BASICS ARCHITECTS was entrusted with the task of designing the Dubai office for Pernod Ricard Gulf, a renowned French beverage company. Situated on the 14th floor of the Jafza One Convention Centre, the office overlooks the bustling JAFZA port—Dubai’s largest commercial harbor. The 7,500 sq. ft. space features a uniquely irregular layout, with two arc-shaped sides clad in glass curtain walls and two opaque facades that limit daylight entry. An internal corridor around the service core connects the space.
Project Name: Pernod Ricard Office
Studio Name: Basics Architects
Location: Dubai
Completion year: August 2019
Site Area (sq ft & sq m): 7500 sqft
Principal Architect: Vinod Singhi
Design Team: Vinod Singhi, Nishant Kumar, Taru Rawat
The design was shaped by Pernod Ricard’s multicultural work environment and its emphasis on transparency and collaboration. As a global powerhouse in the beverage industry, the brand’s identity and ethos needed subtle yet impactful representation throughout the workspace. The brief called for a dynamic, open, and cooperative office setting.
Navigating the unconventional floor plan was the project’s initial challenge. By shifting the layout inward, a central “island” was created to serve as a focal point. This strategic positioning allowed the extensive glazing on two sides to flood the workspace with daylight. The opaque walls provided a contrasting backdrop, helping define zones within the open office. This layout also ensured that the reception and main work areas enjoyed unobstructed views of the port.
To echo the brand’s culture, the design features exposed RCC ceilings and services, creating a raw, industrial ambiance while visually expanding the space. A wooden baffle ceiling above the central island acts as both an aesthetic feature and an acoustic solution. Custom carpets were chosen with care—a bold, multi-directional geometric pattern helps ground the organic form of the floor plan. Enclosed cabins were treated as freestanding volumes with suspended ceilings, making the open plan feel expansive and cohesive.
A neutral base palette runs through the office, serving as a versatile canvas. Brand identity is expressed through vibrant accent colors, graphics, and soft furnishings. Each enclosed space reflects the character of a specific Pernod Ricard label. The reception, framed by wood paneling and copper planters, sets a warm and inviting tone. Real plants soften the space and tie the interior to the panoramic urban view.
Distinct brand influences are visible throughout. For example, Absolut’s iconic blue defines the phone booth, while Chivas and Ricard palettes animate the cabin pods. The boardroom features textured walls etched with Pernod Ricard’s vision and is anchored by a branded accent carpet. Meeting rooms adopt tailored aesthetics—the formal room reflects Seagram’s monochrome elegance with gold detailing, while the informal room leans into Chivas’s deep burgundy tones and copper elements for a more relaxed feel. The staff hub is the most vibrant zone, playfully showcasing Jameson and Jacob’s Creek through themed walls and finishes.
Ergonomics played a key role in achieving workplace comfort. Haworth’s height-adjustable desks provide user flexibility, while Fern chairs were carefully selected for their ergonomic excellence.
Biophilic principles form the backbone of the interior concept. Rooted in human nature’s innate attraction to the natural world, the space incorporates materials like wood, concrete, and copper to bring a tactile and earthy ambiance indoors. Maximizing natural light and external views fosters a connection to the outside world, reinforcing wellness and focus. Live plants, organic shapes such as the central island, and thoughtful zoning all contribute to this nature-inspired narrative.
Ultimately, the design serves as a physical reflection of Pernod Ricard’s values—transparency, creativity, and inclusivity. By marrying functionality with brand storytelling, the workspace strikes a balance between aesthetic appeal and employee well-being, offering an environment that is bright, collaborative, and inspiring.
