Master of all trades: The ethos of forward-thinking and ingenuity finds its architectural counterpart within the walls of Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai’s office

Just as Zerodha disrupted the traditional brokerage landscape by simplifying stock market access for retail investors, Nikhil Kamath and Abhijeet Pai’s new office space for NK Squared Venture Capital and Gruhas is a disruptive departure from conventional corporate design. Crafted by Sounak Sen Barat and Anu Shyamsundar, the founders of House Of Three, this space challenges norms while prioritising functionality, efficiency, and collaborative transparency—values that mirror Zerodha’s user-centric approach. Nikhil Kamath’s succinct yet profound directive, “Need a combined office for 40. Make it kinda organic. And add greens,” set the stage for a design journey grounded in familiarity and trust. With a decade of collaboration and understanding between the client and the designer, the project swiftly took shape. The space was envisioned to mirror the values of Gruhas and NK Squared—inclusive, self-made, and respectful of heritage, while embracing the future with zeal and fervour.

“Your office is your karamsthal. The place where you build legacies over time. The space where you spend more than half your conscious awake hours must ignite a state of mind that makes you your most efficient and productive. We created an atmosphere that evokes emotions, that catalyses efficiency. A tranquil enabling space makes you sharper. This office space is an eclectic marriage of versatile sensibilities—heritage Dravidian, industrial, mid-century modern, colonial, with touches of tropical,” reveal the designer duo Sounak and Anu.

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Aptly named ‘Tranquility’, the office exudes a serene ambiance, enveloping occupants in hues inspired by Mother Nature herself. Neutral earth tones, reminiscent of South Indian landscapes, create a grounding atmosphere essential for clear, decisive thinking—a prerequisite for the finance wizard and passionate investor that is Nikhil Kamath. Despite a tight deadline, the design team seamlessly blended diverse influences, marrying heritage with modernity. From hand-painted murals of lush forests to custom-made furniture showcasing Indian craftsmanship, every element celebrates the nation’s rich tapestry of artistry and culture. The restoration of a heritage building further honours India’s architectural legacy. “We used our time intelligently in a way that the construction/project work happened speedily on war footing and then we used the rest of the time to slow work on the decorative aspects – crafts and skill sets, collaborating with various small businesses to create design elements and products that are handcrafted and give a rustic, time consumingly luxurious effect,” further elaborates Sounak.

The raw cement floors, adorned with traditional alpana designs, blend with meticulously handcrafted elements that infuse the space with an authentic Indian charm. Cane blinds and chandeliers cast a warm glow, while bamboo and hemp carpets underfoot exude a rustic elegance. A collection of custom-printed cushion covers, crafted from coarse Indian cotton, adds a vibrant pop of colour. Upcycled artifacts and custom-made furniture pieces create an eclectic mix of aesthetics that heighten the space’s inviting aura.

“The building is an old, restored heritage building on Church Street. It has these beautiful wrought iron balcony grills in classical French style. We incorporated that when we designed the conference room table and the CEO’s desk, as a mark of respect for the restoration done by the building owner,” discloses Anu.

In line with House of Three’s ethos, sustainability takes centre stage. Every aspect—from handcrafted furnishings to locally sourced materials, minimises environmental impact, embodying a commitment to mindful design and ethical practices. “Universe exists within us, as much as we exist within Her. It is with that mindfulness and soulfulness that we approach our projects. It is our job to enhance the quality of life of our clients, vendors, associates; the whole ecosystem, because of whom we exist. We take innate lifeless spaces and induce life, warmth & soul in them. We marry your values with ours and translate them aesthetically, so that you can call it your very own. Your temple. Your abode. Your space. Your office. Your Home,” share Sounak and Anu.

‘Tranquility’ is designed to be a grounding and calming environment, enabling better decision-making and productivity. The neutral earth tones, raw cement floors, and heavily textured walls create a serene ambiance, while the inclusion of greens and hand painted forest murals bring in a touch of nature. It’s a masterful blend of disruption and tradition, echoing the values that made Zerodha a game-changer in the Indian investment landscape. It’s a space that challenges norms while celebrating heritage, prioritising functionality and collaboration – a true reflection of the innovator behind one of India’s largest retail brokerage firms.

FACTFILE:
Location: Bengaluru
Area: 4300 Sq ft
Design Team: Sounak Sen Barat and Anu Shyamsundar
Contractor: East Lifestyle
Lights: Senji Lighting

Photography credits: Nayan Soni