Question 1

What services does ATELIERR architecture studio offer?

Accepted Answer

ATELIERR offers comprehensive architectural and interior design services from Budapest, with 100+ completed projects. Our work is led by an architect with 15+ years of experience. Services include: family home design, residential building architecture, interior design, apartment renovation planning, energy-efficient and passive house design, permitting and technical consultation.

Question 2

How does the initial consultation work and what does it cost?

Accepted Answer

The first in-person consultation has a fee, which is fully credited toward the design fee upon contract signing. The meeting takes 1–2 hours. We review regulations and development possibilities beforehand. You don't need finished plans – bring inspirational images and be honest about your budget. We then prepare a custom quote.

Question 3

What's the difference between an interior designer and a decorator?

Accepted Answer

An interior designer is an engineering-qualified professional handling structural transformation, floor plan optimization, and technical solutions. A decorator specializes in furnishings and aesthetics. At ATELIERR, interior designers and architects work together so exterior and interior follow a unified concept.

Question 4

Do you also plan apartment renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ATELIERR handles not only new home design but also comprehensive apartment renovation: floor plan optimization, modern mechanical solutions, material selection, and construction coordination.

Question 5

What permits do I need for building a house?

Accepted Answer

Since 2024, residential buildings under 300 m² only require an e-logbook simple notification – no traditional building permit needed. Larger buildings still require the full permitting process. ATELIERR fully manages permits.

Question 6

How much can I save with energy-efficient construction?

Accepted Answer

Annual savings of €1,000–2,000. An average home costs €1,500–2,500/year to heat; energy-efficient design drops this to €300–500. Over 20 years: €20,000–40,000 saved. Property value increases 10–15%.

Question 7

What is a passive house and is it worth building?

Accepted Answer

A passive house is a precise technical standard (max 15 kWh/m²/year heating), not a marketing term. A 150 m² passive house costs €100–300/year to heat. The extra investment (~10–15%) pays back in 15–20 years. ATELIERR works with certified passive house professionals.

Question 8

Do you offer technical consultation during construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We conduct regular site visits, verify compliance with plans, and ensure the home is built exactly as designed. Technical consultation helps prevent construction errors and cost overruns.

Question 9

How much does an architect cost? What are typical design fees?

Accepted Answer

Architectural design fees typically range from 8–15% of construction costs, depending on complexity. For a family home, this is approximately €5,000–20,000. Interior design is usually 30–50% of the architectural fee. ATELIERR prepares custom quotes for each project.

Question 10

How long does it take to design a family home?

Accepted Answer

A typical family home design process takes 3–6 months. Concept design is 4–6 weeks, permit drawings 4–8 weeks, construction drawings 6–10 weeks. Interior design runs in parallel, adding 4–8 weeks.

Question 11

Why should I choose a Budapest architecture studio?

Accepted Answer

A Budapest architecture studio knows local building codes, municipal regulations, and common plot conditions. As a local studio, authority administration is faster, communication is personal, and site visits don't incur extra costs. ATELIERR is located in District II but accepts commissions throughout Hungary.

Question 12

How do I choose an architecture studio?

Accepted Answer

When choosing an architecture studio, consider their portfolio, personal consultation options, design approach, and communication quality. Request quotes from 2-3 studios, review their completed projects, and choose the studio that understands your needs.

Question 13

What exactly is the "simple notification" (egyszerű bejelentés) and when does it apply?

Accepted Answer

The "egyszerű bejelentés" is an e-logbook notification procedure for new residential buildings – and their extensions – under 300 m² total usable floor area. There is no traditional building permit, but qualified designer, contractor e-logbook, technical consultation and energy calculation remain mandatory. The notification becomes legally effective after 15 days; construction may start once the e-logbook is opened. It does not apply in heritage zones, protected natural areas, or where the local zoning plan (HÉSZ) requires an individual permit.

Question 14

What should a developer watch for when planning an apartment building (társasház)?

Accepted Answer

Apartment building design starts with careful optimization of zoning ratios (site coverage, floor area ratio, green area) and unit mix – these define project profitability. Key issues: parking balance (per OTÉK), fire safety class, accessible access, ratio of shared and private spaces, energy class (nearly zero-energy requirement from 2026), and preparing the condominium founding deed. ATELIERR supports the developer from concept through sales documentation.