Single-family house, approximately 160m², Bauhaus style; first draft according to our wishes

hmm I’m not entirely familiar, but there are also contracts made by handshake, without written form. At least that’s the case in labor law. For such contracts, the Building Code simply applies. What is probably questionable is what was agreed upon. A one-time consultation is different from having already had 5 appointments.

a) there was no written offer,

it is not necessary.

b) no signature for contract acceptance

it is not necessary

c) all drafts were not as we wanted them,

that is also not necessary. I was clear to me that you have to pay. That is why I also expressed my concerns.

not necessary.

not necessary

also not required.

I was clear that you have to pay. That’s why I also pointed out my concerns.

Are you sure? Then any architect can create designs that are not based on the wishes or requirements of the clients and then present such an invoice.

I just spoke with legal protection and received the following advice from a lawyer who apparently knows about architects’ law.

I quote:
- Invoice: no legal basis, no contract, reject invoice as having no legal basis
- Without an approvable design, no service contract, therefore no claim to a fee
- If the design is approvable, then fee, otherwise not, based on gross construction sum (which does not exist yet...)
- The only thing he can get: material expenses (printer, paper, postage...)

Well, I'm curious about that...

Well, I'm curious...

I read that this doesn't seem to be a realistic project?!

I have not followed the process with you completely. How did you find your architect? It seems a flat rate was agreed upon (is there any basis for this?). How is the invoice itemized?