FAQ · FREQUENT QUESTIONS
What you ask most often.
Short answers to the questions that come up in first meetings. For anything else, contact us.
PROCESS & COLLABORATION
+How long does a project take from concept to site?
Depends on scale and complexity. For a residential house, from first email to construction start averages 5—8 months: 1-2 months concept, 3-6 months documentation and permitting. For large projects (ensembles, institutions) duration is 30-50% longer.
+How many iterations are included at concept phase?
Standard 2-3 iterations with the client. For clients who want a deeper process, we can extend to 5-6 iterations (with fee adjustment). Important: investment in concept iterations pays off — every change is 10-100x cheaper there than during construction.
+Can I work with you only for DTAC, or do I need the full package?
Yes, we also offer DTAC separately. But we recommend continuity: the studio that did the DTAC knows the project in depth, and the PT results much more coherently. Total cost is often lower than if you switch studios mid-way.
+Do you work without building permits (interior, furniture)?
Yes. We have a separate line ARTEMA Concept for interior fit-outs and custom furniture that don't require permits. See the /artema page or contact us directly.
FEES & BUDGET
+How do you set the fee?
Two options: percentage of investment value (typically 4-8% for residential, 3-6% for large projects) or fixed fee based on clearly defined scope. At discovery we tell you which model fits your project best.
+Is discovery free?
Yes. First discussion (60-90 min), site visit and preliminary analysis are free. We provide a written technical brief and fee estimate that you approve or not — no obligation.
+Are permits and authorisations included in the fee?
Our fee covers coordination with authorities and file preparation. Permit fees (city hall, environment, fire, etc.) are paid by you, separately. We centralise them in a permit budget annex, so you know exactly what's coming.
TEAM & EXECUTION
+Who specifically handles my project?
For each project we assign a PM (project manager) who is your single point of contact, plus a senior architect responsible for design and a mid or junior architect on drawings. For large projects we add assistant PM and resident architect on site.
+Do you coordinate construction or only design?
We also coordinate execution (technical assistance) if you choose the full package. We visit the site weekly, validate details, intervene when deviations arise. We are not contractors — we don't build — but we are alongside you in the relationship with builders.
+Do you recommend a contractor or work with one I choose?
We can do both. We have a shortlist of contractors we've worked with and recommend. But if you already have a builder, we work with them — we integrate them into the process.
GEOGRAPHY & PROJECT TYPE
+Do you work nationwide?
Yes. The studio is in Bucharest but we have projects across Romania — from Maramureș to the Danube Delta, see the map on the homepage. For distant projects we use hybrid model: intensive visits at key phases + digital communication between.
+Do you only work residential or also public/commercial?
All. 35% public/institutional, 30% residential, 20% commercial/hospitality, 15% industrial. Our team has experience across all these types.
+Do you work for small projects (under 200 sqm)?
Yes, but it needs to be a good fit — small projects require the same rigour as large ones, so the percentage cost is higher. For apartments under 100 sqm we recommend ARTEMA Concept (interior fit-outs) instead of the full package.
DIDN'T FIND THE ANSWER?
Ask us directly.
We respond within one business day. No question too small.
office@artateliers.ro