General terms and conditions

1. Scope and provider

These general terms and conditions (terms) govern the use of the platform «Architektonik» (hereinafter «platform»), operated by RAMSEIER VERLAG, Feldmoosstrasse 1, 8853 Lachen (hereinafter «provider»).

By registering and using the platform, users (clients/investors as well as architecture practices and developers, together «users») accept these terms. Deviating terms of users apply only with the express written consent of the provider.

2. Services of the platform

The platform brokers building projects: clients and investors tender projects, and vetted architecture practices and developers apply with a structured application (including approach and an indicative fee quote). For this purpose, the provider supplies the technical infrastructure and the review and auction procedure.

The provider is a pure brokerage platform and does not become a party to the planning or work contracts concluded between client and practice. There is no entitlement to the conclusion of a contract or to a particular outcome of the procedure.

3. Registration and review

Use requires an account. Users provide truthful and complete information and keep their access data secret.

Accounts and tenders are reviewed by the provider before activation (guideline: 24 hours). The provider may refuse admission or approval without giving reasons.

4. Application

Every tender runs with a fixed submission deadline. The client defines the tendered scope of services according to the sub-phases of the SIA 112 standard. Architecture practices submit a structured application: approach to the task, possible start, project lead and an indicative fee quote for the tendered scope of services (excluding VAT), plus optional remarks. The applications are visible only to the client who issued the tender and to the provider; competitors do not see the applications of other practices.

The indicative fee quote is based on the information available in the tender and is not binding; only the contract concluded between the parties after the award is binding. One application applies per practice and auction; submitting again before the deadline replaces the previous one.

The client can weight and rate the applications in a comparison view. This rating serves the client as a decision aid, is not visible to the practices and does not establish any entitlement to the award.

5. Award and conclusion of contract

After the deadline, the client decides freely on the award; the client is not obliged to accept any application at all. The award is documented via the platform.

The actual planning or work contract is concluded directly between the client and the selected practice. The identity and contact details of the client remain confidential until the award and are disclosed only to the selected practice.

6. Prices and payment

The prices shown on the pricing page at the time of booking apply. Currently: architecture practices pay CHF 39.90 per auction entry or a subscription (Atelier CHF 149.90/month, Maison on request). Clients use the platform free of charge.

All prices are exclusive of the statutory value added tax of 8.1 % (VAT no. CHE-368.323.618 MWST). Payment is made via the payment service provider Stripe.

Subscriptions can be cancelled monthly via the customer portal. One-off entry or tender fees are due on booking and are non-refundable; a revised resubmission of a tender that has already been paid for is free of charge.

7. Confidentiality

Confidential project details (exact address, detailed description, documents) and the identity of the client are disclosed only to the extent provided for. Users undertake not to use confidential information received via the platform for other purposes or to make it accessible to third parties.

8. Obligations of users

Users undertake not to misuse the platform, not to post unlawful content and to respect the rights of third parties. In the event of violations, the provider may remove content and block or delete accounts.

9. Availability

The provider strives for operation with as few interruptions as possible but does not owe any particular availability. Maintenance work, disruptions or changes to the range of functions remain reserved.

10. Liability

To the extent permitted by law, the provider's liability is limited to intent and gross negligence. Liability for slight negligence, for indirect or consequential damage and for the conclusion, content and performance of contracts concluded between users is excluded.

11. Data protection

The provider processes personal data in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) and exclusively for the operation of the platform. Users can delete their account themselves at any time; payment records that must be kept by law are retained in anonymised form. Details are set out in the privacy policy.

12. Changes to the terms

The provider may amend these terms at any time. The version valid at the time of use applies. Users will be informed in an appropriate manner of material changes.

13. Applicable law and place of jurisdiction

Swiss law applies exclusively, excluding conflict-of-law rules and the UN Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. The exclusive place of jurisdiction is Lachen (canton of Schwyz), unless mandatory statutory provisions provide for another place of jurisdiction.

14. Final provisions

Should individual provisions of these terms be wholly or partly invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions is not affected. The invalid provision is replaced by a rule that comes closest to its economic purpose.