For many architects, a tender is a necessary evil and a major source of wasted time. Project after project, many architects keep reinventing the wheel. But it doesn't have to be that way.

At Calqi, we speak with architects daily about their tendering process and see specifications and quotations of all shapes and sizes pass by. These are crucial documents, yet they are often copies of copies, or “copied from an old firm.” Yet, these documents are essential for a construction project to run smoothly.
On average, architects spend 38% of their time drafting specifications and bills of quantities. Following up on quotations also takes a lot of time.
We believe it can be done better.

Why is a tender often so difficult to organize?

A construction project is a complex balance between expectations, budget, and practical feasibility. Moreover, architects bear many responsibilities: from the design and quality of the project to meeting deadlines, site supervision, budget management, and communication with the client. They must also consult with engineering firms, safety coordinators, and contractors, while staying up to date on new materials and construction methods.
With such busy schedules, it is no surprise that the time-consuming tendering process does not always run smoothly.
Quotations often have to be compared manually in Excel, after which the architect advises the client and informs the contractors of the final choice. All in all, it is a process that leaves plenty of room for delays, wasted time, and misunderstandings.

Lack of a standardized process and building standards in Belgium

The lack of uniform processes and/or building standards in the Belgian construction sector leads to significant inefficiency, particularly in tenders. Every architect has to reinvent the wheel time and again.
At Calqi, we have finally built that wheel for you.