The Architect's Newspaper brings this cautionary tale of architect's accepting ambitious work projects in China that are too good to be true.
Multiple firms in New York City had been contracted by a developer in China to build the same vast mixed use project. The project is apparently a scam.
"These designers were contacted by email or by phone, signed contracts, and bought tickets to fly to China, some even going so far as to visit the site, before discovering that they had been signing on for identical work. Yet mystery surrounds the stakes involved, as relatively little money was lost by any of the architects, apart from a few translation and lawyer fees, frequent-flier miles, some gifts and hotel expenses, and banquet costs not exceeding about $80. No one turned over any design work.
The scam began for most in March or April, upon receipt of an RFQ email signed by 'Peter (Project Assistant),' who appeared to be both point-man and translator."
FULL STORY: China Confidential
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