Unorthodox Designs Transforms Space Reflecting Collaboration

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When the three partners of Unorthodox Designs set out to create their new studio and workspace in Gurugram, India, they envisioned an environment that reflects a spirit of collaboration and serves as a canvas for their signature aesthetic, a mix of each principal’s favored styles. “The theme of modern Indian-Afro resonated with all of us. It captures everything we were looking for – earthiness, quirkiness, and timelessness,” says Upneet Kaur, co-founder and principal.

The team’s challenge was to reimagine the 2,500-square-foot darkened basement with a disconnected layout. They began by reorganizing the plan for clarity, and then materials were layered to evoke a sense of warmth throughout. At the entrance, a rope chandelier hangs above a single Naga chair of carved wood, surrounded by boulders. A textured wall, finished to echo the look of mud, forms the backdrop, punctuated by an abstract painting.

A patterned sofa with a beige pillow sits beside black tables and a vase with pampas grass; abstract art hangs on the wall in a softly lit living room.

A room featuring abstract black and white artwork, rustic wooden and stone furniture, a woven mat, and a black pendant light with fringe.

The trio, who have been friends since childhood, wanted to ensure that the office was as open as possible, yet also delineate sectors without the need for walls. They decided to use key phrases in black lettering as identifiers, and even held a session so that staff could select their favorite quotes together. The reception area wall, for example, features the firm’s tagline, Translating Happiness Into Spaces.

Modern living room with a burgundy accent wall, built-in shelves, beige cushioned bench, abstract horse artwork, and a sculptural black coffee table. Warm ambient lighting throughout.

A lounge to the left receives the most natural light in space, and the designers wanted to showcase a range of components in a spot that’s the pulse point of the studio. “We wanted every surface to feel tactile and inviting,” explains Samiksha Khanna, co-founder and principal. Potted greenery, patinated metal vessels, and animal figures enliven this section that functions as a hybrid living room and brainstorming corner.

Modern office with a wooden desk in the foreground, a printer and shelves on the left, and a glass-walled meeting room with red walls, framed photos, and two chairs.

A soft, off-white tint is the office’s main hue, with gray, brown, and green also in the palette. Rich accents, like the crimson in the director’s cabin, provide a visual punctuation that delights. Stone veneer, three-dimensional charcoal panels, and jute offer just enough contrast.

A modern office space with a wooden table, laptop, and materials in the foreground, and inspiration boards, benches, and framed photos on the walls in the background.

Three women are in a modern library or bookstore; one sits at a table, another arranges books on a shelf, and the third stands taking a photo with her phone.

Employees can always harness inspiration in the material library or at the companion discussion table, where experimentation is key. A pin-up board dubbed the Thought Spot extends this hands-on zone. It is where individuals post their references, from photographs to fabric swatches. They can discuss initial concepts, make quick sketches, or produce full mood boards for any project in development.

A woman in a blue dress stands near shelves in a modern, dimly lit office or meeting room with glass walls and minimalist decor.

Modern office space with a wood table, four upholstered chairs, wall-mounted TV, and shelving unit displaying decor items against a textured dark wall.

A woman in blue reads at a table in front of a decorative wall with framed photos, art, and floral wallpaper. A vase with bare branches sits on the table.

Modern office space with brown chairs and shared desks, laptops on tables, glass-walled meeting room, and a woman in blue standing and reading a book near shelves.

The new office is a multipurpose hub that supports the groups as they bring their visions to life. “We wanted to blur the line between a working studio and an experiential place,” notes Saalanki Saraf, co-founder and principal. “It also helps our clients understand how we work. We’re collaborative, versatile, and not afraid to have a little fun while creating meaningful spaces.”

An olive green armchair sits next to a small wooden side table with a candle and wooden figures, beneath framed modern art and a vase with white branches.

A person in black walks past a tiled wood wall with a modern black wall sculpture near a reception desk and a restroom sign above.

Modern interior with a padded bench, a decorative vase, a minimal patterned throw, and gold spheres on the floor; quote and company name are displayed on the wall.

For more information on Unorthodox Designs, visit unorthodoxdesigns.in.

Photography by Tarang Goyal.

Anna Zappia is a New York City-based writer and editor with a passion for textiles, and she can often be found at a fashion exhibit or shopping for more books. Anna writes the Friday Five column, as well as commercial content.



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