Testing ideas to advance a workplace that adapts

Meeting people’s needs

After a decade in the previous office, the move to a new space was an opportunity to shape a workplace around our team’s needs while testing new solutions for clients. We began by listening to the people who would use the space every day.

Surveys and workshops revealed priorities around flexibility, access to daylight and opportunities for collaboration without sacrificing focus. These insights informed a workplace that supports different modes of working with an emphasis on belonging.

The layout enables focus, collaboration and connection. Flexible settings allow people to choose where and how to work. Meeting rooms double as project spaces for multi-day sprints, while smaller pods provide quiet and privacy. A central café sits at the heart of the office and encourages informal interactions.

Learning from data and feedback

As a living lab, our Mumbai office functions as a measurable and responsive space. Environmental sensors monitor air quality, light, temperature and occupancy levels. We periodically review data to identify patterns and inform adjustments. Internal surveys showed a need for flexible, connected work. Wireless systems, intuitive controls and integrated digital tools now support seamless transitions and teamwork.

Over time, this methodology will deepen our understanding of what truly impacts people’s experience and performance.

Wellbeing and sustainability at the centre

We chose and designed the new workplace to optimise sustainability, wellbeing and performance. The living lab integrates daylight, biophilia and advanced air quality strategies to support people’s health and daily life. Material selection focused on reuse and circularity. Much of the furniture and joinery from the previous office found a new life, helping reduce embodied carbon. We selected finishes for durability and low environmental impact, from recycled acoustic ceilings to modular carpet tiles designed for take-back programmes.

M Moser Mumbai achieved LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, RESET Air,BLUE 3-Star and IGBC certifications through various strategies:

• Daylighting: The move to a top-floor location maximises light entering the space and open views. Low-reflective materials help daylight reach further into the space, while tunable cove lighting supports the natural circadian rhythm. The window zone doubles as a standing desk with open views.

• Biophilia: We integrated nature into work zones with features like a green wall and plants on top of lockers. Timber textures, soft tones, natural materials and organic shapes, create visual calm.
• Air quality: Continuous air quality monitoring ensures a consistently healthy indoor environment. Entryway mats help dust reduction. We also use low VOC materials, high-efficiency filtration and responsive IAQ controls.

Locally relevant

The new workplace reflects Mumbai’s creative energy and tradition while maintaining a globally consistent design language. The colour scheme draws from the city’s warmth and texture: neutral tones, soft light and natural finishes. A handmade paper-cut artwork by a local artist celebrates craft legacy, anchoring the space and reflecting the city’s heritage.

A platform for continuous learning

M Moser Mumbai demonstrates the value of the evidence-based workplace, where real-world behaviour continuously informs design decisions. This approach turns raw insights into strategic guidance, shaping critical choices across the project ecosystem. By using our own workplace as a testing ground, we continue to explore the most innovative solutions for our clients.