Designing a villa is a decision you live with for decades. A mistake in the space layout or in studying the plot can cost you more than the design itself. This complete guide walks through the villa design journey in Saudi Arabia from concept to permit, with links to detailed articles for each stage.
Stage One: Defining Your Needs
Before any drawing, the designer needs to understand your family: how many members it has now and in ten years, whether you need separate men's and women's majlis, guest rooms, a driver's and housekeeper's room, how much privacy you need between guests and family, and whether you are considering a unit for rent or for one of your children in future.
These answers define the architectural programme: the list of spaces, their areas and how they relate. A good programme saves many rounds of revisions later.
Stage Two: Studying the Plot and the Regulations
- The survey decision: defines the plot's boundaries, dimensions and area, and is a building permit requirement. See our survey report service.
- The site's building regulations: setbacks, number of floors, building ratio and annexes. Read: Setbacks and building ratios in Riyadh.
- Plot orientation and streets: affect the position of the entrance and majlis, sun exposure and privacy.
- The soil: the soil report is a permit requirement and determines the type of foundations. Read: Soil investigation report.
Stage Three: Concept Design
The designer presents preliminary plans showing how spaces are arranged on each floor, along with a vision for the facade. This is the best stage for changes, because changes here are easy and inexpensive. Make use of 3D design to visualise the spaces before approving them. Read: Why ask for a 3D design before construction?
Stage Four: Detailed Design and the Disciplines
Once the concept is approved, construction drawings are prepared for every discipline:
| Discipline | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Architectural | Plans, elevations, sections and details |
| Structural | Foundations, columns, beams and slabs. See our structural design service |
| Electrical | Loads, lighting, power and low current |
| Mechanical and plumbing | Air conditioning, ventilation, water supply and drainage |
The technical reference for these drawings is the Saudi Building Code, including the Saudi Residential Building Code (SBC 1101 for architectural and structural, and SBC 1102 for electrical and mechanical). Coordinating the disciplines prevents costly clashes on site. Read: Clashes between drawings.
Stage Five: The Permit
The design office submits the application through Balady; it goes through technical review for code compliance, then municipal review, then contracting the supervisor and contractor, insurance and fees. Details in: Balady platform: building permits step by step and What does the Municipality review in the architectural drawings?
Stage Six: Construction and Supervision
Good design needs matching construction. Engineering supervision makes sure the contractor follows the drawings until the occupancy certificate. See our supervision service.
Layout Ideas by Size
- 300 m² villa design
- Two-floor villa with an annex
- Designing majlis and entrances
- Kitchen design by size
The Facade and Architectural Character
The facade is not only an aesthetic decision; it is subject to urban identity requirements. In Riyadh, for example, the Municipality issued a circular to engineering offices banning aluminium composite panels (cladding) on facades. Read: The Salmani architectural style and Alternatives to cladding for facades.
Common Villa Design Mistakes
Among the most common: designing bigger than needed, neglecting privacy, poor natural ventilation, a kitchen far from the service entrance, and space wasted in corridors. Details in: The most common design mistakes in Saudi villas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does villa design take?
It depends on the size of the project and how quickly the owner approves each stage; the concept stage has the biggest effect on the timeline.
Does the design cover all disciplines?
It must cover architectural, structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing for the permit to be approved; make sure of this in the contract. Read: Contracting an engineering office.
Can the design be changed after the permit?
Yes, through the regulatory procedures. Read: Modifying approved drawings.
Which code applies to villas?
The Saudi Building Code, including the Saudi Residential Building Code SBC 1101 and SBC 1102.
Do I need a soil report?
Yes, a soil investigation report is one of the building permit requirements on Balady.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office in Riyadh that brings architectural, structural and MEP design under one roof, and follows the drawings through to approval and construction. Learn about our architectural drawings according to the Saudi code, or contact us to discuss your project.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.