Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about our Budapest architecture studio – from family home design and apartment renovation to interior design services.
ATELIERR offers comprehensive architectural and interior design services from Budapest (District II, Ezredes utca 14), with 100+ completed projects, led by an architect with 15+ years of experience.
- Family home design (new builds)
- Residential building architecture
- Interior design – space planning, material selection, furniture & lighting design
- Apartment renovation planning & management
- Energy-efficient & passive house design
- Permitting & technical consultation
The first consultation has a fee, which is 100% credited toward the design fee upon contract signing.
- Duration: 1–2 hour in-person meeting
- Preparation: we review regulations, development possibilities, and technical solutions
- What to bring: inspirational images, floor plan (if available), and be honest about your budget
- Outcome: custom quote based on project complexity
An interior designer is an engineering-qualified professional – not just a decorator.
| Interior Designer | Decorator | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Engineering degree | Certificate / course |
| Focus | Structure, floor plans, technical drawings | Decoration, furniture, textiles |
| Structural changes? | Yes – floor plan transformation | No |
| Permits | Yes, when needed | No |
| Architect collaboration | Close (integrated at ATELIERR) | Usually separate |
At ATELIERR, the integrated approach saves time, money, and compromises.
Yes – ATELIERR handles comprehensive apartment renovation planning and management.
- Floor plan optimization and space expansion
- Modern mechanical solutions (heating, cooling, ventilation)
- Material & furniture selection, custom design
- Construction coordination – full project management
Since 2024, homes under 300 m² only need a simple e-logbook notification – no traditional building permit required.
| Type | Floor area | Process | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple notification | < 300 m² | E-logbook entry | 3–5 months |
| Building permit | > 300 m² / complex | Authority review | 2–6 months |
| Heritage protected | Any size | Special permit process | 3–12 months |
Our studio fully manages permitting – you only need to make the decisions.
Annual savings of €1,000–2,000 with energy-efficient design, plus a 10–15% increase in property value.
| Standard home | Energy-efficient | Passive house | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating cost/year | €1,500–2,500 | €300–500 | €100–300 |
| Energy use | 100–150 kWh/m²/yr | 30–50 kWh/m²/yr | < 15 kWh/m²/yr |
| Extra investment | – | +5–10% | +10–15% |
| Payback period | – | 8–12 years | 15–20 years |
| Value increase | – | +10% | +15% |
A passive house is a precise technical standard (max 15 kWh/m²/year), not a marketing term.
- Heating cost: €100–300/year for a 150 m² passive house
- Comparison: standard home 100–150 kWh/m²/yr vs. passive < 15 kWh/m²/yr
- Extra investment: ~10–15% of construction cost
- Payback: 15–20 years, but property value is immediately 10–15% higher
Our studio works with certified passive house professionals.
Yes – technical consultation is available throughout the entire construction period.
- Regular site visits
- Compliance verification with plans
- Prevention of construction errors
- Reduced risk of cost overruns
Architectural design fees typically range from 8–15% of construction costs, depending on project complexity.
| Service | Typical fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural design | 8–15% of build cost | Concept, permits, construction drawings |
| Interior design | 30–50% of arch. fee | Space planning, materials, furniture, lighting |
| Technical consultation | Custom agreement | Site visits, quality control |
A typical family home design takes 3–6 months in total.
| Phase | Duration | Deliverable |
|---|---|---|
| Concept design | 4–6 weeks | Floor plan, massing, concept |
| Permit drawings | 4–8 weeks | Documentation ready for authority submission |
| Construction drawings | 6–10 weeks | Detailed building plans, material specs |
| Interior design | +4–8 weeks (parallel) | Materials, furniture, lighting |
A Budapest architecture studio knows local building codes, municipal regulations, and common plot conditions.
- Faster authority administration – personal consultations with district municipalities
- Local contractor connections – we recommend reliable craftsmen
- Site visits without extra cost in Budapest and the agglomeration
- ATELIERR is in District II but accepts commissions throughout Hungary
When choosing an architecture studio, consider these factors:
| Factor | What to look for? |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | Review completed projects of similar size and type |
| Consultation | Choose a studio that asks questions and listens, not just presents their own ideas |
| Communication | Fast response time and proactive updates are good signs |
| Design fee | The cheapest is rarely the best – quality plans save money during construction |
| Energy efficiency | Ask about passive house experience – long-term this is the biggest saving |
The "egyszerű bejelentés" is an e-logbook notification for new homes under 300 m² – not a permit, but a faster procedure that remains fully regulated.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Floor area | Max. 300 m² total usable area |
| Building type | New home or extension (not holiday home, not industrial) |
| Still required | Qualified designer, energy calculation, e-logbook, technical consultation |
| Legal effect | Takes effect on the 15th day after notification |
| Does not apply | Heritage zones, nature parks, individual HÉSZ requirements |
The success of an apartment building project depends on the early optimization of zoning ratios and unit mix – these define profitability before the first line is drawn.
| Factor | What the developer needs to weigh |
|---|---|
| Zoning ratios | Site coverage, floor area ratio, green area – varies by plot |
| Unit mix | Market-driven ratio of 1.5 / 2 / 3-room apartments |
| Parking balance | OTÉK-required spaces, underground or surface |
| Fire safety | Risk class, escape routes, fire compartmentation |
| Energy class | Nearly zero-energy (class BB) mandatory from 2026 |
| Founding deed | Sub-units, share of common property – drafted in parallel with design |
Design your dream home with us!
Our Budapest architecture studio team is ready for your project. Reach out and let's find the best solution together – whether it's a family home, renovation, or interior design.