Architectural design
Conceptual design
The conceptual design (or sketch plan) is of great importance in the early, preparatory phase of the project: it helps clarify the client’s needs, the scale of the project, the functional layout, and the level of technical requirements. The purpose of the sketch plan is to present various feasibility alternatives and/or to weigh the pros and cons. I often experience that in the case of inadequately prepared projects, modifications made retroactively during construction often result in only compromised solutions, and they can also entail significant demolition costs.
Simple notification
The construction of a residential building not exceeding 300 m2 of total useful floor area, or the expansion to this size, can be carried out based on a simple notification. The submission of the plans is preceded by ensuring their compliance with local architectural regulations, i.e., the townscape assessment process. The content of the documentation is similar to the simple notification documentation, but the submission of specialized engineering parts is not yet required during the assessment process. The application is submitted on the ÉTDR platform, which – in the case of authorization – can also be submitted by the architectural designer.
Townscape notification
The townscape notification process is a local municipal procedure that must be carried out before starting construction activities that are not subject to building authority permits but affect the cityscape (e.g., facade alteration, coloring, window/door replacement, placing a signboard). The process starts at the client’s request. The supporting Resolution is issued by the Mayor of the Municipality upon the recommendation of the chief architect. The application is evaluated within a 15-day deadline after submission.
Building permitting process
This includes any authority procedure that cannot be permitted with a simple notification. The content of the documentation is the same as the content of the simple notification plan. The administration deadline is normally 25 days, or 35 days if the permitting also involves a specialized authority.
Apartment remodeling plans
In many cases, it may become necessary to relocate existing partition walls or to create a new opening in load-bearing walls.
Townscape assessment
Demolition plan
Furniture design (e.g., kitchen furniture)
Interior design
Technical supervision
Engineering inspection activity carried out on behalf of the builder. The technical supervisor’s task is to enforce compliance with the plans, legislation, and professional regulations, coordinate the work of subcontractors if necessary, ensure professional, safe, and quality construction, prevent errors, monitor the budget, and evaluate potential extra work. Their task also includes keeping the e-logbook and enforcing occupational and accident safety regulations on the construction site. I hold an ME-É building construction technical supervisor qualification registered in the Register of the Hungarian Chamber of Architects.
Building structural expertise
In the event of an existing building structural problem, I am readily at the disposal of clients, whether it is of an energetic or building structural origin. The expert opinion not only reveals the cause of the defect but also provides a professional solution to find the remedy. I hold an SZÉS-2 building structural expert qualification registered in the Register of the Hungarian Chamber of Architects.
Design review
If you would like to show your ongoing/completed apartment or house to others, or if you are currently having a family home designed but are unsure whether what you received truly meets professional expectations, if for some reason you are distrustful or dissatisfied with what you received under the title of a plan, or simply just want to hear an external opinion, then send in the plans and we will give our opinion on them.
The sole purpose of the design review is to provide help and advice to builders. The Design Review does not mean designing or redesigning, no plan variations are made, only a written opinion. Consider the Design Review as a kind of control, the wisdom of “two heads are better than one,” which in many cases is also shaped by commenters!
Responsible technical management (FMV)
The Responsible Technical Manager (FMV) is the professional director of construction execution, ensuring compliance with plans, laws, and standards. The FMV is an employee or proxy of the contractor, who is responsible on the construction site for the quality of the work, keeping the construction logbook, and observing occupational and fire safety regulations. To perform this task, I hold an MV-É qualification registered in the Register of the Hungarian Chamber of Architects.
Building energetics consulting
The focus of the consulting is to examine the building’s energy losses and energy consumption. Following on-site architectural and instrumental measurements, I make a recommendation to optimize individual building structures and/or mechanical systems, thereby significantly reducing operating costs.
Pre-purchase property inspection
An inspection before purchasing a used or even new(!) property – whether it is a condominium apartment or a family house – is an essential step to pre-screen hidden or covered defects and technical problems. During the on-site condition assessment, you get a clear picture of the actual technical conditions and their potential cost implications. Beyond the architectural (e.g., checking the net floor area), building structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects, I also examine the legal parameters of the property, thereby minimizing the risk associated with the purchase. In the event of discovered defects, deficiencies, or a legal status differing from the Land Registry records, it opens the way for significant price bargaining, potentially saving millions. Do not let yourself be misled; if you are unsure, ask for help!
Authentic Energy Performance Certificate (HET) preparation
An authentic energy performance certificate (hereinafter HET) is an official document that evaluates the energy efficiency of a building or an independent designated unit (apartment, business premises, etc.) based on an aggregated energy characteristic expressed in primary energy as well as CO2 emissions. It shows the expected annual energy consumption, the efficiency of the mechanical systems, and also makes recommendations for necessary modernizations. The HET is an official document equipped with a unique serial number and QR code, the front page of which is available online to anyone at the https://www.oeny.hu/oeny/e-tanusitas/ page after entering the address or topographical lot number. The Energy Certificate is valid for 5 years from its issuance and can be used for several legal transactions (sale, energy efficiency grant e.g.: KEHOP Plusz, renting). The preparation of an energy certificate is mandatory upon putting a new building into use, or when selling or renting an existing property. The HET quality class ranges on a 12-point scale from “A+++” to the worst category, “I”.
ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTING
If you have any questions related to architecture and/or building law, feel free to contact me under the Contact menu. Online consulting is free of charge.
