Redefining Workspaces: Awfis Blends Global Standards with Indian Craftsmanship

What inspired Awfis’ design philosophy, blending international standards with Indian craftsmanship?

For those who spend most of their day in the workplace, the office truly becomes a "home away from home." Our design philosophy brings together global standards and Indian craftsmanship to create workspaces that are both internationally appealing and locally resonant. By integrating modern design principles with Indian aesthetics, we craft distinctive, functional, and visually engaging offices that meet the evolving needs of Indian professionals. Our innovative workspace solutions are designed to transform the way India works today and anticipates the needs of tomorrow. Blending global aesthetics with a customer-first approach, we prioritize sustainability through sustainable designs that reduce environmental impact.

Our product, Design & Build offers comprehensive, tailored aesthetic and functional design solutions that foster productivity and inspire innovation. Modern office designs now adopt a people-focused approach, recognizing that design choices can influence mood, workplace environment and vibrancy. From colour schemes to ergonomic furniture, redefine how employees experience their workspace. Colours play a crucial role: cool tones like blue and green create a calm, focused environment, while warm tones like yellow and red boost creativity and energy. Biophilic design elements, elevate the look but also promote relaxation, positivity, and tranquillity. Additionally, live café areas and break rooms enhance social interactions and encourage effective communication flow among employees.

How do you incorporate local cultural influences into global clients' workspaces?

Incorporating local cultural influences into global clients' workspaces is key to creating environments that feel authentic and resonate with the people who use them. This keeps the workforce connected to its roots and boosts productivity. For a prominent Fortune 500 client in Bhubaneswar, the design ethos was inspired by Odisha’s rich heritage, celebrating its classical dance forms, scenic beaches, and the iconic Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Distinctive elements like Pattachitra coconut paintings and custom hand-painted wall designs bring these cultural influences on life. The colour palette mirrored Bhubaneswar’s natural beauty, drawing from its historic monuments, coastal landscapes, and lush surroundings. This client also has offices in Indore, Jaipur, and Nagpur, each with a unique design identity.

In Jaipur, the workspace merges architectural splendor with local culture. The façade features a mirror-like exterior that reflects the environment, symbolizing the company's inclusive spirit. Inside, traditional jali work forms an intricate backdrop for the client’s logo, embodying the essence of Rajasthani artistry. The vibrant café on the upper floor, inspired by the lively Kutch Kite Festival, creates a spirited space for relaxation and interaction. Local motifs blend seamlessly with modern design, balancing heritage with contemporary style. The workspace layout is carefully considered to break up monotony, with themed breakout areas strategically placed to inspire collaboration and offer employees engaging spaces to recharge. By thoughtfully integrating these cultural elements, global clients can create a workspace that respects and reflects local culture while still maintaining their brand identity.

What role does technology play in Awfis' workspace design and operations?

Our design and build model combine innovative strategy and state-of-the-art technology. We offer comprehensive MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), AV (audio-visual), and IT solutions, fostering a collaborative approach that brings together designers, technical experts, and project managers for smooth, integrated execution. We use AR, VR, and AI integration tools that enable smart space planning, create designs that are progressive, tech enabled and efficient that enhance customer experience and can be adapted to the changing needs of the modern workforce. Our product Awfis Techlabs—a suite of end-to-end IT products and services tailored to diverse business needs. We offer services that safeguard sensitivity and information, maintain employee productivity and strengthen customer trust in our offerings.

The Awfis app acts as a one-stop platform for booking spaces, managing resources, and accessing support services, offering clients a streamlined experience. Users can book meeting rooms, manage guest access, and order amenities with just a few taps. Recognizing the demand for flexible work solutions, Awfis leverages technology to support a hybrid work model. Through cloud-based collaboration tools and virtual access systems, clients can work from multiple locations while staying connected. Awfis’ tech-driven approach exemplifies its commitment to innovation and client-centricity, ensuring spaces that are not only functional but also adaptable to future workspace trends. information technology. In our continuous pursuit of excellence, our company has embraced cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience. We have implemented a fully automated booking management system, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to streamline processes and provide a seamless user experience. Our facial recognition-based AI technology for visitor management ensures a smooth and secure experience for all visitors.

