Office for Atul Patel Architects by Beyond Designs Architects & Consultants
Alhad Gore of Beyond Designs Architects & Consultants brings his architectural expertise to life in the new office for Atul Patel Architects, blending functionality with creative flair to craft a workspace that inspires innovation and collaboration
APA office by Alhad Gore Beyond Design
Designing an office for a fellow architect is akin to performing a duet with another virtuoso. Both parties are fluent in the language of design, but the challenge lies in creating a symphony where two creative minds find harmony. This was the task before Alhad Gore, the principal architect at Beyond Designs Architects & Consultants, when Atul Patel Architects approached him to craft their new office in Navi Mumbai. The result is a striking 12,000-square-foot workspace that effortlessly fuses functionality, elegance, and brand identity, setting a new benchmark for workplace design in the region.
A vision beyond functionality
The brief was as ambitious as it was clear. Atul Patel Architects, transitioning from a compact 1,000-square-foot office to a sprawling new space, sought a design that would capture their brand’s essence, energize their employees, and create an inviting atmosphere for clients. More importantly, they wanted an office that would speak of their identity as a design-forward practice—a corporate office, but with an unmistakable creative flair.
“From the outset, it was clear that this wouldn’t be a typical ‘rustic’ architect’s office,” says Alhad Gore. “This was about creating a polished, modern workspace that could inspire and resonate while staying true to the ethos of a design firm.”
Strategic space planning
The challenge of working with an entire floor of 12,000 square feet was approached with precision. Maximizing natural light was a key objective, particularly for the workstations that flanked the glass-lined perimeters of the building. Cabins and meeting rooms were strategically positioned around the building’s core, allowing sunlight to permeate deeper into the interior spaces.
“The layout ensures that light becomes an integral part of the experience,” Gore explains. “It uplifts the energy of the space, making it a place where employees look forward to returning every day.”
The journey through the office begins at the lift lobby which transitions seamlessly into a reception area that sets the tone for the rest of the workspace. Flanked by three meeting rooms, the reception is both welcoming and functional, catering to visitors before they pass through access-controlled doors into the heart of the office.
Beyond the reception lies a multi-functional zone that serves as a cafeteria, coffee lounge, and material library. This space is a vibrant hub where employees and visitors can mingle, collaborate, or unwind, further blurring the lines between work and leisure.
A thoughtful hierarchy of spaces
One of the most compelling aspects of the design is its thoughtful spatial hierarchy. Open office areas dominate the glass-lined flanks, providing vibrant workstations that benefit from natural light and a sense of openness. Meanwhile, private cabins and meeting rooms maintain the balance between collaboration and focus.
The pièce de résistance is the cabin of Architect Atul Patel himself. Situated adjacent to the reception, this expansive suite includes a personal lounge, a six-seater meeting room, and a conference room. The cabin itself is divided into three functional zones: a dining-cum-meeting area, a work zone, and a private lounge, encapsulating both work and relaxation within a singular space.
Support functions such as accounts, audit, and HR are tucked neatly between the reception and cafeteria. This strategic placement ensures that these departments remain accessible yet do not occupy prime real estate within the office.
Materials and aesthetics
The design’s material palette is a celebration of nature, simplicity, and vibrancy. Exposed concrete, granite, birch ply, brick, and timber lend the space a grounded yet refined aesthetic. An exposed ceiling enhances the sense of volume, adding a raw industrial edge to the polished interiors.
But it’s the use of color that truly sets the tone. Drawing inspiration from Atul Patel Architects’ brand identity, Gore introduced vibrant hues in key zones, infusing energy and character into the design. “Color is not just a decorative element here,” says Gore. “It’s a storytelling tool that brings the brand’s personality to life.”
Designing energy into the workspace
Beyond the aesthetics, every design choice was guided by the desire to create a workspace that radiates energy and inspiration. The multi-use spaces, natural light optimization, and seamless flow between areas were all aimed at ensuring employees feel motivated and clients feel connected to the brand’s ethos.
“The aim was to create more than just a workplace,” Gore reflects. “This is a space where ideas thrive, relationships are nurtured, and the brand’s vision comes to life in every corner.”
A new standard in Navi Mumbai
The new office for Atul Patel Architects is not just a functional space—it’s a beacon of what modern workplace design can achieve. It encapsulates the aspirations of a brand that seeks to lead by example, creating an environment that inspires employees, impresses clients, and reflects its core values.
For Alhad Gore, this project was as much about design as it was about dialogue. “Designing for a fellow architect meant pushing the boundaries of my own thinking while respecting theirs. The process was one of collaboration and mutual respect, which is evident in the final result,” he says.
As Navi Mumbai continues to emerge as a hub for modern architecture and design, this project sets a new benchmark for what’s possible. For those fortunate enough to step inside, it offers a glimpse of the future—a workplace where functionality meets artistry, and where the mundane transforms into the extraordinary.
Project Information:
Project: Office for Atul Patel Architects, Belapur, Navi Mumbai
Architect: Beyond Design Architects and Consultants
Design team: Chirag Thakkar, Gopal Ade, Vishal Makam
Project Area: 12,000 sq.ft.
Initiation of Project: November 2023
Completion of project: April 2024
Lighting, civil and acoustic consultant : Beyond Design Architects and Consultants
MEP and Fire & Safety Consultants : Epsilon Design consultants
PMC : Beyond Design Architects and Consultants
Materials:
Furniture : Haworth, Bo Concept
Drywall & Ceiling systems : St Gobain, Diathonite Acostix, Danoline
HVAC : Mitsubishi
Glass : St Gobain, Sytem Optima partitions
Paints : Asian paints
Lighting : Regent
Flooring : Toli
Sanitary ware : Toto
BMS : Lutron LMS
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