Learn about all the steps that your project goes through, from the general idea of the design to the start of construction work
When you decide to start implementing your engineering project, the consulting office will be your primary partner in your journey towards implementing your ideas on the ground.
We at VR Architects Engineering Consultations are responsible for guiding operations professionally, from initial planning to successful project completion. We carefully analyze your needs, and formulate the specifications and requirements required for your project accurately and professionally. Then, we begin designing detailed plans and drawings, and coordinating with the relevant authorities to obtain the necessary approvals.
Our role is not limited here; Rather, we manage contracts, communicate with contractors, and follow the progress of work at every stage of implementation. Ultimately, we ensure the quality of the work performed and compliance with local standards and legislation.
In this article, we will review for you all the stages of the workflow that take place, before the actual start of the construction process, so that you have a clear and complete picture of each stage.
(CONCEPT) 1 - The general idea of the project
A - Information gathering: Meetings are held with the client to understand his needs and aspirations in detail. Important information is collected about the type of project, the available space, and the goals to be achieved.
B - Data analysis: After collecting the information, the architect analyzes it in depth to understand all the factors affecting the project, including financial and time constraints and local legislation, Development of the initial idea: Based on the analyzed data, the architect begins to develop the general idea of the project. Ideas are explored and initial design concepts are developed, with a focus on achieving alignment between the client's vision and design requirements.
C - Providing initial concepts: A set of initial concepts for the project is initially prepared, including illustrations to clarify the proposed idea to the client.
D - Discussion with the client: Initial perceptions are presented to the client for review and discussion. The client's feedback is listened to and necessary adjustments are made according to his directions.
E - Modifying the visualizations: Based on the client’s feedback, the architect adjusts the initial visualizations to better meet his requirements and aspirations.
F - Final approval: After making the necessary modifications, the client’s final approval of the general idea of the project is obtained.
Suggested time period:
G - This stage usually requires at least 10 days to complete, and this period may increase if further discussion and amendments are needed with the client.
(Sign Documents) 2 - Signing the required papers
At this stage, all necessary documents are signed authorizing the consulting office to carry out the work on behalf of the owner. These documents vary slightly based on the type of project. Signing the documents includes agreeing on the terms of cooperation between the owner and the consulting office, including the services provided and the expected costs and responsibilities. After the documents are approved, they are formally signed by the owner or authorized person, notarized and copies sent to the relevant parties.
This stage represents the basis for securing the necessary legal authorization for the consulting office to conduct business on behalf of the owner.
(NOC) 3 - Site vacancy approval
In this step, a request is sent to the municipality showing the location accurately on the map, with the aim of verifying that the site is free of any future works belonging to one of the following concerned parties in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi:
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority
Parks and gardens - Al Ain City Municipality - City Center Sector Parks and Gardens - Al Ain City Municipality - Southern Sector
Abu Dhabi Airports Company - Air Navigation Services
Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company - Al Ain
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Telecommunications - Al Ain
Origins - Abu Dhabi Municipality
Al Ain Distribution Company - Electricity
Parks and gardens - Al Ain City Municipality - Eastern Sector
Parks and gardens - Al Ain City Municipality - Western Sector
- ADNOC Distribution
- Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport - Traffic Department - Al Ain
- Al Ain Distribution Company - Water, Parks and Gardens -
Al Ain City Municipality - Northern Sector - Roads - Al Ain Municipality - Abu Dhabi Ports Company - Du Communications Company - Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation - General Command of the Armed Forces - Etihad trains - Abu Dhabi Monitoring and Control Center This procedure aims to ensure that there are no legal or regulatory restrictions or problems that hinder the start of the project. Once the site is confirmed to be vacant, approval is issued by the municipality to begin soil testing work This process usually takes 5 to 7 working days in the municipality
(Soil Test) 4 - soil examination
Soil screening is a very essential process in the planning and construction stages of any engineering project, to ensure the stability of the project and the quality of the infrastructure. The matter begins when the consulting office requests a soil examination, which sends a request to a laboratory specialized in this field. The request includes precise explanations about the soil quality and surrounding environmental factors, which helps the laboratory determine the type of tests needed and determine the cost.
After receiving the request, the laboratory will provide a quotation for the examination that specifies the cost of the service provided. This presentation includes details about the proposed tests and the financial cost of each test, as well as any additional costs that may be involved in the process. This offer is presented to the customer to review and complete the payment process, where the customer can accept the offer and pay the cost to the laboratory
Soil testing is important for several reasons. First, it helps evaluate the condition of the soil and detect any potential problems that may affect the stability of the project, such as collapsible sandy soil or expandable clay soil. Secondly, soil inspection is a professional procedure and is necessary to comply with municipal requirements and local laws, as municipalities require a soil inspection to be conducted before construction begins.
It usually takes 6 working days for the soil to be examined by the laboratory
(Electrical Drawings) 5 - Basic electrical drawings
In this step, and according to the timing specified in the project timeline, preliminary illustrations of the electrical plans are prepared. These drawings illustrate the main points of electrical current distribution and determine the location of the main lines and stations.
