Godwin Austen Johnson Opens Third UAE Office in Abu Dhabi

Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ), one of the largest and longest-established UK architectural and design practices in the UAE, today announced the opening of its new Abu Dhabi office. The firm has expanded its operations to the Emirate to better support existing commissions and to pursue new development opportunities in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic growth strategy.
GAJ’s decision to set up a base in Abu Dhabi follows a renewed government focus to boost non-oil economic activity – an initiative that will see up to $300 billion invested over the next 10 years to build industry and tourism in the Emirate.
According to Brian Johnson, Principal and Managing Partner of GAJ, the firm is well placed to build upon its existing reputation in Abu Dhabi and throughout the Gulf to support the Government’s objectives.
“GAJ has a long track record of designing projects that help meet the requirements of the fast-growing economies of the Middle East. We are mostly working on hospitality projects, which help to support the growing tourism industries, and residential and commercial projects, which assist in meeting the requirements for new accommodation among the individuals, families and companies that are moving into the region,” said Johnson.
The office opening is yet another milestone for GAJ which this year celebrates its 21st anniversary in the region. The award-winning architectural and design practice has been responsible for some of the country’s most celebrated buildings including the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Bab Al Shams Resort and the Dubai Creek Golf Club.
GAJ’s portfolio of work covers an extensive range of built, onsite and ongoing projects across the Middle East and North Africa. With over 180 staff at its offices in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the UK, the firm can now offer expertise in architecture, interior design, graphic design and structural engineering to meet the demands of the fast-developing economies across the region.
The GAJ office in Abu Dhabi will be led by Associate Partner Simon Chambers. He brings to the position 15 years of design experience in the UK and Middle East with particular expertise in hotel, sport, healthcare, commercial and residential projects.
According to Chambers, it is GAJ’s diversified design offering together with its longevity in the region and considered approach to architectural design that has resulted in it working on so many government contracts.
“GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society, in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role. We don’t just design buildings; we consider their relationship to their environment, the community and the people who will ultimately use them. The investment climate now offered by increased development of Abu Dhabi brings with it excellent opportunities for responsible architects that understand the impact of our contribution,” he said.
In line with the opening of its Abu Dhabi office and recent business expansion, GAJ also unveiled today its redesigned website, www.gaj-uae.ae. Created by the GAJ website team, the new corporate site provides a more user-friendly interface and features an extensive project gallery to showcase the depth of GAJ’s regional design capabilities.