A minimal work narrative

Ravi Vazirani brings in his unique aesthetic to Rohan Parikh’s office in Mumbai

12 Sep 2024

Starting with a raw shell at an ongoing construction site allowed designer Ravi Vazirani and his namesake studio to configure a workplace layout that would adhere to all of Rohan Parikh’s requirements.

A critical need was that of a fluid and inspiring space, so the principal designer conceptualised an open plan peppered with indigenous natural materials.

Oak floors and exposed concrete walls in the director’s cabin act as an ideal backdrop for the Pierre Jeanneret chair, a coffee table from Rohan Parikh’s collection and customised pieces such as a stoneware vase and cocktail table from Ravi Vazirani Design Studio’s (RVDS) Qit.a series; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

|The director’s cabin features Parikh’s coffee table and Pierre Jeanneret chairs as well as customised RVDS pieces such as the stoneware vase and cocktail table from the Qit.a series; Photographs by Pankaj Anand|A Baro couch

The resulting 3,500 sq ft office is layered with formal workstations, co-working zones, an interactive lounge and an ideation corner, such that it promotes communication without visual barriers but also provides privacy when needed.

A bespoke console and hand-turned teak lamp are seen near a Casegoods rosewood desk; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

“We were tempted to use primary colours initially since the office is made for an educational institute. Instead, eventually, we chose to play with the abundant daylight that streams in, laced with a combination of exposed concrete, wood and black slate-like tiles,” Vazirani adds.

The exposed concrete wall is offset by a shelving unit, which holds an RVDS stoneware vase; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

When asked which was the section he most enjoyed designing, the creative immediately mentions the director’s cabin. “It has expansive windows that spill light onto the wooden floors and concrete walls. The area also boasts a coalesce of custom made and iconic furniture pieces.”

View of the capacious workstations with laminated cabinetry and furniture by Ajay Shah’s Rubberband; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

Another interesting space is the monochromatic discussion chamber with a Rewati Shahani artwork on the wall and tables in back-painted graph glass for sketching and ideating.

“Spaces we design usually lend an air of calmness and soulfulness, putting into practice the ‘less is more’ theory. I’d like to believe this office is an extension of that vibe,” Vazirani shares.