These initial electrical drawings are an important part of the package of documents submitted to the municipality to obtain project approval. It helps clarify the design of the proposed public electricity system and determine the ideal location for extending electrical lines and main stations.
The importance of this step is to provide an initial understanding of the municipality's proposed electricity design, and to confirm compliance with local standards and regulations. These fees also facilitate the review and approval process by the concerned authorities, and determine the next steps to implement the work
This procedure takes 4 working days for the municipality to verify and provide us with the location of the electrical current
This step is being worked on in conjunction with the previous step in the project timeline (soil examination) immediately after signing the documents.
(3D Design) 6 - Three-dimensional design
In this step, semi-realistic 3D designs of the project are created, which helps clarify the general idea of the project and define visual details. This process involves creating 3D models of buildings and facilities, including interior and exterior details, to represent aspects
Different aspects of the project in a realistic and intuitive way.
It takes 10 working days to make 3D designs, including the modifications made by the engineer based on the client’s desire. This period coincides with the previous three stages.
(Site vacancy approval - soil examination - initial electrical drawings)
That is, it is worked on immediately after signing the required documents
(Shop Drawings) 7 - Detailed plan drawings
In this step, detailed project drawings are prepared according to the architectural design plans approved by the owner. All architectural and construction details, service plans, and specific technical specifications for each part of the project are explained, which include interior and exterior designs, electricity distribution, and infrastructure. In preparation for sending it to the municipality or the concerned authorities for final approval of the project
Detailed drawings are intended to show in detail how the project will be implemented, including the materials used, exact dimensions and technical standards applied. These drawings are prepared with great care to ensure their compliance with the approved specifications and standards, to ensure ease of implementation and to avoid errors and ambiguities during the construction process on the part of the contractor. Preparing detailed plan drawings is a crucial step in the construction process, as it contributes to providing accurate guidance to the team supervising the work by the consultant and between the contractors, and enhances communication and understanding between all parties involved in the project.
Our engineers need a minimum of 10 working days to prepare all previous engineering drawings
This step cannot be completed unless all previous steps have been completed
(Municipality Approval) 8 - Municipal approval
In this step, all architectural, structural and electrical drawings are submitted to the municipality for project approval. The municipality plays its role in reviewing the plans and evaluating the data submitted to it to make the decision to approve the project’s follow-up.
This process takes at least 7 working days, but can extend longer depending on the municipality's discretion, the volume of work, and potential challenges the municipality may face in the review process.
(initial services drawing) 9 - Initial service drawings
In this step, detailed architectural drawings are prepared, along with sewage drawings and the comprehensive distribution of electricity points and extensions. These drawings include determining the water source and distributing the main lines, in addition to planning telephone lines and distributing air conditioning systems.
These drawings aim to clarify all the service details of the project and determine the distribution of infrastructure and basic services within the building. Assists in locating electrical equipment, connection points and outlets, and directs installation of plumbing and electrical systems.
The materials used internally and externally are discussed in this step to determine the approximate cost of the project in the next step. The selection of materials depends on the required performance and the budget allocated to the project.
It takes 3 working days for all previous drawings to be prepared by our team, in cooperation with the owner in some details regarding the approval of the materials used
This step cannot be completed unless all previous steps have been completed
(Tender Drawings) 10 - Preparing all approved drawings and tables
At this stage, all drawings that have been worked on are collected, including architectural, construction, and service drawings, in addition to tables of materials, tables of quantities, and special specifications required. These documents are prepared to be submitted to the bank if the client is financing the project through a housing loan.
These documents are also used to estimate the approximate value of the project, where the consulting office and the client are aware of the approximate price of the project. After that, quotations are received by contracting companies to obtain the best price for implementing the project.
This step is considered one of the essential steps in the implementation preparation process, as it provides clear and specific documentation that reflects the specific needs and specifications of the project. These documents facilitate the process of selecting the appropriate contractor and determining the final cost of the project.
This procedure takes 7 working days by our team in cooperation with the owner in determining the materials schedules and special specifications.
(Select Contractor) 11 - Selecting the contractor and signing contracts
This stage is the last step before the project is approved and implementation begins. The contractor is carefully selected to ensure the best service at the best price and with proven experience. This is done by carefully reviewing the offers submitted by contracting companies and analyzing them to choose the most appropriate offer.
The contractor's experience, previous work, and available resources are among the main factors in the selection process. Commercial registration, insurances, licenses and certificates are also reviewed to ensure that the contractor meets all legal and regulatory requirements.
After selecting the appropriate contractor, contracts are signed between the owner and the contractor under the supervision of the consulting office. All necessary details are specified in the contract, including schedule, costs, technical specifications and payment terms, to ensure the integrity and smoothness of the process during the implementation phases.
This step aims to ensure that the project is implemented efficiently and effectively, and to ensure compliance with all specified standards and specifications.