This is a project by Aloka Design Studio in collaboration with GTJ, a spice export company. Post the COVID break and a surge in advertising and creative marketing endeavors, they envisioned an office space that showed trendiness and vibrancy for a very young team motivating them to come for work everyday.
The office was conceived to feel open, bright, and approachable, supporting both work and client interactions. The mustard-toned seating nook offers comfort and relaxation, softened by curved edges that bring a sense of ease. The orange reception desk, acting as a focal point, immediately sets the tone of energy and confidence as visitors enter. Every zone—whether waiting, working, or meeting—feels interconnected while offering distinct functionality.
Photography by Ruba & Sona Ganapathy
Type : Hospitality Design
Location: Chennai, India
Year : 2023
Team: Aloka Design Studio
Roles Performed : Design Conceptualization , Furniture plans, Visualization , Project Management, Project Execution
CONCEPT & DIRECTION
PROJECT BRIEF
FINAL OUTCOME
A balanced palette of warm oranges and mustards brings vibrancy, grounded by muted greys and whites for a refined, professional tone.
Over an 8-month project timeline, I coordinated with multiple vendors and stakeholders, streamlining processes to achieve a 20% reduction in both time and cost. While project planning and management posed significant challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed navigating them and found the experience deeply rewarding.
Principal Architect : Divya Khivesara
Architectural Drawings and Renders : Sampoorna Venkatesh
Project Management : Niveditta Umasankar
Role: Senior Architect
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
DESIGN EVOLUTION
MATERIAL LANGUAGE
IMPACT & REFLECTIONS
A refined blend of heritage and modernity was the visual language with wainscoted walls and arched windows meeting clean-lined furniture, warm woods, and warm pastels, creating a space that feels timeless yet refreshingly contemporary.
Our approach was to design spaces that were not just bigger, but also meaningful in identity and function. The choice of colors derived from their brand story—orange symbolizing energy and growth, mustard reflecting warmth and familiarity—gave the interiors a unique yet relatable character. Practicality was also central: efficient layouts, compact filing/storage spaces, and clear zoning for reception, workstations, and lounges ensured seamless day-to-day use.
The office is designed to feel open and welcoming, seamlessly supporting both work and client engagement. A mustard seating nook adds warmth and softness, while the bold orange reception anchors the space with energy and confidence. Each zone remains distinct yet visually connected, creating a cohesive and dynamic environment.
