Architectural Design
Full-scope architectural design for residential and commercial projects in Dubai. DM, DDA, and Trakhees compliant.
What We Offer
Architectural design in Dubai operates under constraints that most markets do not share. Plot regulations change between communities. Height limits, setback requirements, and GFA calculations follow different rules depending on whether the project falls under Dubai Municipality, DDA, Trakhees, or Abu Dhabi's ADM. A design that works on paper but does not align with the governing authority's guidelines gets rejected at submission — and rejected submissions cost time and money.
At MERKA, our architects work within the regulatory framework from day one, so design decisions account for zoning, building codes, and community guidelines before they become fixed. We provide architectural design services for residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use projects across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Conceptual Design
Every project starts with site analysis, zoning verification, and regulatory review. We study plot conditions, access points, orientation, and the specific guidelines of the governing authority — whether that is Dubai Municipality, DDA, Trakhees, or a master developer like Emaar, Nakheel, or Aldar. The output is a design concept grounded in what can actually be built, with preliminary layouts, massing studies, and GFA/BUA summaries that support early feasibility decisions.
We work across master-planned communities including Dubai Hills Estate, Business Bay, Al Furjan, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Arabian Ranches, Barsha Heights, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Tilal Al Ghaf, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Reem Island.
Schematic Design
Schematic design translates the approved concept into floor plans, elevations, and sections at a level of detail that allows the client and project team to evaluate spatial relationships, circulation, and overall building form. At this stage, we confirm structural grid coordination with the engineering team and establish preliminary ceiling heights, core positions, and vertical circulation layouts.
Schematic packages include floor plans for all levels, building elevations, key sections, and a design narrative that documents the rationale behind major design decisions.
Design Development
During design development, material selections, wall build-ups, window specifications, and finishing schedules are defined. We coordinate with structural and MEP engineers to confirm that architectural intent is maintained as services are routed through the building. Ceiling void requirements, riser locations, and equipment room dimensions are resolved during this phase to prevent coordination issues on site.
We produce detailed floor plans, enlarged plans for wet areas and kitchens, reflected ceiling plans, door and window schedules, and material specification documents.
Construction Drawings
Construction drawings are the final technical documents issued for permitting and construction. We produce general arrangement plans, architectural details, sections, wall sections, stair details, railing details, waterproofing details, and finishing schedules — all coordinated with structural and MEP drawing sets before authority submission.
Our drawing sets are prepared to meet the submission standards of the relevant authority. For Dubai Municipality, this means compliance with DM building codes and Al Sa'fat green building requirements. For Abu Dhabi, drawings comply with the Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC) and Estidama requirements where applicable.
Tender Documentation
We prepare tender packages that allow contractors to price the project accurately. Scope includes tender drawings, technical specifications, bill of quantities coordination with QS teams, and scope of works documents. Clear and complete tender documentation reduces pricing ambiguity, limits variation claims during construction, and gives the client a fair basis for contractor comparison.
Interior Architecture
For projects that require interior design coordination, we provide interior architectural layouts including furniture plans, joinery details, lighting concepts, material palettes, and finish schedules. We work with MEP engineers to ensure that interior design intent — ceiling heights, lighting positions, and concealed services — is technically achievable within the building's services infrastructure.
Authority Approvals
We prepare and submit architectural drawing packages to Dubai Municipality, DDA, Trakhees, Abu Dhabi DMT, and master developer review committees. Each authority has different submission formats, review criteria, and common comment patterns. We manage the full approval cycle — initial submission, response to reviewer comments, drawing revisions, and resubmission — until the building permit is obtained.
Our architects hold Dubai Municipality engineering qualifications and are registered to submit across the relevant authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Residential Projects
Villas (G+1 to G+4), townhouses, and apartment buildings across Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Al Furjan, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Tilal Al Ghaf, Jumeirah Village Circle, Palm Jumeirah, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island. Scope typically covers full architectural design from concept through construction drawings, with authority submission and approval management.
Commercial & Mixed-Use Projects
Office buildings, retail podiums, mixed-use towers, and commercial developments in Business Bay, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, JLT, Barsha Heights, and Abu Dhabi's Reem Island. We design for buildable area maximization, parking strategy, and compliance with commercial zoning requirements — coordinated with structural and MEP engineering from the start.
Hospitality & Fit-Out
Architectural design for hotels, serviced apartments, restaurants, and retail spaces. Scope includes spatial planning, authority-compliant layouts, interior architecture, and coordination with specialist consultants for kitchen, laundry, and back-of-house areas. For fit-out projects, we prepare Dubai Municipality fit-out permit applications and manage the approval process.
Renovation & Modification
Architectural assessments and modification designs for existing buildings — including layout reconfiguration, façade upgrades, change-of-use applications, and addition of floors or mezzanines. We coordinate with structural engineers for load verification and with MEP engineers for services impact assessment before submission to the relevant authority.
We design in compliance with Dubai Municipality Building Code, Abu Dhabi International Building Code (ADIBC), Dubai Green Building Regulations (Al Sa'fat), Estidama Pearl Rating requirements, and UAE Fire & Life Safety Code. All drawings are produced in Revit and AutoCAD, with BIM coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP disciplines.
Key Features
Benefits
Our Process
Site Analysis & Regulatory Review
Study plot conditions, zoning regulations, and authority guidelines. Confirm buildable area, height limits, setbacks, and parking requirements before design begins.
Conceptual Design
Develop preliminary layouts, massing studies, and GFA/BUA summaries. Present design options aligned with project brief and regulatory constraints.
Schematic Design & Design Development
Produce floor plans, elevations, sections, and material selections. Coordinate with structural and MEP engineers to resolve spatial and services requirements.
Construction Drawings
Prepare detailed architectural drawings, schedules, and specifications. Coordinate with all disciplines and format for authority submission standards.
Authority Submission & Approval
Submit drawing packages to the relevant authority. Manage reviewer comments, revisions, and resubmissions through to building permit approval.
Tender & Construction Support
Prepare tender documentation, support contractor selection, and provide site clarifications, RFI responses, and design modifications during construction.
Ready to Start?
Let's discuss how our architectural services can bring your vision to life while ensuring full compliance with Dubai's regulations.
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