Trouble with architect's bill for planned construction project

The input thread reminds me why I no longer do business with private individuals without a personal reference. Such strange things happen there.

Numbers and check off - I know what I'm talking about... A decent architect would have dismissed it as acquisition and been happy if you came back with it at some point... now the lady has just disqualified herself... GD

Who orders pays. Where do you get something for free.

Maybe she sacrificed a workday because of you, where she could have earned money elsewhere.

I'll put it this way. Some work is free of charge, some is in vain. In this case, the latter applies.

Well, the architect was commissioned by you to check whether the desired project can be realized. That is different from "an order to submit an offer." I do think she could have said how much such a commission would cost, but you hired her. A contract does not require written form to be concluded. In this respect, I find the behavior of the architect (did she really put you in default immediately?) not entirely appropriate, but she will be within her rights.

5 hours do not seem like much, travel times etc. certainly also occurred.

The architect does not run a commercial business but works freelance. She will not carry out an inspection commission for free - that is how the lady makes a living - a lawyer would not do that either.