Core Framework for Office & Commercial Interior Design
Before finalising partitions and ceilings, pause and ask: “How will people move, focus and meet here – today and 3 years from now?”
1) Plan for People First, Furniture Later
Start with team size, departments and adjacencies (who should sit close to whom). Keep main aisles at least 1200 mm wide for safe, comfortable flow.
Map natural light zones for long-hours teams and collaborate zones. Only after that, lock workstation modules, cabins and meeting rooms.
2) Space Typology: Focus, Collaboration, Support
Every high-performing office balances: individual focus bays, collaboration corners, formal meeting rooms, phone booths, pantry and storage.
In Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, floor plates are often compact. Use sliding glass partitions and acoustic panels to keep the office visually open but acoustically controlled.
3) Brand Story, Not Just Logo
Bring your brand into the space using a signature geometry, colour accent and material palette — not only reception signage.
Repeat subtle details in reception backdrop, meeting rooms and café walls so that clients “feel” your brand even without reading a single tagline.
4) Lighting that Keeps Eyes Fresh
Use layered lighting: 3500–4000K ambient for workstations, 3000K warm for lounges & reception, and focused task lights where needed.
Keep glare low on computer screens (UGR < 19 where possible) and avoid fitting fixtures directly above monitors.
5) Acoustics: Silence is a Business Asset
Mix acoustic ceiling tiles, fabric wall panels, desk screens, rugs and phone pods for calls. Place printers, shredders and pantry equipment away from focus zones.
For glass cabins, use acoustic laminates or seals on door frames to reduce sound leakage.
6) Ergonomics & Cabling Discipline
Desk height: 720–740 mm, with ergonomic chairs and lumbar support. Maintain at least 900 mm between facing desks for legroom.
Invest in cable trays, floor boxes and raceways so that workstations stay clean and future expansion (extra seats) is easy.
Reception, Meeting Rooms & Retail Showrooms
Client-facing zones must build trust within the first 10 seconds — without feeling loud or over-designed.
Reception That Says “You’re in the Right Place”
Use a strong backdrop in veneer, stone, or fluted panels with subtle lighting. Keep the logo elegant and proportional.
Provide a clear waiting area, display key milestones/clients, and ensure reception has a full view of entry for security.
Meeting Rooms Built for Decisions
Plan screen wall, camera location and seating so that video calls are natural. Use acoustic doors, proper ceiling treatment and dimmable lighting.
Provide writing surfaces (glass/boards), power near table edges, and flexible seating for workshops vs formal meetings.
Retail: Clear Journey from Entry to Billing
In showrooms, plan a circulation loop: hero display at entry, discovery aisles and finally comfortable billing.
Use focused accent lights on merchandise, neutral general lighting, and non-slip flooring for safety.
Clinics & Hospitality
For clinics, combine clinical cleanliness with warmth: soft colour palettes, indirect lighting, and acoustic ceilings for privacy.
In hospitality spaces, zoning between reception, waiting, consultation, services and support areas must be crystal clear for staff & visitors.
City-Wise Commercial Interior Tips (India)
Micro-climate, building type and team culture change from city to city. These quick notes help refine your material and layout choices.
Mumbai & Navi Mumbai
Coastal humidity means using powder-coated systems furniture, marine plywood, quartz counters and anti-rust hardware. For corporate offices in BKC, Lower Parel, Vashi, Belapur or Kharghar, combine benching workstations with focus pods and glass cabins that borrow daylight.
Thane & Pune
Balanced work culture suits clean, contemporary lines in oak, white and grey. Plan flexible meeting rooms for hybrid calls and town-hall style cafeterias. In Thane IT parks, ensure HVAC zoning is ready for phased team growth.
Delhi NCR
Blend corporate sharpness with soft hospitality cues: textured walls, brass or metal trims, and warmer lounges. Manage winter glare using dual blinds and 4000K task lighting. Larger floor plates benefit from neighbourhood zoning – focus bays, collaboration corners and quiet libraries.
Bengaluru
Tech teams love biophilic, flexible layouts: height-adjustable desks, writable walls, and shared project tables near windows. Use acoustic rafts with exposed ceilings, plenty of greens, and terrace breakout zones where possible.
Hyderabad & Chennai
Prioritise heat and moisture management: light-coloured finishes, cross-ventilation, compact laminates and anti-rust fixtures. In large campuses, plan for strong AV in boardrooms and easy-clean cafeterias that can handle volume.
Kolkata & Ahmedabad
Respect heritage in older buildings with cane, patterned tiles or classic trims, but pair them with modern modular furniture and efficient LEDs. Use sun-smart overhangs, UV-stable blinds and high-reflectance ceilings to keep thermal comfort under control.
FAQs — Commercial Interior Design
What’s the ideal office lighting color temperature?
For most Indian offices, 3500–4000K works best at workstations — neutral, not too yellow or blue. Reception and lounges can move to 3000K warm white for hospitality. Always combine ambient, task and accent lighting and control glare on screens.
How much area should I plan per employee in Mumbai or Navi Mumbai?
A common benchmark is 80–120 sq.ft per person (including circulation, meeting rooms, support spaces and storage), adjusted for your industry, number of cabins and amenities.
How can I improve acoustics in open offices?
Use a mix of acoustic ceilings or rafts, fabric wall panels, desk screens, soft flooring and phone booths for calls. Move noisy printers and coffee machines away from focus areas.
Can my office reflect our brand without feeling over-designed?
Yes. Translate brand colours, geometry and materials into subtle details: reception backdrop, glass graphics, joinery trims and lighting accents. Keep the logo strong but not everywhere – the space itself should “speak” your brand.
Do you provide turnkey commercial interiors in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Thane?
Yes. DELECON® DESIGN CO. handles layout planning, 2D/3D drawings, material selection, BOQ, execution, supervision and handover for offices, showrooms and clinics. Start here: Commercial Interior Designing Services.