What are the key factors driving Awfis' expansion plans in Tier 2 cities?

The demand for flexible workspaces driven by GCCs, hybrid work models, and the need for business agility is creating significant growth opportunities in Tier-2 cities. As companies adopt remote work and satellite offices, these cities offer cost efficiencies and access to an expanding talent pool. Awfis was the first flexible workspace provider to tap into Tier-2 markets, recognizing their potential to support business operations.

To further leverage this trend, we’re strategically investing in Tier-2 cities, focusing on high-growth locations like Guwahati, with new centers planned in Lucknow and Vijayawada. Since our entry into Chandigarh in 2018, we’ve seen the substantial growth potential of these markets, which is crucial for our revenue targets for FY25. Currently, our footprint is split between Tier-1 (90%) and Tier-2 cities (10%), with a goal of adjusting this to 85% and 15% respectively over the coming years. This targeted expansion will strengthen our presence across a wider range of urban centers.

How do you see the future of flexible workspaces evolving in India, and Awfis’ position in it?

The future of flexible workspaces in India is very promising and we are confident that it will continue to grow as it enables expansion and convenience. As highlighted in the Cushman & Wakefield's report, the absorption of flex seats has skyrocketed from 85,000+ seats in 2021 to 155,000+ seats last year. Awfis is well-positioned to lead this evolving landscape, with a strong business outlook for FY25 as we plan to add 40,000 new seats, bringing our total to 1.35 lakh seats. Our expansion plans are strategic and focused coupled with initiatives set to drive business growth and reinforce our market position.

As the flexible workspace segment continues to prosper, driven by MNCs, large corporates, SMEs, and a thriving startup ecosystem, we are committed to delivering an unmatched workspace experience. Our focus is on exceptional service, enhanced products and services that boost our client’s business and support their expansion plans thus ensuring that Awfis remains the go-to destination for flexible workspaces in India.

What sustainability features are integrated into Awfis' workspace designs?

Our comprehensive approach seamlessly combines sustainability, advanced technology, and employee wellness to align with each client’s unique values and brand identity. By leveraging digital tools and a robust network, we design eco-friendly workspaces that boost productivity while promoting environmental responsibility. Our Gen Flex report provides in-depth insights into the importance of human interaction, the rising demand for sustainable workplaces, and the integration of advanced technology to enrich work experience. This report identifies air quality (filtration, ventilation, purification), water quality (treatment and testing), and optimized lighting (color quality, daylight integration) as top sustainability features valued by employees. It also underscores the increasing demand for eco-friendly workspaces as businesses place greater emphasis on reducing their environmental footprint—a trend expected to grow with rising environmental awareness among companies and consumers.

Through close collaboration with our clients, we craft work environments that harmonize business goals with sustainable practices. We prioritize optimal indoor air quality, use low-VOC paints, and integrate touchless technology for healthier, more efficient workspaces. With certified in-house consultants in WELL and LEED standards, we implement sustainable elements like bamboo and cork flooring, recycled nylon carpet tiles, and low-VOC finishes, creating eco-conscious spaces from the foundation up. Our sustainability measures include energy-efficient lighting, smart HVAC systems, water conservation practices, natural light optimization, energy-saving equipment, and renewable energy sources. Pursuing green building certifications like LEED, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainability in every project.

What sets Awfis apart from other co-working space providers in India?

At Awfis, we stand out for our transparency, financial prudence, and adaptability in meeting the diverse needs of clients across demographics. Our comprehensive offerings include flexible workspaces, custom enterprise solutions, mobility solutions and thoughtfully designed commercial spaces that balance functionality with aesthetics. Our pioneering and innovative Managed Aggregation model that set a benchmark in the industry ensures enhanced efficiency, reduces costs, and minimizes risk.

Today, 118 of our 175+ centres operate under the Manged Aggregation model, facilitating our expansion into new markets, extending centre tenures, and attracting landlords through minimal guarantees and capital infusion compensation. Our impressive growth journey, culminating in a successful INR 599-crore IPO, reflects our commitment to reshaping modern workspaces. By catering to diverse clients across sectors-freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups SMEs and MNCS and emphasizing on community, work-life balance, and seamless integration of work with quality living, we have built an ecosystem that truly redefines the future of work.