CARLO Design plans conversions, renovations and interiors for villas, country houses and apartments in Zehlendorf, Dahlem, Nikolassee, Schlachtensee, Wannsee and Lichterfelde West. Before we design, we establish what the development plan, preservation area, heritage and tree protection allow on your plot. Our studio is in Berlin Mitte; the Project Check takes place at your home or by video.
Much of Berlin’s south-west was laid out as villa suburbs. The borough calls Lichterfelde West Berlin’s oldest villa quarter. The royal estate of Dahlem was divided up in 1901 for an elegant villa suburb with scientific institutions, and the Nikolassee villa colony was founded the same year. Settlement of the eastern shore of the Großer Wannsee began in 1874.
According to the official valuation board, Dahlem had Berlin’s second-highest price level for detached and two-family houses in 2025, averaging €9,120 per square metre of living space, after Grunewald. The top price for a villa plot, around €14.5 million, was also paid in Dahlem.
With a house and garden, the conversion often depends on the plot, on building lines and trees, so we plan both together.
Survey, design, permit application and construction drawings. First we check what the development plan, preservation area and heritage protection allow for roof, windows, extension and fence. We file the permit application under our own signature.
Architect in BerlinQuotes, contracts and the site under HOAI work stage 8, with weekly site meetings. Access, skips and material storage go outside the root zones of protected trees.
Construction management in BerlinKitchen, bathrooms, stairs, bookcases and made-to-measure wardrobes, plus lighting, furniture and textiles. We order, bundle the deliveries and style the house until you can move in.
Interior furnishing in BerlinIn the south-west, the development plan, the street scene and the trees often decide what you can build at all. We settle these points before we draw.
Often still the 1960 land-use plan (Baunutzungsplan). In parts of Dahlem, Nikolassee and Zehlendorf it sets, for example, building class II/2: site coverage ratio 0.2, floor area ratio 0.4, two full storeys, detached buildings.
In 1984 the former borough of Zehlendorf decided on its own development plans for the villa areas of Nikolassee, Schlachtensee and Dahlem, because plot divisions and demolitions were changing their character. These plans also designate preservation areas, where demolition, alterations and new buildings need approval.
For villas and country houses built up to 1930 it sets out design requirements: an extra storey only in the base or roof, windows with frames or glazing bars, gabled, hipped, mansard or pavilion roofs, daylight through dormers rather than roof windows visible from the street, and see-through fences up to 1.80 metres.
Then changes to its appearance, and even repairs, need consent first. According to the borough, grounds and interior fittings can be part of the monument even if the heritage list does not mention them. For six protected estates, including Onkel-Toms-Hütte, the borough publishes its own maintenance guides.
Deciduous trees, Scots pines, walnut and Turkish hazel from a trunk girth of 80 centimetres at 1.30 metres, multi-stemmed trees from 50 centimetres. In the root zone, the crown’s drip line plus 1.5 metres, digging, driving and storing materials count as damage. Felling needs an exemption with replacement planting or a payment and usually happens from October to February.
Then four short questions. We reply within one working day, with no obligation. We speak English, German and Spanish.
Across our two studios, most of our new work comes through recommendations from past clients. 5.0 stars on Google, 5 reviews for our Berlin studio.
"After speaking with them, I knew I didn't need to look elsewhere. Thrilled with the result, highly recommend."
"They gave us excellent advice and ensured smooth implementation with their craftsmen."
"They quickly grasped my taste, found the perfect products, and arranged appointments."
"Tell us about your property, your timeline, what you are hoping for. We will come to you, listen, and present a concept and a realistic cost estimate, before you commit to anything."
We come to you · One project slot remaining for autumn 2026
