Architecture office in Cluj-Napoca. House design, interior design, urban planning and building permits. The design that makes the difference between a building and a home.
OAR Cluj15 Years Experience200+ ProjectsSustainable Architecture
About SAM
Contemporary architecture with respect for context and people
Team of 8 architects and designers5 architects with OAR signing rights, 2 interior designers, 1 urban planner. Combined experience of 60+ years in residential, commercial and public projects.
200+ completed projectsIndividual houses, villas, apartment buildings, offices, restaurants, commercial spaces, interior designs. From 50 sqm to 5,000 sqm.
Sustainable architectureWe design with natural materials, energy efficiency (minimum class A), solar panels, rainwater harvesting. Optional BREEAM certification.
BIM & 3D VisualizationWe work in Revit BIM — complete digital model of the building. Photorealistic visualizations included (Lumion/Enscape) to see your home before construction.
Involvement from concept to handoverWe don't just design — we provide technical assistance on site, verify execution, coordinate specialists. Your project doesn't stop at paper.
Services
Design, Interior, Urban Planning
Portfolio
4 representative projects
Process
From concept to handover
SAM Specializations
Houses & Villas
From compact 120 sqm houses to 500+ sqm villas. Modern, minimalist, contemporary, reinterpreted traditional style.
Commercial spaces, restaurants, offices, showrooms. Functional + aesthetic design. Includes layout, facades, specific utilities.
From 14 EUR/sqm
🎨 Interior Design
Residential interior design
Concept & mood board, layout plans, wall elevations, furniture plans, material specifications, 3D visualization for each room. Includes 2 concept options.
Custom furniture design: kitchens, walk-in closets, bookshelves, tables. Execution details for the carpentry workshop.
From 500 EUR/piece
📐 Urban Planning & Permits
Zonal Urban Plan (PUZ)
Complete urban planning documentation for function change, land regulation, urban furnishing. Includes studies (traffic, environment, networks), approvals, local authority negotiation.
From 5,000 EUR
Detailed Urban Plan (PUD)
Documentation for a specific lot: building regime, alignment, setbacks, access. Faster than PUZ (3-4 months).
From 3,000 EUR
Building permit (DTAC)
Technical documentation for construction works authorization. Includes written and drawn elements as per Law 50/1991.
Periodic visits (2-4/month), execution verification as per project, problem solving, specialist coordination. Throughout construction.
From 500 EUR/month
Site supervisor
MLPDA certified site supervisor for all specialties. Legally required. Verifies execution quality.
1-2% of works value
Energy performance certificate
Mandatory energy performance certificate for sale/rental. Issued within 5 business days.
From 300 EUR
Prices are indicative and depend on project complexity, geographical area and desired timeline. Free detailed quote after the brief meeting. VAT not included. Payment: 30% advance, 40% at technical project, 30% at final delivery.
Representative Projects
Selection from the 200+ projects completed by the SAM team
🏡 Modern Villa Floresti — Residential
BriefFamily home for 4 people on a 500 sqm plot. Budget EUR 200,000 construction. Modern minimalist style, energy efficiency, double garage, garden.
ResultEnergy certificate class A. Estimated consumption 45 kWh/sqm/year. Final construction cost: EUR 195,000. Design timeline: 3 months. Construction timeline: 10 months. Very satisfied client.
🏢 Creative Offices Marasti — Commercial
BriefConversion of industrial hall (400 sqm) into creative office space for an advertising agency. Budget: EUR 120,000 fit-out.
SolutionIndustrial-modern interior design: exposed concrete, steel, natural wood. Open-space with 24 workstations, 2 meeting rooms (8 and 16 seats), lounge, kitchen, photo studio. Natural lighting through existing shed windows + architectural LED lighting.
ResultOAR Transilvania 2024 Award — Interior Design. Published in Igloo Magazine. Final cost: EUR 115,000. Employees report +30% workplace satisfaction.
🏘️ Zorilor Residential Complex — Urban Planning
BriefPUZ + project for a 48-apartment residential complex on a 2,500 sqm plot. Real estate developer from Cluj.
ResultPUZ approved in 8 months (Cluj record). Building permit obtained. Complete technical project with all specialties. Sales launched successfully — 80% sold in pre-construction.
🍽️ Modern Restaurant City Center — HoReCa
BriefRestaurant fit-out 180 sqm in central Cluj (rented space, former shop). Professional kitchen, 60 seats, indoor terrace.
ResultOpening 4 months from project start (6 weeks design + 10 weeks execution). Mentioned in top 10 new restaurants Cluj 2025. Fit-out cost: EUR 95,000.
Full portfolio with photographs available on request or at the brief meeting. We respect our clients' confidentiality — some projects are presented with their agreement.
The SAM Process
From the first meeting to handing over the keys — clear and transparent steps
Concept & BriefFree 1-2 hour meeting: we discuss needs, budget, style, land. We analyze the urban planning certificate and regulations. We deliver: concept sketch (2-3 options), budget estimate, project timeline. Duration: 1-2 weeks.
Technical Project (PT)Development of the approved option: detailed architecture plans, facades, sections, construction details. Coordination with structural and utilities engineers. Photorealistic 3D visualizations (4+ renders). Duration: 4-8 weeks.
PermittingWe prepare the DTAC (building permit documentation), obtain approvals and agreements (fire safety, environment, health, utilities). We submit the file to city hall. Duration: 2-6 months (depends on complexity and city hall).
Execution Details (DDE)Execution documentation for the builder: specifications, bill of quantities, nodal details, material specifications. Everything needed to build correctly without improvisation. Duration: 2-4 weeks.
Site AssistanceRegular site visits (2-4/month), execution verification, discrepancy resolution, specialist coordination. Permanent communication with the builder. Throughout construction (typically 8-18 months).
HandoverCompletion reception: final verification, official report, land registry entry. We hand over the building's technical book. Project warranty: 10 years.
Typical total duration: individual house 12-18 months (design 3-4 months + permitting 2-4 months + construction 8-12 months). More complex projects may require additional time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to design a house?Approximately: 15-25 EUR/sqm usable area (excluding VAT), depending on complexity. 150 sqm house: ~3,000-5,000 EUR for complete design (architecture + structure + utilities).
How long does a complete project take?Individual house: 2-3 months technical project. Permitting: 2-6 months. Residential complex: 4-6 months project + 6-12 months permitting.
Do I need an architect if I have plans from a magazine?Yes, legally required. Generic plans must be adapted to the land, urban regulations and structurally calculated. We can start from an existing plan and adapt it.
Can you recommend a builder?Yes, we have a list of verified builders we have worked with. We don't receive commission — the recommendation is based on direct experience with them.
Contact SAM Architecture
Schedule a free consultation for your project
AddressStr. Avram Iancu 40, 2nd Floor, Cluj-Napoca 400089. Rehabilitated building in central Cluj.
Emailoffice@sam-arhitectura.ro (general) | proiecte@sam-arhitectura.ro (new quotes) | cv@sam-arhitectura.ro (careers)
HoursMonday - Friday: 09:00 - 18:00. Client meetings also on Saturday, by request (appointment required).
Free consultationThe first 1-2 hour meeting is free and without obligation. We analyze the land, urban planning certificate, discuss budget and timeline. Appointment required.
What to bring to the first meetingUrban planning certificate (if available), land registry extract, topographic survey, geotechnical study (optional), ideas/inspiration (Pinterest, photos). Don't have these documents? We'll help you obtain them.
OAR MemberAll our architects are members of the Romanian Order of Architects, Transilvania chapter. Active signing rights.