Recent discussions among industry leaders, including members from design firms and the Procurement Monitoring Bureau, have shed light on the persistent issues faced by design and architecture competitions in Latvia. One significant example cited is the competition for the 'Nature Center of Gauja National Park', which was criticized for having unacceptable conditions, echoing a broader concern among professionals about the lack of understanding and knowledge among clients.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, experts like Dagnija Andersone and Liena Šiliņa point out that while these issues have been longstanding, they are not insurmountable. They emphasize that the right choice of competition format is crucial and advocates for a more informed approach by clients to improve the integrity and outcomes of these competitions. The panel believes that without addressing these foundational problems, the practice of competitive selection will continue to suffer, affecting the quality of design and architecture in Latvia.

The broader implications of these discussions highlight a need for a systemic change in how competitions are structured and viewed within the industry. As design competitions are often likened to Olympic games without medals, the call for reform signifies a crucial step towards elevating the standards and expectations that shape architecture and design practices in the country. Addressing the core issues may not only enhance professional satisfaction but also lead to innovative and sustainable outcomes in public and private projects alike.