Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ) is one of the UAE’s longest-established UK architectural and design practices, with over 35 years of design leadership in the region and a lineage that traces back to 1847 in the United Kingdom.
Founded in 1989 and established in Dubai in 1991 by Brian Johnson—now serving as Chairman—GAJ has played a defining role in shaping the architectural identity of the Middle East. Brian’s early vision and pioneering work, beginning in 1975, have left a lasting imprint on the cityscape, from the iconic Dubai Creek Golf Club to the acclaimed Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and The One&Only Royal Mirage.
Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Jason Burnside, GAJ continues to evolve as a future-focused, multi-national and multi-disciplinary design practice. With a team of over 110 professionals, we provide integrated services in architecture, interior design, lighting, MEP, and master planning across the UAE and the wider MENASA region.
Our award-winning portfolio spans hospitality, education, commercial, residential, leisure, and projects that thoughtfully engage with the region’s heritage. While we are deeply attuned to the cultural and historical context of the Middle East, our designs are distinctly contemporary—balancing tradition with innovation to create spaces that endure.
We are proud to have delivered numerous sustainable projects across the region, including developments certified to international green building standards such as LEED. Sustainability is embedded in our process—ensuring environmental performance, operational efficiency, and user wellbeing are considered from the outset.
We believe that open communication and collaboration are fundamental to the design process. By engaging clients, consultants, and communities early and consistently, we ensure that every project reflects shared goals, functional clarity, and long-term value.
At GAJ, design goes beyond buildings—it’s about shaping experiences. Through architecture, we contribute to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of society, delivering work that is both visionary and grounded, ambitious and enduring.