An artisanal blend of work, collaboration and community

Telling a memorable story through a sense of place

With the goal to elevate Diageo’s working environment, our team sought to create a differentiated experience with a real sense of place. Diageo’s spirit of enjoying shared moments, togetherness and hospitality was the main emotion the design sought to stir.

Our spatial design solution sought to recall the architectural forms and industrial environments of distillation production, while situating and celebrating the craft tradition, details and heritage of India. In what is a highly functional, adaptable and technology-enabled contemporary space, we delivered a total designed experience that is the meeting of people, culture and community.

Artfully planned for work, collaboration and connection

We started by redefining the expected spatial mix of the traditional workplace, prioritising more space to people than to desks. The project is divided into three main types of spaces, with workstations being less than half of the area. The remainder is dedicated to collaboration and community, challenging the density-driven model typical in India.

At the heart of the project, we introduced a copper-and-oak helical staircase that connects all three floors. With a backdrop celebrating Diageo’s long heritage, the stairs recall the craft and hardware of distillery production. This sculptural feature invites movement, sparks encounters and energises the Central Canteens and Central Café.

The strategy behind the planning aims to unite the teams over three floors and between the east and west wings of the building through these centrally located community spaces.

The top floor of the project and the building, is split in two. The Workshop is for collaborative and focused work, like training rooms and the round sunken ideation space called The Well. To the West, leveraging the best views and the sunset, is The Distillery, a bar and lounge for casual work, community and events, with adjacent games room.

Crafts, details and materials build connection and communicate purpose

Meaning and context were critical in telling the story of Diageo’s business, brand and purpose. Connecting to the Delhi locality and India, they sought to be relevant and relate to the people who use the space. We drew on the company’s global heritage and Indian craft traditions to shape a workplace with depth and identity.

European distillery references, like concrete floors, copper and oak, meet local elements such as Lakhori brickwork, handmade tiles, brass and Jali screens. We selected materials that not only tell stories but also perform. They enhance acoustics, regulate comfort and elevate atmosphere, ensuring that the workplace functions as seamlessly as it inspires.

Ceilings evoke the everyday spaces of distilleries, from cellar vaults to barn roofs, while the design unifies heritage, technology and comfort. Integrated lighting, diffusers, and acoustic modulation ensure a fully resolved spatial experience. Bottle-cap relief panels celebrate Diageo’s portfolio, custom lighting installations narrate the stages of distillation and artisan artworks carry forward the story of craft across different settings.

Creating meaningful moments grounded in culture

We designed Diageo’s Gurgaon workplace with the warmth of hospitality, ensuring every space feels welcoming and purposeful.

The Bar serves as the social heart, where Diageo’s ‘Purpose, Process and Products’ are celebrated. A circular counter, recalling Indian brass Urli bowls, a traditional hospitality centrepiece, is crowned by a lighting feature representing the six stages of distillation. Set against a backdrop of handmade Indian brickwork, a grain, berry and leaf-inspired installation made by local artisans connects people, brand and place in one bold design moment.

Across meeting rooms, cafés and lounges, we layered textiles, materials, colours and cultural motifs to enrich everyday encounters. We created The Lounge as a more intimate retreat, while The Café and the collaboration areas invite open, inclusive dialogue. These spaces strengthen belonging and turn the office into a place where people feel hosted, connected and inspired.

Prioritising people and for the planet

We embedded sustainability and wellbeing throughout the project. Over 73% of materials were sourced within 500 km, reducing environmental impact while supporting local artisans. Energy-efficient HVAC, demand-controlled ventilation, LED lighting and ultra-low-flow fixtures minimise consumption of resources.

We designed the space to maximise comfort as well as performance. Natural daylight penetrates deep into the interior, layered with greenery and earthy materials that root the space in natural warmth. Carefully considered acoustic treatments and lighting ensure a calm environment. Real-time air quality monitoring and ergonomic furniture further support health and focus.

Through The Spring wellness suite, we extended this care to holistic wellbeing, creating spaces for yoga, multi-faith prayer and quiet time. In line with Diageo’s values, the workplace embraces inclusivity, supporting diverse needs and ways of working.

Diageo’s Gurgaon Workplace connects people, celebrates culture and propels the company’s expansion in the region, challenging the experience of offices in the market. By bringing to life our client’s pioneering spirit and true purpose, the project showcases its heritage and memorable brands, infusing this destination with unparalleled craftsmanship and a culture of innovation.