Commercial and Retail Architecture for Brand-Driven Spaces
We transform commercial environments by balancing heritage brand identity with modern, flexible retail flow.
A walk-through of the Nalli flagship store. Our design aimed to evolve the brand's traditional image by creating a modern, easily navigable space while retaining the warmth and richness associated with silk sarees.
This video provides an overview of the Nalli store, a space designed to bridge intergenerational memories of the brand. The result is a highly functional and detailed design that is both modern and classic.
The entrance lobby of the Nalli store, designed as a hybrid retail and visual merchandising space. The curved counters and soft lighting create an elegant and welcoming first impression.
Another view of the ground floor lobby, showcasing the custom shelving and display mannequins. This floor sets the tone for the shopping experience across the five levels of the store.
The first floor is dedicated to wedding silks, featuring a more traditional layout with wall-to-wall shelves and long counters. We updated this classic format to improve the customer experience and flow.
We introduced hybrid units of shelves and hangers in the center of the traditional silk saree floor. These bays encourage self-assisted shopping and impulse buys, modernizing the classic retail format.
The second floor, dedicated to wedding couture and festive wear, features a modern, pastel palette. The copyrighted Nalli "Chintz" print was adapted as a wallpaper pattern, adding a bespoke touch.
Custom-designed display units on the second floor encourage self-assisted shopping. The curved hanging rack creates a focal point and allows for an elegant presentation of the festive wear collection.
The layout of the second floor is open and fluid, allowing customers to move easily between different collections. The design uses a combination of hanging displays and mannequins to showcase the outfits.
The fourth floor, which houses ready-to-wear collections, features a central circular display. A decorative jaali element in the ceiling adds a touch of traditional craft to the modern space.
About Commercial & Retail Design
In high-glare urban retail environments, we do not rely solely on HVAC systems to manage thermal loads. For the Nalli flagship store, we integrated an undulating metal mesh curtain along the glass facade. This element filters intense afternoon sunlight, reduces cooling demand, and acts as an elegant, translucent backdrop as the store shifts into evening operations. It is a functional architectural response that doubles as a visual merchandising asset, solving environmental constraints while enhancing the store's interior rhythm.
Our approach to commercial design is rooted in a fundamental question: how does physical space facilitate the interaction between a product and the consumer? We treat every retail or commercial project as a diagnostic exercise in brand communication.
The Anatomy of Retail Flow
Retail architecture requires a rigorous balance between the 'traditional'—the consumer's memory of a brand—and the 'functional'—the need for efficient, modern navigation. For major legacy brands, we analyze existing shopping patterns to inform our spatial layouts.
We design for:
- Intergenerational Accessibility: Ensuring a space feels familiar to long-time patrons while welcoming new demographics.
- Hybrid Displays: We develop custom fixture systems that allow for modular merchandising. Whether the need is for hanging saris, stacking textiles, or showcasing mannequins, our shelving units are engineered for high-frequency flexibility.
- Contextual Materiality: We avoid the generic global retail aesthetic. Instead, we adapt our palette to the local context, using materials that age gracefully and ground the store within its specific site.
Designing for Constraints
Commercial projects rarely offer a blank slate. Our practice thrives on constraints—be it site orientation, Vastu requirements, or intense urban glare. We view these not as hurdles, but as design drivers. By incorporating elements like perforated jaalis, custom skylights, or specialized facade treatments, we create environments that reduce operational costs while improving the user experience.
Every project is a collaborative journey with our team, the client, and the craftspeople who translate our drawings into reality. We invite you to explore the intersections of our research and our built work.
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