No two projects have exactly the same requirements. A villa, commercial property, or retail space of a similar size can have completely different budgets depending on the overall design scope, level of customization, technical requirements, material selections, and complexity of execution.
At Bawadikji, Design may include Architectural Design, Interior Design and Landscape Design, either individually or as an integrated design package. The overall cost therefore depends on which disciplines are required and the level of detail involved.
1. Property Size, Layout & Project Scope
The size and complexity of the property are among the first considerations when determining design and fit-out costs.
However, square meterage alone does not determine the price. The overall scope must also be considered, including whether the project requires architectural, interior and/or landscape design, as well as the extent of the subsequent fit-out services.
A complete villa involving architectural modifications, interior design and external landscape development will naturally require a different level of design coordination than a project limited to selected interior areas.
2. Design Scope & Level of Detail
The professional design fee is determined by the disciplines involved and the level of development required.
A comprehensive design scope may include:
Architectural Design
- Space planning and architectural layouts
- Façade design and architectural modifications
- Floor plans, elevations and sections
- Door and window coordination
- Architectural details and technical drawings
- Coordination with structural and MEP requirements where applicable
Interior Design
- Interior space planning and furniture layouts
- Concept and mood board development
- 3D visualizations
- Material, finish and colour selections
- Flooring and ceiling designs
- Lighting concepts and electrical layouts
- Joinery and custom furniture design
- Detailed interior drawings, schedules and specifications
Landscape Design
- External space planning and zoning
- Hardscape and softscape design
- Planting concepts and selections
- Outdoor flooring and material specifications
- Landscape lighting
- Water features and external design elements
- Outdoor furniture and functional areas
- Detailed landscape drawings and specifications
Where all three disciplines are required, they should be developed as one coordinated design vision rather than as isolated elements.
The architecture establishes the form, structure, and spatial framework of the property; the interior design develops the experience, functionality, and character of the internal spaces; and the landscape extends that design language into the external environment.
This integrated approach creates consistency throughout the project and provides a clearer foundation for accurate fit-out planning and execution.
Our 2026 Design & Fit-Out Estimated Cost Guide in Dubai
The following figures provide a general reference for professional design and related services in Dubai:
| Service Category | Estimated Price Range |
| Architectural Design | AED 50 – 110+ / sqm |
| Interior Design | AED 90 – 250+ / sqm |
| Landscape Design | AED 35 – 100+ / sqm |
| Project Management / Supervision | AED 7,400 – 19,600+ / month |
| Fit-Out & Execution | Based on approved scope, specifications & materials |
| Custom Furniture & Joinery | Based on design, materials & specifications |
These figures are general estimates rather than fixed project prices. Final fees depend on the property size, required design disciplines, complexity, deliverables, specifications, and overall project scope.
Design Fees vs. Fit-Out Costs: What Is the Difference?
Design Fees – Design fees cover the professional services required to conceptualize, develop, coordinate, and document the project before and during execution.
Depending on the project, this may include Architectural Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Design.
The design process establishes how the property should function, look, and feel—from the architectural form and spatial planning to the interior environment and surrounding landscape.
The objective is not simply to produce attractive visuals. A comprehensive design package translates the overall concept into coordinated drawings, specifications, material selections, and technical information that can be used to plan and execute the project correctly.
Fit-Out & Execution Costs
Fit-out is the physical execution of the approved design.
Once the architectural, interior and landscape requirements are sufficiently developed, the execution scope can be defined according to the approved drawings, specifications, quantities and selected materials.
Depending on the project, fit-out and execution may include civil and MEP works, ceilings, flooring, marble, painting, decorative finishes, joinery, glass and aluminium, lighting, sanitaryware, custom furniture and other specialist works required to transform the approved design into the completed space.
The fit-out cost is therefore highly dependent on what has been designed, the materials specified, and the quality and complexity of execution required.
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