GTJ Office
Interior Architect
Duration of the project : 5 months
Roles performed : Design Conceptualization , Furniture plans, Visualization , Project Management
This is a project by Aloka Design Studio in collaboration with GTJ, a spice export company.
Our clients, a dynamic young team embarking on their legacy business, wanted to create a Gen Z-friendly office environment.
Motivated by the post-COVID era and a surge in advertising and creative marketing endeavors, they envisioned an office space that showed trendiness and vibrancy.
The clients expressed a need for an additional workstation, distinct from the current one, to serve as a daily huddle spot for executives to discuss their agendas.
Post-pandemic, the client wanted a larger office that could foster collaboration and represent their growth story. 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.
What the Clients wanted
Thought Process
Design Development & Process
They wanted a modern workspace that also communicated their identity as a spice exporter to visitors and partners. The final design blended this aspiration with a human-centric approach, delivering an office that is both a workplace and a brand statement.
Design Language
Early sketches explored how color could anchor identity without overpowering functionality.
Color Strategy: We tested different shades of orange and mustard to balance vibrancy with professionalism. Muted greys and whites were introduced as a grounding backdrop.
Form Exploration: Curved forms were developed for furniture and reception counters, inspired by the organic nature of spices, to contrast with the linear architecture of the office.
Zoning & Layout: Iterations were made to optimize circulation—ensuring the reception felt open and welcoming, while work areas and file storage remained efficient and discreet.
Material Choices: Upholstery textures and timber details were chosen for warmth, offsetting the sleek finishes of tables and walls, creating a tactile and human-centered workspace.
Over 5 months, I worked closely with vendors and stakeholders, finding ways to make the process faster and more cost-effective—saving around 20% overall. Managing the project was demanding, but I enjoyed the challenge and grew more confident in handling complex tasks.
Spatial Experience
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.
