Project by Deksha Design Studio for their New Office

DDS is an adaptive interiors and architecture practice that thrives on change and growth. As their team expanded, they recognized the need for a new office to elevate their exploration of architecture, interior, and landscape design. This new space serves as a foundation for their evolving practice.

DDS has mirrored the breadth and diversity of their projects. Recently, DDS acknowledged the importance of a transformative shift—not just in scale, but also in reflecting their core principles. They embraced a tropical modern style of interiors which shows in all of their work and projects. 

The new office located in Santacruz (W), Mumbai, captures these updated values, creating an environment that encourages collaboration and innovation while underscoring their dedication to thoughtful, eco-friendly design.

Idea Behind the Move

The decision to relocate was strategic, aimed at enhancing our collaboration with an international design house. This move reflects our growth, allowing us to occupy a space three times larger than our previous office, supporting the scalability of our organization.

Concept

The design concept prioritizes an open layout with an emphasis on indirect decorative lighting. We incorporated larger openings to maximize natural light, utilizing clean, minimal lines while introducing vibrant accents through greenery and colorful elements in the conference room. The overall aesthetic maintains a neutral base, promoting a calming environment. Sustainability was a core focus, with reused materials like reclaimed wood for tabletops, alongside other eco-friendly materials throughout the space.

Color Palette

Our color palette features a neutral foundation with strategic pops of color in specific areas—greens in planters, blue accents in the pantry, and warm, neutral lighting instead of traditional white light. This approach creates a welcoming atmosphere while supporting a productive workspace.

Layout

The layout was tailored to our operational needs, featuring an open concept with designated areas for meetings and client interactions. A main conference room and a separate meeting space accommodate our frequent collaborations with clients, vendors, and contractors. Dining and break areas are thoughtfully placed on a pocket terrace, allowing for a clear focus on work within the office.

Specific Features to Highlight

A standout feature of our new office is the use of sustainable materials. We repurposed existing wood and transformed broken marble from various sites into unique tabletops. We also created whiteboards from back-painted glass and reused leftover lighting and flooring from previous projects. The walls showcase a textured finish, achieved by directly painting on plaster without additional layers. This sustainable approach highlights our commitment to minimizing waste and maximizing resources.

Favorite Space in the Office

Our favourite area is the conference room, aptly named "Mood Board." This private space features integrated lighting and automation, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere with varied moods and ambiances. It serves as a hub for design workshops where we brainstorm and develop concepts for upcoming projects.

Execution Details and Challenges

One of our biggest challenges was the tight timeline; we completed the office in just 30 days. Necessary civil changes and diverse material finishes added complexity to the process. Experimentation with tabletops and lighting requirements also posed hurdles, but these challenges ultimately led to innovative solutions. Our commitment to repurposing waste materials from previous projects turned into a rewarding journey, resulting in beautifully finished tabletops, flooring, and lighting that reflect our sustainability ethos.

Fact File:

Project Name: DDS Office  

Location: Santacruz (W), Mumbai  

Area: 1500 sqft

Type: Commercial Interior Design  

Design Firm: Deksha Design Studio  

Lead Designer: Suren Dsouza