Put a project out to tender and get architects’ quotes online
On Architektonik you put your building project out to tender once and do not have to approach each practice separately. Vetted architecture practices apply under seal for the same scope of services, and you compare the applications side by side. For clients it is free of charge.
Why a tender takes less effort
Collecting quotes one by one means explaining the project to every practice, sending documents and answering questions. The quotes then come back in different forms: one practice quotes up to the building permit, another up to commissioning. That makes the amounts hard to compare. In a tender you set the scope once, and every application has the same structure.
How to put your project out to tender
- —Register as a client. The account is free.
- —Enter the project with a title, location, estimated construction budget and an outline description. Details on the plot or the existing building help practices assess the task.
- —Choose the scope of services: you decide which SIA 112 sub-phases the practices quote for. What each phase covers is explained in the article comparing architects’ fee quotes.
- —Upload a detailed description and up to ten documents if needed, such as plans or photos (PDF, ZIP, PNG or JPG, 4 MB each at most).
- —Submit the tender with a deadline of no more than 60 days. Architektonik reviews it within 24 hours. Once approved, the auction goes live.
What practices see
- —All vetted practices see the public details: title, location, estimated construction budget, outline description, plot details and scope of services. Leave plot numbers and other details that identify your site out of the public part.
- —Only practices taking part in your auction see the detailed description and the documents.
- —Your name, contact details and the exact address are disclosed only to the practice you award the commission to.
- —Practices see neither the others’ fees nor how many have applied.
What an application contains
Each practice describes its approach to the task, states a possible start date and the project lead, and quotes its fee excluding VAT for the set scope. It can revise its application until the deadline. The fee is an indicative quote. Only the contract you sign directly with the practice after the award is binding. If you wish, you receive an email for every new application.
Comparing and awarding
The comparison view shows the applications side by side. You rate each practice’s suitability and approach and decide how much fee, suitability, approach and timing count. Practices do not see your rating. When the deadline has passed, you decide freely on the award and are not obliged to accept any application.
Which projects it suits
A tender suits private clients, investors and developers who want to compare several practices for a new build or a conversion. Above the statutory thresholds, public contracting authorities must tender under procurement law on simap.ch. If you want to compare designs, an architectural competition is the better procedure. The differences are set out in the comparison of award procedures. How to prepare is described in the articles on conversions and single-family houses.
Frequently asked questions
What does tendering cost?
Nothing for clients. Architecture practices pay for taking part; the amounts are listed under Pricing.
Do I have to award the commission?
No. When the deadline has passed, you decide freely and may also accept no application at all.
Who finds out who I am?
Only the practice that wins the award. Until then your name, contact details and the exact address stay confidential.
How long does it take?
The review of the tender takes no more than 24 hours. You set the submission deadline yourself, up to 60 days.