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Architect in Zurich
Atelier Baumann is a small architecture practice in Zurich's Kreis 4. I am Rafael Baumann, an architect and trained carpenter. We design conversions, extensions and houses in timber. And we know how to build them. The first conversation is free.
An architect should make your project better, not more complicated. That is why we start with the house, not the design. What carries, what is good, what has to go? Only then do we draw.
With us you have one contact from the first conversation to the handover. Rafael knows the building site first-hand. You notice that in the details and in the costs.
What we design as architects
Conversion and renovation
The largest part of our work. Old buildings, family homes, flats. We plan so that as much of the existing building as possible stays.
Renovation in Zurich →Extensions and added storeys
More space without a new plot. Usually in timber, because it is light and goes up quickly. We first check what the building code allows.
Planning an extension →Farmhouse and barn
Converting farm buildings into homes. Every detail counts here, from the permit to the old beam.
Converting a farmhouse →Interiors
Kitchen, bathroom, built-ins, stairs. We draw the details ourselves because we know how they are built.
Interiors in Zurich →Planning application and permit
Drawings, evidence, contact with the municipality. We submit the application and follow it through until the permit is granted.
Building permits in the canton of Zurich →Architect and carpenter in one person
Most architecture practices design, others build. Time, money and knowledge get lost in between. With us that gap disappears where timber is concerned. Roof structure, added storey, interior fit-out: what we draw, we can also build ourselves.
For all other trades we obtain quotes from craftspeople we have worked with before. More about our timber work is on the page carpentry in Zurich.
How we work
- 1
First conversation
You tell us what you have in mind. We look at the house and tell you honestly what is possible. Free of charge.
- 2
Study and cost frame
First sketches and a rough cost estimate. Afterwards you know whether the project is worth it.
- 3
Design and permit
We develop the design and submit the planning application. You decide at every step.
- 4
Execution and site management
We obtain quotes, run the site and do the final handover with you. We often build the timber work ourselves.
Projects
An architect shows in what has been built. A selection:
- Woven urban fabric in green surroundings, Zurich →
- Urban timber construction today, Zurich →
- Conversion in a hamlet, Wagen SG →
- Living in a barn, Giswil →
- See all projects →
Frequently asked questions
What does an architect cost in Zurich?
For a whole project including design and site management, expect around 10 to 15 percent of the construction cost. For conversions, rather towards the top. Advice and small jobs are billed by the hour, usually CHF 120 to 180. The full picture is in what an architect costs.
Is an architect worth it for a small renovation?
Often yes. As soon as walls come down, the roof is touched or a permit is needed, good planning saves more than it costs. For a new kitchen without structural changes you do not need an architect. We will tell you that too.
What is different about an architect who is a carpenter?
Rafael first trained as a carpenter for four years and worked on building sites, then studied architecture. He plans nothing that cannot be built properly. For timber work, the interface between drawing and workshop disappears.
Do you also design new builds and family homes?
Yes, mainly in timber. Our focus, however, is on working with existing buildings: conversion, extension, added storeys. That is where the combination of design and craft brings the most.
Which municipalities do you work in?
In the city of Zurich, on the right shore of the lake, in the Glatt valley and in the Zurich Oberland. Uster and the surrounding area have a page of their own. If a project fits, we travel further.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
You will get a reply within two working days. We then arrange the site visit directly with you.
Let us talk about your project
Describe in two sentences what you have in mind. Photos are welcome, by email or WhatsApp. We will get back to you within two working days.