What Is an Architecture of Record in Dubai
Introduction
What Is an Architecture of Record in Dubai? If you’re planning a construction project in Dubai — whether it’s a villa extension, a commercial fit-out, or a new development — you’ll likely come across the term “Architecture of Record” (AOR).
But what exactly is an AOR?
Is it mandatory for your project?
Can you work with a freelance architect or do you need a licensed consultancy?
In this comprehensive guide, we break down what an AOR is, what they do, when you need one, and how Structural Solutions helps you move forward — whether or not you require a formal AOR.
What Is an Architecture of Record (AOR)?
An Architecture of Record (AOR) is a Dubai-licensed architectural consultancy responsible for submitting, signing, and taking legal accountability for architectural works in a construction project.
The AOR must:
- Be registered with Dubai Municipality (DM), DDA, or Trakhees
- Employ a UAE-licensed architectural engineer
- Stamp and sign all architectural drawings submitted for permits
- Be responsible for ensuring authority compliance throughout the project lifecycle
The AOR is legally recognized by Dubai authorities as the party in charge of architectural design and regulatory conformity.
Table of Contents
When Is an Architecture of Record in Dubai Required?
You need an AOR if your project involves architectural works that require government permits, such as:
| Project Type | AOR Required? |
| New villa or building construction | ✅ Yes |
| Villa extension (room or level) | ✅ Yes |
| Façade modifications | ✅ Yes |
| Internal layout changes (commercial units) | ✅ Usually |
| Minor structural-only work (e.g., slab check) | ❌ Not always |
| Pergola/canopy in villa garden | ❌ Not required if structural only |
| Fit-out without architectural layout change | ❌ Usually not |
If your scope changes anything in the built form, affects floor area, or modifies external elevations, you’ll need an AOR to lead and sign off on the architectural submission.
What Are the Responsibilities of an AOR?
An Architecture of Record (AOR) is responsible for much more than drawing walls and windows.
Here’s what they actually do:
✅ 1. Authority Coordination & Submissions
The AOR acts as the liaison with:
- Dubai Municipality (DM)
- Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
- Trakhees (JAFZA & Palm Jebel Ali)
- Nakheel, EMAAR, DAMAC, Meydan, Meraas, etc.
They prepare and submit drawings via online portals, including:
- Architectural floor plans
- Sections and elevations
- Area calculations
- Site plan coordination
- Fire egress and access planning
✅ 2. Code Compliance
The AOR must ensure:
- Dubai building codes are followed (NBC, Fire, Green Building Regs)
- GFA, FAR, setbacks, height limits, and coverage are not violated
- Sustainability and accessibility requirements are met
✅ 3. Design Review & StampingAll final architectural drawings must be:
- Reviewed by a licensed architectural engineer
- Stamped with the consultancy’s seal
- Submitted with formal declaration of responsibility
✅ 4. Interface with Structural, MEP, and Fire Consultants
The AOR coordinates with:
- Structural engineer of record (SER)
- MEP engineer or contractor
- Fire & civil defense consultant
To ensure the architectural submission aligns with technical disciplines.
✅ 5. Legal Responsibility
The AOR bears legal accountability for the submitted architectural design — if a violation, error, or accident occurs due to architectural non-compliance, the AOR is liable.
AOR vs. Freelance Architect – What’s the Difference?
| Role | Freelance Architect | Architecture of Record (AOR) |
| License Required | ❌ Not mandatory | ✅ Must be a registered firm |
| Can Submit to Authority | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Can Stamp Drawings | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Handles Compliance | ⚠️ Informal only | ✅ Mandatory responsibility |
| Cost | 💰 Lower | 💰💰 Medium to high |
| Ideal For | Concept design, sketches | Permit-ready drawings, approvals |
If you only need ideas, sketches, or conceptual layouts — a freelance architect may be fine.
If you need to get a permit, you’ll need an AOR.
How Structural Solutions Supports AOR Services
At Structural Solutions, we help clients in two ways:
1. Structural-Only Services
If your project is minor and doesn’t involve layout/floor area changes, we offer:
- Structural calculations
- Wall removal beam design
- Pergola / canopy design
- Slab checks for tanks or machines
No AOR needed — we provide stamped engineering reports only.
2. Full AOR Services via Licensed Partner
For architectural submissions, we partner with Nirvana AEC, a licensed consultancy in Dubai.
They act as the AOR for:
- Villa extensions and modifications
- Façade works and room additions
- Commercial fit-outs requiring permit
- New villa or building submissions
We coordinate:
- All architectural + structural integration
- Drawing preparation
- Authority submission packages
- Follow-up & compliance handling
Common Projects That Require an AOR
Villa Extension
- Adding a room or new majlis to a villa
- Requires updated floor plans, elevation drawings, and authority resubmission
Façade Modification
- Changing window sizes, door positions, or external walls
- Requires DM or Nakheel approval with an AOR’s seal
Commercial Fit-Out
- Changing retail or office space layout
- Typically needs AOR for DDA/Trakhees/DM fit-out permit
New Construction
- Building from scratch (villa or G+1 commercial)
- Full architectural and structural submission through an AOR and SER
Developers That Require AOR Submissions
| Developer | Requires AOR for Permits? |
| Nakheel | ✅ Yes |
| EMAAR | ✅ Yes |
| DAMAC | ✅ Yes |
| Meydan Sobha | ✅ Yes |
| Dubai Properties | ✅ Yes |
| Meraas | ✅ Yes |
Most developer communities route permit requests through Dubai authorities, but they still require that the drawings and applications be stamped and submitted by a licensed AOR.
FAQs
Q: Can I submit drawings directly without an AOR?
❌ No — authorities require a registered consultancy to take legal responsibility for architectural submissions.
Q: What if I already have a freelance architect?
✅ You can keep the design — we can convert it into authority-compliant format and submit via AOR.
Q: How much does an AOR service cost?
💰 Depends on scope. For villa modifications, pricing starts around 3,500–5,000 AED for architectural-only submission support.
Q: Do I need both an AOR and Structural Engineer?
✅ Yes, if your project includes both architectural changes and structural elements (e.g. beam or slab modification).
Conclusion
The Architecture of Record (AOR) is essential to any approved construction project in Dubai — from a villa upgrade to a new building.
If you’re:
- A contractor needing permit help
- A homeowner planning a villa extension
- An architect needing official submission backup
Let Structural Solutions and our licensed AOR partner guide your project to approval — quickly, compliantly, and cost-effectively.
📩 Need an AOR or structural calculation support?
Get in touch now for a free quote.
🌐 www.structuralsolutions.ae
📧 info@structuralsolutions.ae
📞 Call or WhatsApp today
Architectural compliance — made simple.
