The open ceiling, finished in grey with exposed black piping, underscores the raw, creative vibe while keeping costs in check. Pops of color arrive sparingly—through accessories, planters, and art—softening the stark black-white palette. Corners transform into purposeful spaces: one even hosts a cushioned nook beside a large planter, a quiet retreat for late-night work or casual ideation.
The client’s trust allowed for a design that prioritizes function without sacrificing identity. Each cabin reflects its user—from the founder’s art-adorned minimalism to the dual desks of the co-owners’ cabin—yet collectively, the office speaks one design language: simple, efficient, and expressive.
With its interplay of light, order, and informality, The Creative Grid reimagines what a compact office can be—functional, flexible, and deeply aligned with the creative spirit it houses.
Designing for creativity often means designing beyond constraints. For this 1,100 sq. ft. office, home to a growing creative agency, the vision was clear: an environment that inspires innovation without feeling formal, while accommodating multiple functions within a tight budget and compact footprint.
When the design team first encountered the site, the biggest obstacle was evident—light, or rather, the lack of it. Of the four walls, only the one opposite the entrance had windows, and the space was further fragmented by remnants of an old tailoring shop. Removing these partitions became the first step, opening up a rectangular plan punctuated by two structural columns slightly off-center. These columns—and the restricted natural light—would define the design strategy moving forward.
Commercial I Interior Design | Gurugram, India
Area: 1100 Sqft.
The Creative Grid
Balancing function and aesthetics in a compact canvas.
Status: Completed
The client brief called for three cabins, two storage rooms, a pantry, and a toilet, alongside an open, collaborative work zone. To make this feasible without compromising openness, the plan aligned functions with light availability. Storage occupied the darker zones near the entrance, while the cabins were organized along the perimeter, where windows could be leveraged. Two cabins flanked the right, one at the far end enjoying a borrowed view through a small new window, while three lined the left, including the founder’s space, positioned for maximum daylight.
Beyond the cabins, the space opens into an informal creative zone. This was a deliberate departure from the rigidity of traditional offices. Here, a bold black-and-white patterned tile anchors the breakout area, echoing the overarching monochrome scheme. A long workstation with pinboards lines the wall, while a desk facing the window offers the perfect backdrop for virtual meetings, bathed in natural light.
One of the columns, initially a design constraint, was cleverly adapted with integrated storage and a display for essentials. The second column doubles as a functional feature with a writable glass board—an instant tool for brainstorming. Hidden storage solutions, including a concealed door to one store, keep the plan clutter-free, reinforcing the minimal aesthetic.
