Interior designer vs MEP consultant: who does what in a Dubai mall fit-out?
Interior designer vs MEP consultant: the designer creates the look and layout; the MEP consultant designs the services, stamps the drawings and gets mall and DCD approval.
The short answer
In a mall fit-out, the interior designer prepares the concept, layout, finishes and ceiling design. The MEP consultant designs the HVAC, power and lighting, fire alarm, sprinklers and plumbing to suit that design and the mall tenant guide, prepares the calculations, stamps the drawings and submits them to the mall and Civil Defence (DCD). Mall and DCD submissions need a consultant stamp, so the designer works with an MEP consultant. Structural Solutions works with interior designers and fit-out contractors as the MEP consultant.
Official sites: Dubai Civil Defence · DEWA · Dubai Development Authority
Interior designer vs MEP consultant: what you need to know
- Coordination: The ceiling plan drives lighting, AC and sprinkler positions.
- Consultant stamp: Needed for mall and DCD submissions.
- Pricing: The fit-out contractor prices the works; we do not prepare BOQs.
- Handover: As-built drawings are usually required at the end.
What to send us
- Mall unit drawings and the tenant fit-out guide
- Interior design layout and reflected ceiling plan
- Lease, offer letter or tenancy contract
- Trade licence of the tenant or brand
- Mall fit-out application forms, if already issued
Who does what
From design to opening
We confirm the exact route for your mall.
| Step | Approval route | Guides |
|---|---|---|
| Brief and mall rules You and us | The unit drawings, the mall tenant fit-out guide and the services the mall provides to the unit. | Documents for mall fit-out approval |
| MEP design and calculations Structural Solutions | HVAC, power and lighting, fire alarm, sprinklers, plumbing and drainage, with the design calculations. | MEP drawings for malls |
| Mall approval Consultant → mall | Stamped drawings submitted to the mall fit-out team for review. | Consultant stamp |
| Authority permit, where the mall needs one Consultant → DDA or Trakhees | For example Dubai Hills Mall goes to DDA; Nakheel malls and Atlantis go to Trakhees. | Authority permit |
| Civil Defence (DCD) Structural Solutions → DCD | Fire and life safety approval, needed for every mall shop fit-out, especially when the layout or partitions change. | DCD approval |
| Final inspection Mall, authority and DCD | DCD final inspection and completion before the shop opens. | Shop fit-out sign-off |
Questions
More questions about interior designer vs MEP consultant
Can an interior designer submit MEP drawings to the mall?
The drawings need a consultant stamp; we stamp and submit them for the designer.
Who designs the fire alarm and sprinklers?
The MEP consultant, approved by DCD.
Who prepares the BOQ?
The fit-out contractor or a quantity surveyor; we prepare the design and calculations.
Do you work directly with designers?
Yes, with interior designers, contractors, tenants and brands.
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