Q: Can you share a brief overview of your career journey in architecture and design? What has been the most defining moment in your career, and how has it influenced your design philosophy?
Ans: I founded JTCPL Designs in 2002 with a laser-focused approach on workspace design. After gaining robust industry experience, I set out to transform workspaces into environments that nurture mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Our practice is globally informed, drawing on experiences from multiple geographies to create innovative, human-centric designs that meet the evolving needs of today’s work environments.
A defining moment in my career has been my ongoing study of the intersection between human longevity and workspace design. Over the past 4-5 years, I’ve focused on how intentional design can not only enhance productivity but also foster healing and wellness. This research has profoundly influenced our philosophy at JTCPL Designs, where we aim to create spaces that empower individuals to thrive and contribute to the long-term success of the organizations they work in.
Q: What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in designing office spaces, and what strategies do you think the industry should adopt to overcome them?
Ans: One of the most significant challenges in designing office spaces is striking a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and the ever-evolving needs of the workforce. Modern workspaces must be adaptable to new technologies, flexible work patterns, and the well-being of the occupants—all while maintaining efficiency and sustainability. Achieving this balance can be complex, particularly when working across diverse industries and geographies with unique cultural, economic, and regulatory contexts.
Another challenge lies in integrating wellness into design in a meaningful way. While many organisations now recognise the importance of well-being, translating this into effective design solutions requires a deep understanding of human needs and behaviours within the workplace. Creating spaces that actively promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being demands intentionality and a holistic approach.
To overcome these challenges, the industry needs to prioritise human-centric design. This involves moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions and developing flexible spaces that can evolve with the organisation and its people. Sustainability must be embedded at every stage of the design process, not as an afterthought but as a core principle, ensuring that workspaces are not only efficient but also future-proof.
In addition, continuous learning and research are crucial. My study on the intersection of human longevity and workspace design has emphasised the importance of creating environments that support long-term health and productivity. The industry should embrace ongoing research into well-being, adaptability, and new technologies to ensure that our workspaces remain both relevant and effective.
Q: How do you integrate sustainability and eco-friendly practices into your office design projects? Could you share some examples where these principles have been successfully implemented?
Ans: At JTCPL Designs, sustainability and eco-friendly practices are at the core of our design philosophy. We believe that creating workspaces that are efficient, healthy, and environmentally responsible not only benefits the organisation but also contributes to the well-being of the people who work there. Our approach integrates sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and design solutions that reduce the overall environmental impact while enhancing the functionality of the workspace.
A prime example of our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the over 2 million square feet of USGBC Platinum-rated, LEED-certified facilities we have designed for various organisations. These projects demonstrate our ability to meet the highest standards in sustainable design.
For instance, we successfully designed a Platinum-certified facility for one of the largest European banks. The design focused on energy efficiency, incorporating intelligent lighting systems, low-emission building materials, and an emphasis on natural light to reduce dependency on artificial lighting. Water conservation measures and green spaces were integrated to enhance both the environmental footprint and the well-being of the employees.
Another example is India’s first billion-dollar valuation AI organisation. The project aimed at achieving a LEED Platinum rating by implementing a range of eco-friendly practices. These included optimised HVAC systems, renewable energy sources, and sustainable building materials, all of which were critical in creating a workspace that prioritised sustainability while aligning with the company’s cutting-edge innovation ethos.
Q: What innovative technologies or design processes have you utilized to enhance the functionality, efficiency, and user experience of office spaces?
Ans: We seamlessly infuse human-centric principles with cutting-edge technology to create workspaces that enhance functionality, efficiency, and overall user experience. Our aim is to design environments that are not only highly efficient but also deeply supportive of the people who use them, promoting well-being and long-term success.
One key innovation we’ve implemented is the integration of circadian lighting systems. These systems adjust the intensity and colour temperature of lighting throughout the day to mimic natural daylight patterns, helping to regulate occupants’ circadian rhythms. This improves energy levels, focus, and overall health, making a significant impact on productivity and well-being. We also incorporate dedicated sleep pods or quiet zones into our designs, offering team members spaces to recharge during the day, which is critical for mental clarity and sustained performance.
Our designs also utilise smart office technologies, such as intelligent lighting and advanced HVAC systems that optimise energy consumption while maintaining user comfort. These technologies allow us to create highly efficient spaces that reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
In addition to technology, we use data-driven design processes, gathering insights from space utilisation sensors and user feedback systems. This helps us tailor layouts that encourage collaboration, improve workflow, and ensure that the workspace evolves with the organisation’s needs. Biophilic design principles, including green walls and natural materials, further enhance the user experience by fostering a connection to nature.
For instance, in one of our LEED Platinum-certified projects, we combined circadian lighting and smart building management systems to create a workspace that optimises both energy efficiency and employee well-being. Such innovations are essential in creating environments that prioritise both functionality and the human experience, ensuring that the workspace is not just a place to work but a place to thrive.
Q: In your opinion, what are the key qualities and skills that have contributed to your success in architecture and design, particularly in creating office environments? What advice would you offer to aspiring architects and designers entering this field?
And: Over two decades of laser focus on workspace design have been central to my success. It’s a game of FCD—Focus, Consistency, and Discipline. These three qualities have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of office design and stay committed to my vision over time. Maintaining a clear focus has enabled me to evolve with the industry while continually refining my approach to create environments that truly meet the needs of modern workforces.
A critical aspect of this journey has been defining my North Star—a guiding principle that not only shapes my long-term vision but also informs every decision I make in the short term. For me, my Massively Transformative Purpose (MTP) is to house a billion lives in Healthy Offices. This overarching mission drives everything I do, inspiring me to create workspaces that heal, inspire, and enable individuals to thrive and succeed.
I have also been blessed with an excellent team that has played a crucial role in realising this vision. Coupled with robust leadership, the team’s dedication and expertise have been pivotal in bringing our innovative designs to life.
For aspiring architects and designers, my advice is to define your North Star early on. Let it guide your career and help you stay true to your purpose. The combination of focus, consistency, and discipline is essential—these principles will keep you on course despite challenges or distractions.
Additionally, always be a student of your craft. The field of workspace design is continually evolving, and the more you invest in learning—whether through research, experimentation, or collaboration—the better prepared you’ll be to create spaces that not only meet today’s needs but also anticipate future trends.