Finding the Wabi in Sabi

This Mumbai office by ARA Designs allows nature in and keeps creative blocks out

12 Sep 2025

They say nature is the best teacher, and this office space for ARA Designs, located in Mumbai, took that lesson to heart while designing an architectural oasis that looks deceptively simple, while setting a tone of refined functionalism.

Nature, through considerate planning, is made to play an integral role in the routine activities of this workspace. “The underlying thought was to create a calm backdrop, something serene, where the design itself could breathe and take centre stage,” shares Amey Dahanukar, principal architect of ARA Designs.

Keeping first impressions in mind, right at the entrance of this 2,000 sq ft office, is a birch structure that spills over in rounded waves, morphing smoothly into a reception desk, seating area and work tables, all as one flowing form. Crafted in-office using birch ply, this innovative construction signals the drive to use nature-influenced materials, keeping the energy of the office grounded and harmonious.

Nothing was overly finished or decorative. We let the materials speak for themselves

Amey Dahanukar, ARA Designs

The calming colour palette is steadfast, but splashes of black add a little drama; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

Centred around earthy materials and light tones, the floor plan of the office encourages a sense of community and allows for maximum visibility from one corner to another. Light wood-stained furniture is used throughout, punctuated by neutral-toned decor pieces or lush green planters or accents of black seen in light fixtures and office chairs. A commitment to the colour palette of muted tones is steadfast and makes this workspace feel like more than an area to work, but a grounded place of quiet collaboration and introspective creativity. The walls and ceilings are made to blend in with white hand-applied texture paint. “Nothing was overly finished or decorative. We let the materials speak for themselves,” elaborates Amey.

Deeper within, the office is separated by simple black and white glass divisions. As an ode to the wabi-sabi way of life and the poetry of simple, natural materials, tables of solid limestone were designed for the inner offices by Amey, echoing the sense of inspiration from nature, as simple cantilevered lamp spotlights the workstation.

Earthy tones, neutral colours and a custom limestone desk define this workspace with a ‘265’ cantilevered lamp by Flos above; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

This fluid custom structure morphs into various purposeful sections, suspended above is ‘Almendra’ by Flos, catching the eye with its leaf-like design; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

A black closet serves as a hidden nook for an everyday ritual, a visit to the coffee station. These careful splashes of darker elements, including in the form of a detailed carved wooden cupboard painted black in the washroom, act as visual contrasts that break up the space with their dark monochromatic colour. The ARA Design office is reflective of the thoughtfulness in executing a space that never seems overwhelmingly designed, instead allowing a visual meditative pause in an otherwise busy day.

Light-washed wood, textured finishes, visuals of green within and outside, simple construction and a streamlined colour palette culminate into an office that feels organic and intentional in nature right from the start.