Frequently asked questions

A bespoke house design is created from scratch, taking into account the investor's needs, the characteristics of the plot, the development conditions and the architectural assumptions. It allows the form of the building, the layout of rooms, the glazing, the façade materials and the functional solutions to be matched to individual expectations.

Adapting a ready-made design means adjusting a chosen catalogue design to a specific plot, the applicable requirements and the investor's needs, to the extent permitted by law and technically.

A bespoke design gives greater freedom in shaping the architecture, while adaptation may be the right solution if a ready-made design matches the assumptions of the investment. At ARPIT we help determine which path will be right after analysing the investor's needs and the conditions of the plot.

We usually prepare a bespoke design up to the building permit application in 2–3 months (8–12 weeks). The time depends on the size and complexity of the house, the number of changes at the concept stage and the availability of plot documents. Obtaining the permit itself is a separate stage that depends on the office. We agree a detailed schedule after a conversation.

We do not have a single fixed price. A quote is always individual, because it depends on the investor's requirements, the standard, the size and complexity of the house, the plot and the scope of work.

The quote is also affected by whether the cooperation covers an architectural concept, a building design, technical or construction documentation, specialist designs, the coordination of studies and additional services, such as author's supervision.

We prepare a free initial quote after a conversation in which we learn the assumptions of the investment, the investor's expectations and the planned scope of the study. To receive it, contact the studio and present basic information about the planned house and the plot.

The investor receives the building design – the plot development design, the architectural and construction design and the technical design – together with specialist designs (structure, installations) and the final and binding building permit. Additional studies, e.g. construction documentation, are agreed individually.

Yes, ARPIT carries out projects of single-family houses, villas and residences, matching the architecture to the investor's needs, the characteristics of the plot and the aesthetic assumptions of the investment.

Designing larger and more individual buildings requires taking into account not only the functional layout, but also the proportions of the form, the composition of the façades, the relationship with the garden, the daylighting of the interiors and the choice of materials.

We agree the scope of the project individually, depending on the scale of the building and the investor's expectations. People interested in cooperation can contact the studio, present their assumptions and discuss the possibilities of carrying out the project.

Yes. After agreement with the studio, the concept can be a separate commission. It covers the layout of rooms, the form, the elevations and the position of the house on the plot, which makes it possible to assess the architectural direction before deciding on further stages. We agree the scope and the quote individually.

As standard, a bespoke design includes:

• a concept
• a building design
• a technical design
• specialist designs (structure, installations)
• approvals
• submitting the building permit application
• supplements to the application
• seeing the process through to a final and binding building permit.

Additional services are agreed individually during our conversation.

Before the first meeting it is worth preparing basic information about the plot, including its parcel number, a map or available surveying materials, and an extract and drawing from the local spatial development plan or the development conditions decision, if they have been obtained. Information about the planned floor area of the house, the number of rooms, the needs of the household members and the assumed budget will also be helpful. Architectural inspirations and examples of preferred solutions will let us better understand the investor's expectations and start work on the concept more efficiently.

Yes. One of the most important advantages of a bespoke design is the possibility of adjusting the architecture to the investor's lifestyle, needs and preferences. This concerns, among other things, the functional layout, the size and height of rooms, the placement of glazing, the relationship of the building with the garden and the materials and architectural details used. All the solutions are at the same time analysed in terms of the conditions of the plot, formal requirements, functionality and technical possibilities.

As a rule, we do not design interiors or gardens. The standard scope covers the design of the house up to a final and binding building permit, including the required plot development design. If the investor wishes, we can prepare an interior or garden design in cooperation with designers specialising in those fields – we agree the scope individually.

Yes, a bespoke design makes it possible to take into account the specific conditions of the plot, such as an irregular shape, a significant slope, a limited building area or special planning requirements. In such cases we analyse the possibilities of placing the building and choose architectural solutions appropriate to the local conditions. The final scope of possible solutions depends on the regulations, technical conditions and the results of the necessary analyses.

Adapting a ready-made house design means adjusting a catalogue design to a specific plot, local conditions and the formal and technical requirements of the planned investment.

As part of the adaptation, a licensed architect prepares the documentation to the required scope, taking into account, among other things, the provisions of the local spatial development plan or the development conditions decision, the parameters of the plot and the conditions of carrying out the building.

The scope of adaptation depends on the chosen design, the location and the planned changes. At ARPIT we help determine what adjustments will be needed before work begins.

The scope of adapting a ready-made house design depends on the characteristics of the plot, the chosen design and the requirements of the specific investment.

The work may include preparing the site development design, adjusting the documentation to local conditions, verifying the design solutions and preparing changes resulting from ground conditions, technical requirements or the investor's needs.

Depending on the situation, additional studies concerning the structure, the foundation of the building and the installations may also be necessary. Before the adaptation begins, we determine the scope of the required work and documentation.

To adapt a ready-made house design, you need documents that make it possible to assess the building possibilities of the plot and to adjust the design to the specific investment.

