What we do for architects

We are an executive restoration company — we implement planned restoration concepts with craftsmanship. We provide BKP/eBKP-H compliant offers with quantity surveying, clear execution and delivery deadlines, documented interventions, and reversible structures where possible. We regularly collaborate with the Bern City Monument Preservation Office and the cantonal Monument Preservation Office, and are familiar with the requirements for renovation grants. We do not provide stratigraphic preliminary investigations, pigment analyses, or conservation findings — these are prepared by conservator-restorers or the monument preservation authorities.

Services for Architectural Projects

  • Historic Doors and Entrance Portals

    Restoration of house doors, entrance portals, and listed doors — from the main portal of the Bundeshaus to a property in Bern's Old Town. Material-appropriate construction, refurbishment of fittings.

  • Paneling, Built-in Furniture, and Reception Rooms

    Wall paneling, ceilings, staircases, built-in wardrobes and door frames in listed and high-end renovations. On-site or in the workshop, coordinated with the construction phase planning.

  • Folk painting, Painting techniques, Stucco

    Restoration of historical painting traditions – peasant painting, wood graining, marbling, lettering – as well as stucco and plaster applications. We implement planned restoration concepts, in consultation with conservators and monument preservation authorities.

  • Furniture restoration for properties

    Restoration of antique furniture for state rooms, hotels, foundations and private properties — Bernese cupboards, secretaries, seating furniture with shellac polish, veneers, inlays.

  • Gilding and Special Techniques

    Gilding, metal leaf, bronzing — for frames, stucco decoration, door fittings, furniture parts. Also leather care, wall coverings, and textile interior decoration as part of an overall restoration concept.

  • Timber reconstructions and custom-made items

    Turned parts, carved additions, profile friezes, wood reconstructions based on originals. For mechanically damaged components, missing elements and monument-appropriate additions.

How we work with architectural firms

  • 1. Preliminary discussion

    We review the building plan, monument status, and the client's expectations.

  • 2. Findings and Measurements

    On-site assessment, quantity determination, evaluation of substance and depth of intervention. Documentation as a basis for the offer.

  • 3. BKP Offer

    Written offer according to BKP or eBKP-H structure for the execution works. Costs transparently structured, optional variants identified.

  • 4. Execution

    Either in our workshop in Ostermundigen or on-site, depending on the component. Adherence to deadlines, ongoing feedback to the site management.

  • 5. Handover and Documentation

    Documentation of interventions, material proofs, care instructions. Upon request, an inventory can be provided for subsidy accounting with the monument preservation authorities.

We know the requirements

Restorations in listed buildings are complex: preservation of substance versus usability, reversibility, eligibility for subsidies, building physics, fire protection, and safety.

We are familiar with the processes of the Bern city monument preservation and the cantonal monument preservation, provide the documentation required for renovation grants, and coordinate technical solutions before implementation.

Conservational preliminary investigations and stratigraphic findings are not part of our services — we implement the concept developed by conservator-restorers or monument preservation.

Approximately 10% of all buildings in the Canton of Bern are protected or heritage-worthy objects — for value-preserving restorations, often 20 to 40 percent of the costs are eligible for subsidies.

More on monument preservation and subsidies

Frequent questions from architects and building owners

Do you provide offers that comply with BKP/eBKP-H?

Yes, by default. We structure quotes according to the BKP or eBKP-H standard, transparently showing quantities, unit prices, and optional variations.

Do you conduct stratigraphic investigations and pigment analyses?

No. We are a restoration contractor - we implement restoration concepts through skilled craftsmanship. Stratigraphic preliminary examinations, pigment analyses, and conservation findings are typically prepared by conservator-restorers or directly by the monument conservation authorities. Based on this concept, we then carry out the work - using appropriate materials, documented, and invoiced according to the BKP structure.

Do you work with the heritage authorities?

We are familiar with the processes of the Monument Preservation Office of the City of Bern and the cantonal monument preservation authority, coordinate technical solutions before execution and provide the documentation required for subsidy accounting. For projects eligible for subsidies, we take over the technical communication with the responsible authority upon request.

Do you also work on-site?

Yes. For permanent fixtures (panelling, stairs, entrance portals, wall panelling), we work on-site and adapt to the construction site phases. For mobile components (doors, furniture, fittings), the workshop in Ostermundigen is usually more efficient. We will clarify what makes sense in a preliminary discussion.

How reliable are your deadlines?

Adherence to deadlines is standard. We commit to specific delivery deadlines and immediately report any critical deviations to the construction management. For complex projects with long drying phases (shellac, oil finishes), we calculate realistically — no deadlines that we cannot meet.

Who is the contact person?

Lars Kauer, Managing Director, is the direct contact person for quotes, appointments, and technical questions. If necessary, additional specialists from the team will be involved — but communication always runs through one point of contact.

What insurance policies do you have?

We are fully insured for workshop and construction site work, including liability for damages to existing structures and third-party property. Proof of insurance is available upon request.

What projects have you already completed?

You can find a selection of our work under References. From the restoration of the main portal door of the Federal Palace, to the multifaceted restoration of Herrengasse 23 (Dr. Jost Hofmann Award 2022), entrance doors of listed properties in Bern's Old Town and outer districts, restorations in reception rooms for private clients and public authorities, as well as the U.S. Embassy and other diplomatic circles. We would be happy to provide specific references with images during an initial consultation.

Are you planning a restoration in a listed or high-end property?

Send us the blueprint, photos, and a brief project description. We will get back to you within two working days with an initial assessment and, if necessary, arrange an on-site appointment.

Contact Person: Lars Kauer, Managing Director.

Request project

Or call us: 031 312 61 61