In looking over this thread, Rick Baril offered some clarification about how contracts and designations worked in France at the time he and [/size][size=78%]Robert von Hagge met with, negotiated, then signed on to undertake the design of Albatross. Rick and I both feel unwilling to pick at nits, but I pressed him to reply because the Ryder Cup is a big deal in the world of golf, and the just recognition of an architect's work on a course with such significance as Albatross is a struggle worth winning, even after 30 years of frustration. Here is Rick's clarification of the terms he and [/size][/size][size=78%]Robert von Hagge agreed to and have insisted for way too long that the FFG honor in a straightforward way.[/size][/size]
And, it occurred to me – there is a point related to our Agreement with the FFG – which I didn’t explain well… In our Agreement with the FFG, we are referred to as “consultant.” When we work internationally – we do so without any “legal standing”. I mean, we do not have an official affiliation or professional credentials -- to actually perform work in other countries –- it is a gray area still today…. (In fact, we don’t have any professional credentials, to design golf courses, in the US either –- there is no professional credential for “golf architect”.) So, when we work abroad, particularly with a corporation or public entity, an official “architect of record” is required –- to “sign” the project and be legally responsible. This can be an Architect, Engineer or any similar professional, who is “licensed or registered” to perform work and assume legal liability within the area (country or region) where the project is located. In the case of the FFG, Hubert Chesneau was the “architect of record” – according to the legal requirement. And, any official documents reflect this -- including our Agreement…. Perhaps this explains the point better…why we vHDA was [sic] referenced as “consultant” in the Agreement. And, Robert did pushed for and get President Cartier’s verbal assurance, he would be provided Architectural credit for the design of Le Golf National….
It will be a happy day for the vonHagge team when the FFG does in fact receive "Architectural credit for the design of Le Golf National. It will not cost the FFG and Le Golf National a single franc to do the right thing before the Ryder Cup is played, and in all subsequent official notices and documents and publications from then on.