Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ)
Info CheckedArchitecture & Engineering Firms
Al Barsha, Dubai
About
About GAJ (Godwin Austen Johnson)
Founded in 1989 with UK lineage dating to 1847, GAJ has been operating in Dubai since 1991. The firm has 110+ employees from 20+ nationalities and has spent over 30 years shaping Middle Eastern architecture across hospitality, residential, commercial and leisure sectors.
Expertise
- Hospitality and hotel design — a core speciality
- Residential towers and villa communities
- Commercial and office buildings
- Leisure, entertainment and waterpark design
- Interior design and FF&E specification
- Master planning and urban design
Why Choose GAJ
- 30+ years in the Middle East since 1991
- 110+ employees from 20+ nationalities
- UK lineage dating back to 1847 — 175+ years of design heritage
- Leading hospitality design expertise in the Gulf
- Al Barsha office — The Iridium Building
Sources
Services Offered
Key services Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) provides for architecture & engineering firms clients in Dubai:
Why Choose Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ)
- One of the longest-established UK-rooted architectural practices in the UAE, in Dubai since 1991.
- Multidisciplinary practice with dedicated Architecture, Interior Design and MEP divisions plus master planning, working under one roof.
- Team of 110+ professionals from over 20 nationalities.
- Designed landmark Dubai projects including Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Bab Al Shams and The One&Only Royal Mirage.
- Experience across residential and villa design as well as hospitality, education and commercial sectors.
How Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) Works
-
1
Brief & consultation
Discuss your project requirements, site, budget and sector, whether a private villa, hospitality, education or commercial development.
-
2
Concept & design development
The architecture, interior design and MEP teams develop concept designs and detailed drawings.
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3
Authority approvals
Design documentation is progressed for the relevant UAE authority approvals and permits.
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4
Construction documentation & supervision
Detailed documentation is issued and the project is supported through delivery on site.
Business Profile
Hours and pricing may change — confirm directly with the business before engaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Godwin Austen Johnson design private villas in Dubai?
Yes. Alongside hospitality, education and commercial work, GAJ lists residential and villa design among its sectors, so private residential commissions are within its scope.
What disciplines does GAJ cover in-house?
GAJ is a multidisciplinary practice with dedicated Architecture, Interior Design and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) divisions, plus master planning.
Is GAJ an architecture studio or an engineering consultancy?
It is an architecture and design practice that also runs an in-house MEP division, so it covers building design and interiors together with mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering.
How long has GAJ been operating in Dubai?
The practice was founded in 1989 and established in Dubai in 1991 by Brian Johnson, making it one of the longest-established architectural firms in the UAE.
Where is GAJ based?
GAJ is based in Al Barsha, Dubai, and works on projects across the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa region.
What types of projects does GAJ specialise in?
The practice has particular expertise in hospitality, education, commercial, residential and master planning projects, and has designed several landmark buildings in Dubai.
How much does an architecture project with GAJ cost?
Fees are project-based and quoted on request, depending on scope, sector and size. Contact GAJ directly for a proposal.
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