Walking the fine line

As an architect, I often come across difficult situations during my work. The worst part is trying to be FAIR... Well, as our fees were paid by the owner and our job is to be impartial in administering the contract between the owner and the contractor.

It is VERY natural for the owner to expect us to do things to their interest, well it is ok in ensuring the quality of the works but at times, infact most of the time, the owner expect we to pressurize the contractors to a certain extend to benefits the owner. Cannot blame them right? because they are the pay master.

But then contractors will be short changed. Isn't this the job of the architects and designers? To be impartial!
We are time and time again being accused of being "a dog that bite the hands that feeds" just for doing the right thing. As contractors nowadays are well verse with their legal rights..so we had to tread carefully otherwise both sides will sue us for being negligent.

Why other professionals are not facing this? for example a lawyer will only defends for the master that pays their fees be it rightfully or cunningly..A quantity surveyor too, so on and so forth.

Sincerely how could us satisfy both parties each having their own interest? Owners wants the most out of their money while contractors wants to keep their profits! At times we were forced to tell our paymaster off thus agreeing with the contractors.. What happen.? caaaBoom!!!...."YOU SIDE HIM BUT WE PAY YOUR FEES" bla bla bla...

WHY can't both the parties share equally our fees, then no one could accused us for being ungreatful to the paymaster.At least we can be totally free to make decisions.

Comments from contractors and owners are welcome.