Depending on the situation, these will be:

• the ready-made house design with the required documentation
• a map for design purposes
• a local spatial development plan or a development conditions decision, as appropriate to the planning situation
• information about ground conditions and, if necessary, geotechnical investigations
• information and documents concerning the possibility of connecting utilities, if required for the given study.

We establish the exact list of materials after a preliminary analysis of the plot and the design. If not all the documents are available yet, we can indicate which ones should be obtained and at what stage they will be needed.

Yes, a ready-made house design can be adjusted to the investor's needs and the conditions of the plot, provided that the planned changes are admissible legally, technically and structurally.

The changes may concern, among other things, the layout of rooms, the location or dimensions of windows, façade materials, structural solutions or the appearance of the building. The scope of possible modifications depends on the specific design, the impact of the changes on safety and compliance with the regulations, and the copyright conditions concerning the documentation.

At ARPIT we analyse the planned changes before work starts and establish which studies and approvals will be needed. This makes it possible to set the real scope of the adaptation and prepare an appropriate quote.

The cost of adaptation depends on the chosen design, the plot and the scope of changes. We send the adaptation price list by e-mail – write or call and we will send it together with information on which documents we need. A simple adaptation usually takes several weeks, and longer if there are structural changes or additional studies. We give the exact time after reviewing the design and the plot documents.

Request the adaptation price list

Yes. A consultation with an architect before buying a ready-made design makes it possible to assess whether the chosen building can be built on a specific plot. Among other things, we analyse the provisions of the local spatial development plan or the development conditions decision, the parameters of the plot and the possibilities of placing the building. This helps reduce the risk of buying a design that will require far-reaching changes or turn out to be unsuitable for the planned investment.

Yes, in many cases this is possible. The scope of adjustment depends on the dimensions and shape of the plot, the required distances from its boundaries, the planning provisions and the parameters of the chosen building. We analyse the possibilities of placing the house and assess whether the necessary changes can be introduced as part of the adaptation. Where there are significant constraints, we present possible design solutions.

Yes. Depending on the scope of adaptation, it is possible to adjust the colours, finishing materials and selected façade elements to the investor's individual preferences. You can consider, among other things, different cladding, a different colour of the joinery or modifying selected architectural details. Every change must take into account the design documentation, the formal requirements and any consents of the design's author.

Yes, the adaptation takes into account adjusting the foundation solutions to the identified ground and water conditions, to the extent required for the specific investment. The assessment is based on the available information about the subsoil and, where necessary, on geotechnical investigations. If conditions on the plot differ from the assumptions made in the catalogue design, structural changes may need to be prepared by a licensed designer of the appropriate speciality.

In many cases yes, but the possibility of introducing such changes depends on the structure of the building, the technical solutions adopted and planning provisions. Changing the pitch angle of the roof, its geometry or the type of covering may require redesigning selected structural elements and carrying out appropriate calculations. Before starting work, we assess the admissibility of the planned modifications and their impact on the scope of the documentation and the cost of the adaptation.

Yes. Depending on the specifics of the plot, the scope of changes and the formal requirements, additional studies may be needed, for example geotechnical documentation, structural changes, installation designs or other specialist studies. We determine their scope after analysing the documentation and the conditions for carrying out the investment. If such a need arises, we inform the investor about the required work and the related costs.

We begin cooperation by getting to know the chosen design, the documents concerning the plot and the investor's expectations. Then we establish the scope of the necessary adjustments and possible changes, prepare a quote and set the expected completion date. After the scope of work is agreed, we prepare the adaptation documentation, taking into account the formal requirements, local conditions and the agreed design solutions. The scope of cooperation is established individually for each investment.

Yes. As part of the standard scope of a bespoke design we prepare the documentation, obtain the required approvals, submit the building permit application, respond to the office's requests for supplements and see the case through to a final and binding building permit.

Starting a bespoke house design requires above all information about the plot, the planned investment and the needs of the future residents.

At the initial stage it is worth preparing data on the location of the plot, its parcel number, the available planning documents and basic assumptions about the house, such as the expected area, the number of rooms, the architectural style and the expected standard.

As work progresses, you may also need, among other things, a map for design purposes, information about ground conditions, documents concerning access to technical infrastructure and other materials required for the specific investment.

At ARPIT we help establish what information and documents should be prepared at the individual stages. Their exact list depends on the plot, the scope of the study and the formal situation of the investment.

Whether a house can be built on a given plot depends, among other things, on the provisions of the local spatial development plan or, if no plan applies, on the possibility of obtaining a development conditions decision. The parameters of the plot, access to a public road, the possibilities of providing utilities, environmental conditions and ground conditions are also important.

Before buying a plot or starting to design, it is worth analysing the available documents and checking what restrictions may affect the location, size and form of the building.

ARPIT can help determine the scope of the necessary analysis after reviewing the location of the plot and the available materials. We establish the scope and nature of such an assessment individually.

