Architectural Design Services in Abu Dhabi and the UAE

Architectural design for villas in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, planned from the plot up with the interior already in the drawings. Led by architect Manar Hameed.

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Design Strategy

Short answer: architectural design sets the plot response, floor plans, elevations, and a building’s structure. At True Interiors, it is drawn alongside the interior, so ceiling heights, service routes, window positions and furniture layouts are agreed once rather than reworked later.

Most villas are designed in sequence. An architect produces the shell, the drawings go out for approval, construction starts, and an interior designer arrives months later to work around what already exists. That is when the compromises appear: a living room with no wall long enough for the seating, a kitchen island that blocks the only sensible route to the terrace, a ceiling too shallow for the lighting the client was shown.

We work the other way. The plot comes first: orientation, setbacks, where the sun lands in the afternoon, how cars and guests arrive, and which views are worth opening up. Then the plan is tested against how the family will actually use the house, room by room, before a single elevation is drawn.

The same drawings carry through to turnkey fit-out, villa renovation and independent project supervision, so nothing is redrawn between stages.

Step-by-Step Architectural Design Process

Briefing, Site Analysis & Concept

We start with your plot: orientation, size, setbacks, and the local zoning rules that determine what you can build. We also review the brief in detail, including the number of bedrooms, how guest and family areas should be separated, and what the budget must cover. You receive initial massing studies and 3D concept views of the property.

Design Development & Engineering

The concept becomes a working design. Floor plans are resolved room by room, elevations and facade materials are set, and structural engineering is coordinated so the spans, slabs and openings in the drawings can actually be built. At this stage, we agree on interior layouts, lighting positions, and service routes rather than doing so later.

Final Deliverables & Authority Pack

You receive the complete drawing set: architectural plans, elevations, sections, 3D exterior views, material schedules and the coordinated structural and MEP layouts your contractor builds from, prepared to the format required for submission. Where authority approvals or submissions require a licensed engineering consultant, we coordinate the documentation with the relevant appointed consultant as part of the project process.

What's Included in Our Architectural Design Service

Concept Design & Massing

Sketch studies, volumes and 3D views that test how the building sits on your plot before anything is fixed.

Floor Plans & Layout Planning

Room by room planning: guest and family separation, circulation, service areas, and the orientation that keeps afternoon sun out of the rooms you live in.

Structural Engineering Coordination

Working with the structural engineer to ensure the spans, slab depths, and openings in the drawings are buildable.

Elevation & Façade Design

Exterior character, proportion and materials, in contemporary or traditional styling, detailed for heat, glare and dust rather than for a render.

Authority Approval Documentation

The drawing set prepared in the format required for municipal submission in Abu Dhabi, where building permits are issued through the TAMM portal.

Integrated Interior Alignment

Shell and core drawn with the final finishes, lighting and furniture layout already decided, so the interior fits the building instead of adapting to it.

Architectural Design Gallery

Portfolio Showcase

Explore our high-end residential and commercial architectural design projects across the UAE.

Tidal Serenity

Modern Arabesque

Sculptured Serenity

Maison Elegance Villa

Luxe Serenity

Monochrome Rhythm

Quiet Elegance

Heritage in Color

Timeless Elegance, Soft Modern Classic

What Our Clients Say About Our Architectural Design

“True Interiors provided professional architectural design with careful space planning. They understood our requirements and created a practical design that suited the property.”

“We were impressed with the architectural design and planning by True Interiors. The team focused on both functionality and appearance to create a well-balanced space.”

“The architectural design process was clear and well organized. True Interiors paid attention to the layout, details, and overall requirements of our project.”

“True Interiors delivered a thoughtful architectural design that made excellent use of the available space. Their professional approach made the entire process much easier.”

Everything you need to know about Architectural Design

Custom building in the UAE involves plots, engineering and authority submissions. These are the questions clients ask us before they start.

What is included in your architectural design service?

Concept design and massing, floor plans, elevations and facade design, structural engineering coordination, 3D exterior views, and the coordinated drawing set your contractor builds from. Interior layouts are developed alongside the architecture rather than after it.

Can you work with an existing plot, property or floor plan?

Yes. We work with empty plots, with an existing villa that needs extension or reconfiguration, and with a layout another architect has already drawn. What changes is where we start: an existing property begins with a site survey and an assessment of what the structure allows.

Do you handle authority approvals and structural engineering?

We coordinate the structural engineering and prepare the architectural drawing package in the format required for municipal submission in Abu Dhabi. Where a submission must be stamped by a licensed engineering consultant, we coordinate that documentation with the appointed consultant as part of the project.

What drawings will I receive?

Architectural floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D exterior views, material schedules, and coordinated structural and MEP layouts. Drawing formats and revision rounds are set out in the proposal so the deliverables are agreed before design starts.

Can architecture and interior design be developed together?

Yes, and it is how the studio prefers to work. Developing both at once means the ceiling heights, service routes, window positions and lighting are set with the finished interior in mind, which removes most of the rework that happens when the two are drawn separately.

How long does architectural design take?

Architectural design for a typical villa usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the property size, the level of design detail required, and how quickly key decisions are approved.

The first concept stage normally takes around 2 to 4 weeks. After that, we develop the design into a full drawing package with layouts, elevations, sections, material details, and technical coordination. Larger luxury villas, major layout changes, or projects needing more structural and MEP coordination can take longer.

How much does architectural design cost in the UAE?

Architectural design costs in the UAE depend on villa size, project complexity, drawing requirements, and the level of coordination needed.

For villa projects, design fees are commonly priced as a fixed project fee, a rate per square metre, or a percentage of the construction value. As a market reference, full architectural and engineering design scopes often fall around 5% to 10% of the construction cost, depending on what is included. At True Interiors, we prepare each quotation after reviewing the property, client requirements, and project scope, so clients receive a clear price based on the actual work required.

Do you work outside Abu Dhabi?

Yes. True Interiors works on architectural and interior design projects across the UAE.

Our team handles villas, private residences, and commercial spaces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other Emirates, depending on the project scope, timeline, and site requirements.