This office is for a chartered accountant and his wife, a financial advisor. There was a general desire of creating a uplifting, empowering space one wants to visit every morning. As a mother of a one-year-old, the design also needed to facilitate a smooth transition back into daily life.
Project Name: Chartered Accountant’s Office
Studio Name: Palak Poddar
Location: Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Size: 2000 sq ft
Photography Credits: archiive
Additionally, creating an environment conducive to mentoring dozens of articles per term was a key priority. The design process began with these conversations, where we explored what a workspace should be. It was important to acknowledge that their
roles as professionals, parents, and mentors all played a part in shaping the ideal environment.
The site enjoys ample natural light throughout the day. Between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, during the golden hour, the long open west facade bathes the space with unfiltered shades of orange. The project centres around the ability to witness and embrace this. To be able to pause for just a minute and really be present, especially in a work place. This sense is heightened as this light filters through a 6m long corridor into the lobby.
Upon entering the lobby, one is greeted by a generously sized waiting area that exudes comfort and calm, reminiscent of stepping into an old friend’s living room. As you move through a narrow passage with fixed glass panels that reflect light, the transition into a professional mindset feels seamless.
The first cabin, located towards the north, is strategically placed for the financial advisor, offering easy access to the entrance lobby. The design prioritises creating a space that allows her to balance professional duties with her personal commitments as a mother. An anti-chamber in the northwest serves as an ideal break-out space for the partners and their child, Vivaan, while also creating a quiet niche for worship.
At its core, the combination of natural wood and soft white tones creates a harmonious balance between organic and contemporary elements. A series of samples were tested to arrive at the most suitable and cost-effective options. Leather-finished Kota stone flooring
grounds the design with earthy tones, while a dark ceiling draws the eye outward toward the surrounding greenery. Walls are painted in a crisp white, which amplifies natural light and makes the space feel open and airy. The white tones are further echoed in the warm tones of the fabrics, creating a gentle contrast to the deep wood elements. All the tables are customised to cater to the user’s requirement, and complement the minimalism in the design.
We spend a significant portion of our adult lives in our workplaces, where our surroundings influence our personal and professional growth more than we often realize. The primary objective was to create a space that fosters both individual introspection and collective growth. It had to be a place that encourages open discussions and transparency. To achieve this, a large portion of the floor space was dedicated to workstations, with expansive openings on the west and south sides. The open floor plan was conceived with principles of porosity in mind, leaving the center open for recreation, informal discussions, and daily meals.
The central space becomes the life of the office. Beyond office hours, the space transforms, hosting movie screenings, family gatherings, and community events. It becomes an active yet quiet hub where one can observe the changing seasons and the subtle shift of light throughout the day.
The formal discussion area is strategically positioned across from the second cabin, which is dedicated to the father, a retired banker who enjoys entertaining friends. This visual connection extends his space into the conference, leaving only a tangible separation. Evening light streams into the conference room through a large west-facing opening. When not being used for meetings, the conference allows the possibility of looking into the workspace, extending an outward-looking gaze.
The main cabin, located in the northwest corner, features a deep north-facing planter bed and two layers of fabric that add softness to the space. While offering privacy for client discussions, it maintains a connection to the open layout of the workspace, allowing for continuous visual interaction with employees and trainees.
