In a city known for fast-paced workplaces and glass-and-steel offices, the Navrathan Corporate Office in Bangalore offers a quieter, more considered alternative. Designed by Source Architecture, led by principal designer Sneha Ostawal, the 2,800 sq. ft. office reimagines what a corporate workspace for a jewellery brand can be. Rather than leaning on visual drama, the design draws from the values of craftsmanship, balance, and material sensitivity that define the brand itself.
Located in Bangalore, the project demonstrates how architecture can support business while also shaping mood, movement, and interaction. Every space is designed to feel purposeful, intuitive, and grounded.
Setting the Tone at the Entrance
The journey begins at the reception, where the atmosphere immediately signals restraint and refinement. A curved white reception desk offers a gentle welcome, its clean form softened by a striped couch and a richly textured rug. The choice of materials feels deliberate and tactile, echoing the precision of jewellery making.
Green plants are placed thoughtfully, bringing freshness and softness into the space. Underfoot, grey and brown marble flooring establishes warmth while maintaining a polished finish. This calm reception area is designed as a counterbalance to the more energetic workspace above, creating a sense of pause before the day unfolds.
Using Contrast to Create Balance
One of the defining aspects of the Navrathan Corporate Office is its use of contrast. While the upper-level office is lively and colourful, the reception and meeting areas below are quieter and more composed. This contrast is not accidental. It allows the office to support different work modes without visual conflict.
Circulation through the space is fluid and intuitive. Transitions between zones feel natural, guided by subtle changes in materiality, light, and enclosure rather than sharp boundaries.
Conference Rooms with Character
Beyond the reception are two conference rooms, each designed for a different scale of interaction. The larger room is anchored by a striking stone-clad feature wall that lends gravitas to important discussions. The smaller conference room mirrors this material language on a more intimate scale, maintaining continuity across spaces.
White stone-top tables paired with deep brown vegan leather chairs create a setting that balances comfort with executive presence. Antique artefacts are integrated thoughtfully, adding layers of history and personality. Black-framed fluted glass partitions ensure privacy while allowing light to filter through, preventing the spaces from feeling closed off. Overhead, sleek black chandeliers introduce a dramatic yet controlled play of light.
A Workspace Designed for Flow and Focus
The main workspace continues the narrative of elegance and efficiency. A dark wooden fluted ceiling runs across the room, punctuated by minimalist black pendant lights. Below, a plush dark grey carpet grounds the space, contrasting with off-white workstations that keep the environment light and adaptable.
Plants reappear throughout the workspace, softening the structured layout and introducing a sense of calm. The design encourages collaboration without visual clutter, supporting both movement and concentration.
Leadership Spaces That Feel Connected
Two private cabins for senior staff are designed with the same restraint seen throughout the office. Clean-lined furniture, warm wooden accents, and subtle lighting create spaces that feel professional yet approachable. These cabins maintain a sense of connection to the larger workspace, reinforcing openness rather than hierarchy.
The CEO’s Cabin as a Reflection of Craft
At the centre of the office is the CEO’s cabin, a space that brings together luxury, heritage, and identity. A bespoke wooden and marble cabinet displays curated antiques from the brand’s in-house antique collection, set against a backdrop of fluted marble. A grand marble table anchors the room, paired with a plush green leather chair that quietly signals authority.
A lounge seating area, defined by a handpicked rug and a statement black chandelier, offers space for informal discussions and reflection. The cabin feels personal and composed, reinforcing the brand’s respect for detail and tradition.
This office is a consciously orchestrated interplay of materiality, texture, and design. Every detail, from the fluted partitions to the curated artefacts, speaks of a vision that marries contemporary finesse with timeless elegance, crafting an environment that is both inspiring and profoundly sophisticated.