A local spatial development plan (MPZP) is an act of local law that sets out the rules for developing a given area, including, among other things, the land use of plots and selected parameters and conditions of development.

If no MPZP applies to an area, a development conditions decision (WZ) may in certain cases be the basis for determining the possibility of building. The possibility of obtaining it depends on meeting the requirements arising from the regulations.

Both documents matter when planning a house, because they may determine or limit, among other things, the placement of the building, its dimensions, the geometry of the roof and the way the plot is developed. Before starting the project, it is worth establishing which document applies to the specific property and what conditions result from it.

In a typical single-family house case the following are submitted:

• the building permit application
• the plot development design and the architectural and construction design
• a statement of the right to dispose of the property for construction purposes
• a decision on development conditions (if there is no local plan for the plot)
• approvals and opinions, where required by the regulations for the given investment.

The exact set depends on the plot and the investment. As part of a bespoke design we put these documents together and submit the application.

See the document checklist

The office has a statutory 65 days to issue a decision from the submission of a complete application. This period does not include, among other things, the time needed to supplement documents at the office's request. The decision becomes final when nobody appeals against it within 14 days of delivery. The actual timing also depends on the approvals required for the specific investment.

Yes. Based on the location and plot number we check, among other things, the provisions of the local zoning plan or the possibility of obtaining development conditions, the dimensions and shape of the plot, access to the road and the possible position of the house. An initial assessment helps identify restrictions and risks before the decision to buy. We agree the scope of the analysis after a conversation.

How much house fits on your plot?

Yes. The analysis of the plot is an important element of preparing a bespoke design. We check the available information about its dimensions, shape, terrain, access to the road and the conditions resulting from the local spatial development plan or the development conditions decision. We also take into account the possibilities of placing the building, its orientation relative to the points of the compass and the view potential of the plot. This makes it possible to develop a concept adapted to local conditions, instead of fitting the plot to a predetermined design.

ARPIT is an architectural studio based in Warsaw at ul. Nałęczowska 64. We design single-family houses, villas and residences in Warsaw and the surrounding towns. We also undertake cooperation on investments outside the Warsaw agglomeration, depending on the location and nature of the project.

We can make a preliminary determination of the possibility of cooperation on a specific investment after learning the location of the plot, the scope of the project and the investor's expectations.

Call 601 808 035, write to arpit.familydesignstudio@gmail.com or send an enquiry through the form. The location of the plot and the basic assumptions of the house are enough – you do not need a full set of documents. After a conversation we prepare an individual offer.

Cooperation with ARPIT begins with a conversation about the planned investment, the investor's needs and the conditions of the plot. On this basis we determine the possible scope of the study and prepare an individual offer.

After the terms of cooperation are agreed, we move on to the design work. Depending on the scope of the service, the process may include consultations, the development of an architectural concept, a discussion of the solutions and the introduction of agreed corrections, followed by the preparation of documentation to the agreed scope.

We set the subsequent stages and the way materials are handed over at the start of cooperation. If the service includes formal support or additional specialist studies, we also determine their scope individually.

Yes, comments and changes can be discussed during the design, especially at the architectural concept stage. Consultations make it possible to refine the functional layout, the appearance of the building and the solutions to suit the investor's needs.

The impact of changes on the schedule and the scope of work depends on the moment they are submitted and the degree of advancement of the documentation. Significant modifications at later stages may require additional studies and affect the completion date.

At ARPIT we establish the rules for introducing changes and the scope of consultations as part of the specific offer. It is worth discussing comments on an ongoing basis, so as to make decisions efficiently and limit the need to rework materials that have already been prepared.

Yes. Specialist designs – structure and installations – are part of the standard scope of a bespoke design. We work with designers in these trades and coordinate their studies with the architectural design so that the documentation is consistent.

Yes. Outside Warsaw we have completed projects in, among others, Płock and Masuria. After learning the location of the plot and the planned house, we agree the scope and manner of cooperation.

Projects are led by a family team of architects: arch. Bożena Stanisławska, the studio's founder, together with Grzegorz Stanisławski, Piotr Stanisławski and Magdalena Stanisławska. We work as a team.

We show our completed projects in photographs on the website, in the Projects section. We respect the privacy of our clients, so we do not share investors' details or contact information. Speaking to an investor is possible only if they themselves agree to it.

We are happy to communicate in Polish and English. Design documentation and all formalities are prepared in Polish, the official language required by Polish building law.

Yes, if the investor wants it. We can provide author's supervision of the construction. Author's supervision is not part of the standard scope of the design and is an additional paid service – we agree the scope and quote separately.

We are working on preparing our own offer of ready-made single-family house designs. We want the future collection to combine refined architectural solutions with functionality and the possibility of adapting the building to investors' needs.

The offer is currently in preparation, so we are not yet selling ready-made designs from this collection. If you are interested in a specific type of house or want to learn more about the planned offer, contact ARPIT. We will be happy to talk about your expectations and possible design solutions.