Can a Swiss interior architect renovate an apartment in Annecy?

Between the lake, the old town and the surrounding mountains, Annecy offers very different apartments: older homes in the historic centre, buildings from various periods and more recent residences with views of the lake or the peaks. Many owners, whether cross-border commuters, families coming from Switzerland or buyers of a second home, look for a studio able to work on both sides of the border.

The same method, across the border

RK Interiors is based in Lausanne and has an address in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. For an apartment in Annecy, we follow the same approach as in Switzerland:

• on-site survey and analysis (measurements, diagnosis, constraints);
• concept and plans: volumes, layout, materials, lighting and technical plans with engineers;
• call for tenders with local contractors, comparison of quotes and selection;
• site supervision, with a single point of contact through to the last finish.

We work in French, English and Portuguese, which helps international owners. For an example of a project in France, discover the Les Praz chalet in Chamonix, with natural wood, touches of black and leather.

Authorisations and co-ownership in France

As in Switzerland, purely interior works generally do not need an authorisation. As soon as a project affects a window, a load-bearing wall, the facade or the use of a room, an authorisation may be required. We check this from the concept phase, but confirmation must come from the mairie (town hall). In a co-ownership building, the rules and the managing agent (syndic) must also be consulted.

Key takeaways

• RK Interiors works on projects in Haute-Savoie from Lausanne and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
• The method stays the same, from the survey to site supervision.
• Authorisations are confirmed with the mairie, and with the syndic in a co-ownership.