FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARCHITECTURE & ALTBAU RENOVATION

What kind of architecture projects does HAA&D work on? HAA&D works across residential, hospitality, and urban projects — from single-apartment renovations to multi-unit residential buildings and mixed-use schemes. The studio has particular depth in Berlin Altbau renovation, adaptive reuse of existing structures, and minimalist new-build interiors. Projects typically range from 60 m² apartments to buildings of several thousand square metres, with clients including private owners, investors, and institutional developers across Germany and Europe.

What is special about renovating a Berlin Altbau — and why does it need an architect? Berlin Altbau — pre-war buildings typically constructed between 1870 and 1940 — present a specific set of structural, regulatory, and material conditions that newer buildings do not. Ceiling heights of 3.5 m or more, load-bearing masonry walls, original wood-beam floors, and protected plasterwork are all common. Many Altbau properties in Berlin also fall within Milieuschutzgebiete (social preservation zones) or under partial Denkmalschutz (monument protection), which restrict what changes can be made without permit. An architect familiar with Berlin's regulatory environment can navigate permit processes, coordinate with structural engineers and heritage authorities, and ensure the renovation enhances — rather than damages — the building's original character. HAA&D has direct experience with Altbau renovation across Prenzlauer Berg, Mitte, Charlottenburg, and Friedrichshain.

Can HAA&D handle building permits and technical planning in Berlin? Yes. The studio manages the full permit process — from concept and design development through Bauantrag submission, coordination with structural engineers, fire safety planners, and the relevant Bezirksamt. HAA&D is registered as a Freischaffende Architektin and can sign off on submissions that require a licensed architect in Germany. For projects in monument-protected buildings, the studio also liaises directly with the Untere Denkmalschutzbehörde. 

What does an architect cost for a renovation in Berlin? Architectural fees for renovation work in Germany are governed by the HOAI and scale with the construction value and the scope of Leistungsphasen engaged. For a full residential renovation with construction costs between €150,000 and €400,000, architectural fees for Lph 1–8 typically fall in the range of €18,000–€60,000 net depending on complexity and whether heritage considerations apply. HAA&D also offers partial-service agreements for clients who need specific phases only. Every project begins with a free initial consultation to scope the right service model.

How early should I involve an architect in a purchase or renovation? As early as possible — ideally before you sign a purchase contract. A short pre-purchase consultation with HAA&D can identify structural constraints, estimate realistic construction costs, flag permit risks in Milieuschutz or Denkmalschutz areas, and give you a grounded picture of what a property can actually become. HAA&D offers paid pre-purchase consultations and can accompany clients to viewings when needed.

Do you work outside Berlin or internationally? HAA&D is Berlin-based and takes the majority of projects within Berlin and the wider German market. International projects are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on project scale and the feasibility of on-site coordination. The studio has active international project experience and a network of local collaborators in several European markets. 

INTERIOR DESIGN & RENOVATION

What does an interior design service from HAA&D include? HAA&D's interior design service covers the complete spatial concept: layout planning, material and finish specification, custom storage and furniture design, lighting layout, and coordination of all trades and suppliers through to completion. Lighting, materials, built-ins, and art are considered together rather than layered in separately at the end — the result is a space with cohesion that reflects the client's lifestyle, not a showroom floor plan.

Do you only work on high-end or luxury projects? HAA&D works with clients across a range of budgets, with residential renovation projects typically starting from around €80,000 in construction cost. What the studio looks for is not a budget threshold but a clear brief, a serious commitment to quality, and a willingness to engage in a real design process.

Can you design and renovate an apartment I'm planning to rent or sell? Yes. HAA&D regularly works with private investors on residential properties in Berlin being prepared for the rental or resale market. The studio can advise on which interventions offer the best return on investment and manage the full renovation process including contractor tendering and site oversight.

