Architect in LinzFrequently asked questions

A building application (Baueinreichung) is the formal request to the responsible municipality or city authority (Magistrat) through which a building project is submitted to the building authority.

Depending on the project, various drawings and documents are required for this. The drawings must be prepared by an authorised professional who is responsible for their accuracy and completeness.

The building authority then checks whether the planned project complies with the applicable building regulations.

In short: with a building application, your planned project is officially submitted to the building authority and reviewed as part of the building procedure.

I make sure that the drawings and documents required for your project are professionally prepared and compiled.

Not every building project requires an architect.

Whether your project needs application drawings and which documents are required depends on the type and size of your project. A new build, a larger conversion or an extension usually requires appropriate planning and a building application.

Smaller projects, such as small garden sheds or carports, are sometimes subject to different rules.

Preparing the application and the associated drawings requires an authorised professional. As an architect and a state-authorised and sworn chartered architect (Ziviltechnikerin), I am entitled to do so.

But good architecture does not start with the building application. I support you from your very first considerations: How can I make good use of my plot? How can the rooms be arranged sensibly? What suits my needs and my budget? And how does it all come together as a coherent whole?

So you do not need to know in advance what is permitted under building law or what your house should look like. We will work that out together.

A building project is a major investment and involves many decisions. An architect helps turn your wishes into a well-thought-out solution that suits you.

• Independent advice: I am not tied to any particular manufacturer or construction company and can advise you independently.
• Well-considered planning: Together we consider how rooms can be arranged sensibly, how the plot can be used to best effect and which solution suits your needs.
• Keeping an eye on costs: Good planning helps you make decisions early, estimate costs and avoid unnecessary expenses.
• Individual solutions: Your house or flat should suit you and your everyday life. So it is not about adopting a standard solution, but about developing the one that is right for you.
• Design and function: Good architecture combines both. Spaces should work well, feel good and bring joy in the long term.

In short: an architect brings together experience, expertise and an independent perspective. This turns your ideas into a coherent whole, and many individual decisions into a well-thought-out project.

In short: a Ziviltechnikerin is a state-authorised and sworn expert for planning, consulting and expert assessment.

The profession is regulated by law in Austria. As a Ziviltechnikerin, I work independently and bear responsibility for my professional work. I am a member of the Chamber of Ziviltechniker:innen.

For you, this means above all: you can rely on qualified, independent and responsible planning.

As early as possible, as soon as you have first concrete thoughts about your project. The earlier planning begins, the better important decisions can be taken into account from the start.

Together we can clarify what possibilities your plot or building offers, which wishes can be realised and what you should look out for in your project.

You do not need to have finished ideas. Often a project starts with a first idea or the question: What could I make of this plot or this building?

The first meeting is free and without obligation. We discuss your project, your wishes and first ideas and work out together how to proceed.

We meet at my office in Linz, on site at your property or online. Anything you already have is helpful: photos, plans of the existing building, plot details or first ideas.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, because a small conversion is something different from a complete new build. What matters is the size of the project and which services you need.

In Austria, architects are free to set their fees. In practice, the fee is often based on the net construction costs and the scope of the planning services.

Net construction costs are the pure costs of constructing the building, excluding VAT. Costs for the plot, fees, furnishings or the architect's fee itself are not included.

As a rough guide, the costs for preliminary design, design and building application can amount to around 3–5 % of the net construction costs. This is a guideline value. Depending on the size, complexity and specific requirements of the project, the fee may differ.

An example: if the net construction costs are € 500,000, 3–5 % amounts to roughly € 15,000–25,000 net.

In addition, there may be costs for further documents such as surveying or structural engineering, as well as fees charged by the building authority.

After a free, no-obligation first meeting you will receive a transparent quotation for your specific project. It clearly shows which services are included and which fee is agreed for them.

My office is in Linz, but I also plan in the surrounding area. This includes, among others, Leonding, Traun, Ansfelden, Pasching, Hörsching, Asten, St. Florian, Enns, Gallneukirchen, Engerwitzdorf, Pregarten, Perg, Mauthausen, St. Georgen an der Gusen, Ottensheim, Freistadt, Wels, Marchtrenk, Eferding, Grieskirchen, Steyr, Sierning, Bad Hall and Kremsmünster. Of course, I am also happy to support you with building projects in other parts of Upper Austria or anywhere in Austria.

That depends on the project. The Upper Austrian Building Code distinguishes between projects that require a permit, projects that must be notified and projects that are exempt. I am happy to clarify with you which applies to yours.

That varies by municipality and project. Complete, well-coordinated documents go a long way towards a swift procedure.