Amit Aurora and Rahul Bansal’s New Delhi studio

Fondly called Jamun Grove, groupDCA’s studio in New Delhi is rooted in its context

11 Apr 2025

Designers often spend a lifetime dreaming up their perfect workspace. It’s perhaps one of the most difficult spaces to design — an altar to your craft while being a playground for creativity. This is why when you walk into groupDCA’s studio in New Delhi, their approach leaves you astounded in numerous ways.

“With your own office, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the possibilities, and finding the right balance between personal preferences and functionality becomes the most tricky part,” says Amit Aurora, Principal at groupDCA alongside Rahul Bansal. Having crafted their office with practised restraint, he recalls the initial goal: “To create a cohesive space without trying to include every concept you’ve ever been captivated by.” Earlier located in the nerve centre of Sultanpur’s urban cacophony, the studio’s shift to a bucolic environment on the border of Gurugram is undeniably indicative of an evolution of values.

"What makes us happiest is how this space is in sync with what we stand for, creativity, connection and nature" — Amit Aurora, Principal, groupDCA

The rawness of wood and concrete lend a rugged appearance to the meeting area of the workspace; Photography by Niveditaa Gupta

TRAVERSING NEW TERRAIN

Now entering their 27th year, this new chapter in groupDCA’s life emerges out of a need to be more in tune with their context. They fondly call this space Jamun Grove. A fitting name considering how it’s surrounded by trees that predate the form and plants that were brought over from the old studio. The terrain is left untamed. “The verdant property, untouched by urbanisation, offers a refreshing escape from city chaos,” muses Amit.

INTENTIONAL MATERIALITY

A winding driveway, a central courtyard and suddenly you are inside. The studio is modest yet theatrical with rustic rubble stone walls and terracotta bricks. Divided into four blocks, each houses a distinct function — the reception block contains meeting rooms, the cafeteria, a pantry and a space for materials in the administrative block. The workspaces, although zoned in the quiet of the studio block, are hardly contained there as the principals’ cabins nearby include a multi-purpose lounge for collaborative sessions.

“What makes us feel the happiest is how this space feels alive and is in sync with what we stand for — creativity, connection and staying rooted in nature,” explains Amit. There is a case to be made for sentimentality in architecture. Amit continues, “The crunch of gravel underfoot, sunlight filtering through the trees and even the occasional squirrel scurrying, all add to its charm.” When talking about a space we often focus on the tangible. What cannot be quantified in drawing or language are the ineffable qualities that inform the conception and occupation of space.