How long does an interior renovation in Berlin take? For a full apartment renovation (60–120 m²) the design and planning phase typically takes 6–10 weeks, and construction runs 10–16 weeks depending on scope. Projects involving permit applications add 4–10 weeks for approval before construction can begin. HAA&D provides a detailed project timeline at the close of the design phase. 

LIGHTING DESIGN

What does a lighting design service from HAA&D include? HAA&D's lighting service covers the full scope from electrical layout planning to fixture specification and supply. The studio produces a room-by-room lighting plan with lux calculations referenced to DIN EN 12464 standards, circuit and switch zoning, and a curated selection of fixtures sourced through HAA&D SELECT. The service is designed for projects where lighting is a design element, not a finishing afterthought.

Can you do lighting design without taking on the full interior project? Yes. HAA&D offers lighting as a standalone service for clients who already have an interior designer or architect in place but want specialist lighting planning. The deliverable is a complete electrical layout, fixture schedule, and switch/dimmer zoning plan — ready for submission to an electrician.

Where do the fixtures come from — can I buy them through you? HAA&D SELECT is the studio's product sourcing division, operating with trade-access pricing and a curated inventory of lighting from established European manufacturers and smaller artisan makers not widely distributed. Clients can procure specified fixtures directly through SELECT at haad-select.com. 

PROCESS: FROM DESIGN TO EXECUTION

How does a project with HAA&D begin? Every project starts with an initial consultation — a structured conversation about the brief, the property, the budget, and the timeline. This can take place in person in Berlin or remotely. Following the consultation, HAA&D provides a written fee proposal specifying the service scope, applicable HOAI phases or fixed/hourly fee structure, and the project timeline. There is no obligation at the consultation stage.

Do you manage contractors and construction on site? Yes, when engaged for site supervision (HOAI Leistungsphase 8). HAA&D coordinates contractor tendering, reviews quotes, manages the construction schedule, conducts site visits, and handles defect documentation and final handover. Clients who want design services only can also receive a complete design package for their own contractor to execute.

Can I work with HAA&D remotely if I'm not based in Berlin? Yes. A significant share of HAA&D's clients are not Berlin-based — many are investors managing properties in Germany from abroad. Design and planning phases can be conducted entirely remotely. Site visits and construction supervision for Berlin projects are handled locally by the studio regardless of where the client is based. 

SUSTAINABILITY & ADAPTIVE REUSE

How does HAA&D approach sustainability in renovation projects? Sustainability at HAA&D starts with the existing fabric. Wherever possible the studio favours retaining and upgrading existing structures over demolition and replacement — lower in embodied carbon and often better for the character of the space. Material selection prioritises longevity and repairability over short-term finish trends.

Can you advise on energy retrofitting a Berlin Altbau? Yes, with the context that Altbau retrofitting in Berlin has specific constraints — particularly for buildings under Denkmalschutz where external insulation may not be permitted. HAA&D advises on viable interventions: internal wall insulation, window upgrades, controlled ventilation, and heating optimisation. The studio coordinates with certified Energieberater and can support KfW BEG funding applications where the project scope qualifies.

CUSTOM PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS

Do you design custom furniture or built-in storage? Yes. Custom storage and furniture design is a consistent thread across HAA&D's projects — from floor-to-ceiling library walls and integrated kitchen joinery to bespoke bed frames and workspace solutions. Custom pieces are designed in the studio and produced through a network of Berlin and German craftspeople.

Do you work on hospitality projects — hotels, restaurants, or short-term rentals? Yes. HAA&D has experience in hospitality design including boutique hotels, residential-to-hospitality conversions, and premium short-term rental fit-outs. For investors developing properties for the short-term rental or boutique hotel market in Berlin or internationally, HAA&D can provide end-to-end design and coordination services.

Do you work with other architects or interior designers? HAA&D is open to professional collaborations — particularly for lighting design or product specification on projects led by another practice, or urban design consultation for a development team. Enquiries from other professionals are welcome.