--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Cost overruns are not uncommon in…" description: "\"Cost overruns are not uncommon in architecture, particularly for designs that depart from structural or technological norms, or demand a finer quality ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/martin-filler-11342_architect_cost-overruns-are-not-uncommon-in-archit_946906.png" --- # Cost overruns are not uncommon in architecture… ![“Cost overruns are not uncommon in architecture, particularly for designs that depart from structural or technological norms, or demand a finer quality of execution than commercial schemes - conditions typical of buildings for cultural institutions. Budgets are exceeded for many reasons, not all of…” quote by Martin Filler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/martin-filler-11342_architect_cost-overruns-are-not-uncommon-in-archit_946906.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/martin-filler-11342_architect_cost-overruns-are-not-uncommon-in-archit_946906.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c09/martin-filler-11342_architect_cost-overruns-are-not-uncommon-in-archit_946906.png) > “Cost overruns are not uncommon in architecture, particularly for designs that depart from structural or technological norms, or demand a finer quality of execution than commercial schemes - conditions typical of buildings for cultural institutions. Budgets are exceeded for many reasons, not all of them within an architect's control.” [Martin Filler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-filler/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Cost overruns happen often when designs are unconventional or require high craftsmanship, and many factors lie beyond the architect's control. **In simple terms:** Unusual designs and high quality often cause budget overruns. Key Takeaway Plan for contingencies and manage expectations. Themes budget architecture risk quality control Mood cautious realistic Type analytical practical When to use this quote - cultural institution projects - high‑tech buildings - renovations - public works Key Concepts project management design complexity stakeholder expectations Questions to Reflect On - How can contracts allocate risk for unforeseen issues? - What budgeting tools help track scope changes? A Different Perspective Even with careful planning, unexpected site conditions can still drive up costs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Architect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/architect/) [Architecture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/architecture/) [Budgets](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/budgets/) [Budgets Exceeded](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/budgets-exceeded-1659715/) [Building](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/building/) [Conditions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conditions/) [Cost](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cost/) [Cost Overruns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cost-overruns-1659713/) [Demand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/demand/) [Design](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/design/) [Execution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/execution/) [Institutions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/institutions/) [Norm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/norm/) [Overruns Uncommon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overruns-uncommon-1659717/) [Quality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quality/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Reasons Architect](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reasons-architect-1659714/) [Schemes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/schemes/) [Technological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technological/) [Typical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/typical/) [Uncommon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uncommon/) [Uncommon Architecture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uncommon-architecture-1659716/) ## Related quotes > [The best way to create cost overruns in any military acquisition is to change course midstream. 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