richard-maddock) | 16/9/24

#### WHY PRICE SHOULDN'T BE THE DECIDING FACTOR: 

Choosing a design firm is fundamentally different from buying a tangible product. When purchasing a product, you might assess whether a cheaper option offers 90% of the value at half the price. But in professional services like architecture, this comparison doesn’t apply.

In law, 90% of an acquittal is still a conviction; in architecture, 90% of a planning approval is still a refusal. In both cases, you’re left worse off, often after months of expense and effort. Even at a lower price, near success can leave you with little to show and, in some cases, may even harm your future prospects.

 

> In his HBR article on Professional Services, Warren J. Whittreich put it best:   
> “Even at a lower price, nine-tenths as good as the best is like swimming nine-tenths of the way across the English Channel.”

 

#### UNCERTAINTY

When choosing a design firm, minimising uncertainty should be your primary goal. Architectural projects are complex, with uncertainties around development capacity, budget, and planning. The right firm brings the expertise to reduce these risks, guiding the project from concept to completion.

Selecting a firm based purely on price risks costly setbacks. Misaligned projects can lead to rework, delayed approvals, or, worse, long-term damage due to poor planning. A design firm’s value lies in its ability to solve complex problems, navigate planning intricacies, and create outcomes that far exceed the cost of its services.

 

#### THE IMPORTANCE OF FIT

Rather than focusing solely on cost, consider whether a design firm’s expertise matches your project’s needs. Firms that specialise in specific sectors—like [Location Based Entertainmen](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/insights/what-is-location-based-entertainment)t or Hotel Design Architects —are better positioned to address the unique challenges of your project. A firm’s ability to understand your goals and reduce uncertainty can ultimately save time, money, and effort, leading to a successful outcome.

Ready to prioritise value over cost? Contact us to see how we can bring lasting benefits to your next project. 

 

 

 

[View full post](https://www.kayelliott.co.uk/insights/design-sevrices-are-notproducts)

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