PATH FINDERS MINDS BEHIND THE BEST WORKSPACES IN INDIA

In celebration of Commercial Design magazine's 11th anniversary, we are proud to present the "Minds Behind the Best Workplaces in India".

This special edition showcases the pioneers and thought leaders who have shaped the landscape of modern workplace design. From architects to real estate visionaries, these individuals have redefined how we experience workspaces, blending innovation with sustainability and functionality. Join us in celebrating the best minds behind India's most inspiring work environments-those who continue to push the boundaries of what a workplace can be.

"To attract and retain talent, GCCs need a holistic business environment that goes beyond just a deskoffering everything from F&B options and sports facilities to art installations and outdoor breakout spaces that truly enhance the employee experience."

ADITYA VIRWANI
Chief Operating Officer, Embassy Group

Having witnessed a transformative shift in office space development over the past eight years, driven by the rise of global capability centres (GCCs), Aditya Virwani's leadership has played a key role in shaping work environments at Embassy Group that go beyond functionality.He believes in creating holistic business ecosystems, offering more than just desks to attract and retain talent. With growing GCC demand, Embassy has integrated amenities like dining, retail, sports facilities, art, and outdoor spaces, focusing on employee experience. This approach has gained traction post-pandemic, as businesses now seek experiential, collaborative workspaces to boost productivity and encourage employees back to offices.

Aditya highlights two major challenges in office space development: inadequate infrastructure and limited financing. He stresses the need for infrastructure and real estate to evolve together, as better connectivity improves efficiency. As India's commercial real estate sector becomes institutionalised, partly due to the growth of REITs, securing financial backing is critical, particularly with the sector facing a capital crunch.