Bathed in natural light and rooted in thoughtful intent, the new extension of the architectural office of ARA Designs Studio embodies a quiet elegance. It is an open plan office space born not just out of necessity, but of vision — a continuation of a story already unfolding one floor below. For the team, this expansion was deeply personal. They sought to preserve the spirit of their original office while evolving into a more open, collaborative environment. “Designers imagined this new level as a breath of fresh air — one that invites interaction, nurtures creativity, and amplifies the sense of community, replacing the earlier space that held structure and intimacy.”0
This Open Plan Office Invites Interaction And Nurtures Creativity | ARA Designs
Someone rooted the brief in simplicity and clarity. There was a desire for calm — a visual and spatial serenity that would allow design thinking to take centre stage in this open plan office. “The designers pared down the aesthetic language to its essentials: wood and white.”
These two elements form the foundation of the material and colour palette, with warm timber bringing in an organic softness, and white providing a neutral canvas against which ideas can unfold. “The designers made every choice here — be it the materiality, spatial planning, or subtle textures — to support a balance between focused work and fluid exchange.”
Drawing from nature and the rhythm of travel, the design of this open plan office reflects a wabi-sabi sensibility. There is beauty in imperfection and authenticity in the tactile choices. Terrazzo flooring made from real cement adds earthy character beneath the foot. Birch ply sculpted into a striking parametric installation anchors the entrance.
This central installation isn’t just an aesthetic gesture; it is functional, forming the reception area, collaborative seating, and extended work tables. Its presence is commanding yet soft, built from half-inch birch ply sheets carefully stacked and assembled on site, its fluid form setting the tone for the entire office.
The open-plan layout is equally deliberate. “As you enter, the expansive space draws your eye to every corner — nothing hides, and no cubicle confines.” Tables line the periphery near windows, reserved for senior architects who benefit from both quietude and daylight. At the heart lies the collaborative zone, where teams come together to ideate, sketch, and build.
To the left, a conference room becomes the forum for client reviews and presentations, adjacent to a discreet pantry and dining space. On the right, a private cabin for Amey and Pooja Dahanukar offers a quiet retreat — part studio, part sanctuary — for deeper work and strategic discussions. “Amey’s design for the limestone-crafted work desks reflects their honest tactile relationship with the material.”
Textures are subtly layered to add depth without distraction. Walls and ceilings share a unified texture, achieved with soft, tactile paint that blurs the boundary between surfaces. The ceilings, treated with the same care as walls, offer continuity — a quiet backdrop that allows design thinking and materials to resonate more strongly.
Sustainability was approached with the same understated intentionality. The floor plate is lined with large windows that wash the space in daylight, minimizing the need for artificial lighting during work hours. There is no decorative clutter — greenery is the only adornment. Plants, carefully placed, are both biophilic and pragmatic, reinforcing the natural material palette while improving air quality and ambience.
Though there were no major setbacks, the challenge was in restraint. Being designers themselves, the temptation to push boundaries is ever-present. Yet, the team chose to stay grounded, favouring timelessness over trend. Every element, from the terrazzo floors to the custom carpentry, was made bespoke — crafted with care, designed to endure. Only the chairs and computers were sourced externally; everything else was born from their vision, down to the last joint and grain.
What makes this space sing is not any single object but its wholeness — its spirit. The transparency of the layout, the softness of the materials, and the generous light. Yet, if one were to choose a favourite, it might be the parametric design that greets each visitor: sculptural yet seamless, artistic yet utterly usable. It is a distillation of everything this space represents — precision, purpose, and the poetic beauty of natural materials brought to life.
Fact File
Designed by: ARA Designs
Project Type: Office Interior Design
Project Name: ARA Designs Studio
Location: Santacruz, Mumbai
Year Built: June 2024
Project Size: 2000 Sq.ft
Principal Designer: Amey Dahanukar
Photograph Courtesy: Talib Chitalwala
Styling Credits: Samir Wadekar
Firm’s Instagram Link: ARA Designs
For Similar Project >> The Office Space Promotes Functional Work Environment
“The designers centered the design around creating a warm and tranquil sanctuary for a young couple, both doctors by profession—a cancer specialist and a dentist.” Their vision is a home that provides a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, offering a perfect retreat to unwind after the demands of their daily work, especially in the emotionally intense […]
Gurgaon’s architecture reflects the rapid transformation of a once-sleepy suburb into one of India’s most dynamic urban centers. Characterized by its striking skyline of glass-clad towers, corporate parks, and luxury residences, the city embodies a blend of modernism and global urban aspirations. Contemporary architecture in Gurgaon emphasizes verticality, smart technology, and sustainable design, with green-certified […]
The Modern Muse is a thoughtfully curated boutique Airbnb design set within the cultural heart of Koregaon Park, Pune, a location renowned for its leafy avenues, colonial-era architecture, and thriving café and arts scene. Designed and executed for Touching Grass Hospitality-Abhibha Stays, this project involved the sensitive transformation of a 30-year-old apartment into an experiential […]
The project, titled the monolith studio, is a 1200 sq. ft. writer’s office in Madras, envisioned as a retreat that balances functionality with atmosphere. The client, a writer by profession, wanted more than a conventional workspace. His request was for an office that would nurture stillness and focus, while carrying just enough character to inspire […]
In the midst of Mumbai’s restless hum, where the city rarely slows, stands an apartment house that feels like a deep breath. A sanctuary where quiet luxury intertwines with the timeless philosophy of wabi-sabi, it celebrates subtlety, imperfection, and the beauty of restraint. This is not a house that shouts; it is one that speaks […]
The clients, both working professionals in the IT industry, approached the design of their home with clarity and conviction. Their vision was a curated design that is elegant in a modern, sophisticated home with golden accents and a curated colour palette reflecting their style. A Curated Design And Clear Conviction Reflects The Client’s Vision In […]
In a city where every square foot comes at a premium, The Design Chapel has transformed a modest 2BHK house into a canvas of quiet sophistication and spatial ingenuity. The project exemplifies how minimal living, when executed with precision, can make a home feel not just larger—but infinitely more liveable. This 2BHK House Is A […]
“Minimal, Elegant, and Personal” — this guiding motto shaped the vision and execution of a smart space. This turns it into a calm and inviting retreat amidst the city’s constant hustle. The family’s primary wish was to have a space that felt soft, cosy, and nurturing while being highly functional for their everyday needs. “The […]
In the modern house interior design of this residence, every detail tells a story of creativity and individuality. The contemporary wooden door, features exquisite black glass that adds a touch of drama and allure to the entryway, and a central metal rod accent in the safety door between those arches embraces the perfect blend of […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]