Turnkey Provider - Initial Orientation

Dear forum,
I have been reading here for a while, have already made a few comments, and now have a question about our basic approach and hope for your help.

1. The plot is purchased, we want to build a single-family house, about 190 sqm.
2. We thought going to the architect would be the first step, but it went badly for us, the relationship is destroyed, preliminary drafts are unusable for us.
3. After the bad experience, we did not go to the next architect—instead, I started to read here in this forum about how others do it.
4. We chose three regional turnkey providers (solid and wood construction) whose info and phone contact appealed to us.
5. We had an appointment with all three—always the same pattern. I ask if I have to find an architect. They say no—they ask what we imagine and then want to develop a design with their architect and make an offer.

Now my question:
I actually find it "strange" that several companies are now developing their own architectural designs and already put this work in after just one meeting without being sure of the contract. Is that common? I always asked if I have to pay for this, but that is included in the price if I award the construction contract.
What can go wrong? Will I be pressured to award afterwards? Do they then want the planning service to be paid if I walk away?
How do you do it—I don’t need a new design worked out at every meeting right away...
Or is that just usual...

Thanks and best regards
Gerddieter

What you receive is presented very individually and yet usually comes from a drawer. Don’t let yourself be lulled into that. An architectural design that is truly made for you costs money.

First of all, you should tell us something about yourself. Make this thread your introduction thread and fill out the questionnaire that you will find pinned at the top of the floor plan section. Then tell us about your property (building development plan, cadastral map section / aerial photo / photos), because without an idea of the property, it is not possible to assess how necessary a freelance architect would be to manage these conditions. The so-called "line workers" here labeled as such, narrow-scope building application document preparers, are exactly sufficient when you, your property, AND your building development plan do not have special requirements. From your first name (?), I boldly speculate that you might even be a few years older than I am and therefore already have some living experience. What are your building motives, and above all: what of all this has been asked of you before you were told that solutions were already being considered?

You will only be allowed to view any drafts, but not copy or take them with you. That will only be possible after signing.

You will only be allowed to look at any drafts, but not to copy or take them with you. That only happens after signing.

Well, not necessarily. We were allowed to take the plans with us, even though we ultimately decided against this company. As mentioned above, the plans are usually "all from the same drawer."

So it's not as much work behind it as one might think. Above all, you don't immediately get a finished submission plan, but only rough drafts.

You will only be allowed to look at any drafts, but not copy or take them with you. That is only possible after signing.

That is not true in general. We obtained offers from 2 regional "turnkey providers" (1 timber, 1 solid). In both cases, the drafts were free of charge, we even received them by email and were allowed to make one free adjustment each. Further changes or alternative drafts would then have been chargeable. Offers were then calculated based on the drafts.