“I didn’t leave the corporate world to build a replica of it. I want my office to be inviting and laid-back” was the two-sentence brief served to Nakkash Design Studio. The space in question was a modest 80 sq. mtr. shell and core unit in JLT’s Fortune Towers and the challenge, to convert it into a personable family office in 3 months. 

Egged on by the client’s openness and enthusiasm, the multi-disciplinary practice whipped up the design in 3 weeks that true to the brief, took a non-institutional approach. The compact space consists of a waiting room, the Founder’s private office and a workplace for the team, illuminated generously with natural light.  

Privy to the client’s love for the beach, Design Director Omar Nakkash subtly imbued the interiors with maritime inspirations to evoke memories of his “happy place.” This is evident in the elements that hold the design together: the dynamic wallpaper, the colour scheme with shades of blue, pops of orange and burnt sienna and the sea-themed paintings curated from LeftBank Art. The light-coloured microcement flooring is another cohesive element that seamlessly connect the rooms, creating an illusion of space as it elevates the design.   

Fresh Entrance

The first thing that grabs the eye about the office, is the wallpaper from Glamora with its parallel lines, rhythmic colour and geometric forms, infusing the office space with a dynamic spirit. The exposed HVAC painted in periwinkle adds a touch of cool. 

The waiting room is embellished with minimal but carefully chosen elements of luxury: two leather accent armchairs from Theodore Alexander, two fluted round side tables in sky blue and a sleek wooden console.    

The unassuming vase on the side table on closer examination reveals itself to be a modern classic in soft resin created by celebrated architect Gaetano Pesce. While the stately iron bust with an abstract crown draws attention, the real showstopper is the rugged stone sculpture by Indian architect Fainy Thakor, a collectible acquired at Downtown Design 2023. 

Atypical Office  

The Founder’s private office stands apart for the conspicuous absence of the executive desk - an archetypal element of a CEO’s den.  Instead, the design resorts to soft power through the Eames lounge chair, a 1950s icon that continues to hold sway as a symbol of class and comfort.  

Another deliberate omission is the Eames ottoman that is often paired with the chair. In its place, a round side table adds an accent of terracotta as it enhances the laid-back ambience of the space. 

The existing concrete ledge is dressed up with wood to create a window bench that plays a dual role as low table and informal seating. Placed on the ledge, a Fainy Thakor sculpture in black and white marble captivates with its form that alludes to a tropical flower in bloom.  

Bold strokes of blue make an appearance in the space through the bespoke cabinet, twin ceramic vases and the painted ductwork - a pervading element of the interiors.  

Wainscot panelling adds a luxurious finish with the richness of wood, complimented by a Dali Bench in walnut wood and rattan from the Roberta Schilling collection. 

Acoustic elements that allow for quiet work and confidential meetings include a singular pendant light from the Spanish acoustic lighting brand Faro, and the double-glazed partition etched with vertical lines, a nod to the wallpaper’s geometric pattern.  

In the otherwise relaxed interiors, the round table with leather office chairs is the only reminder of the corporate purpose of the office. 

Function First  The room that houses the wealth management team is designed with functionality and ergonomics in mind. Fitted with desks and chairs for three, the space is also provisioned to accommodate more members as the team grows. 

This common area comes with an uncommon detail – the twin Fonovia acoustic pendant lamps from Faro. Hovering above the office desks, these elongated illuminants add warmth and reduce reverberation with their lampshades made of textile fibre panels. 

The L-shaped wall springs to life with the signature wallpaper while ceramic vases in solid blue and bright orange pop as accented notes.  

By marrying functionality and high visual impact, Nakkash Design Studio successfully creates a “uncorporate” office that inspires productivity and well-being. The interior-fit out of this easy going yet undeniably stylish space was also completed within the promised 45 days. 

As someone who enjoys playing with different scales, working on this project was satisfying for Omar Nakkash whose believes that “no space is too small to create a design that is concept driven and human-centric”.