Zendesk’s Pune office is the company’s first workplace in India. Designed to support its growing team, the project creates a connected workplace that reflects the company’s global identity while responding to its local context.
The design takes cues from Pune’s landscape, materials and craft traditions without becoming overly literal. Earthy colours, natural timber, stone and planting create a warm, understated interior, while artwork by local artists brings moments of character throughout the space. Brand expression is woven into the material palette and detailing instead of relying on graphics, giving the workplace a calm, residential quality.
The plan is organised around a central social hub, which acts as the heart of the office. Anchored by a fountain, the space brings people together for informal meetings, team events and town halls. Around it, a mix of open workstations, meeting rooms, quiet focus areas and wellness spaces supports different ways of working. Workstations are positioned along the perimeter to maximise daylight and views, while quieter spaces are located deeper within the floorplate.
Accessibility was considered from the beginning. Gentle ramps, level transitions and intuitive circulation make it easy to move through the workplace, while flexible spaces allow teams to adapt the office as their needs change.
Close collaboration between architects and engineers shaped many of the design decisions. Lighting, air-conditioning, sprinklers and acoustic systems were coordinated as part of the architecture rather than added afterwards. Curved ceiling forms conceal building services and give the workplace a consistent visual language, while acoustic treatments help collaborative and quiet spaces sit comfortably alongside one another.
Employee wellbeing also informed the design. Daylight, planting and natural materials create a comfortable working environment, while dedicated wellness spaces offer areas for rest and privacy. Durable finishes, efficient planning and carefully integrated building systems support the workplace over the long term and reduce the need for future alterations.
The project was delivered in just 106 days through an integrated design and delivery process. Design, engineering and procurement progressed in parallel, allowing decisions to be made quickly without compromising quality. Digital modelling, site scanning and full-scale mock-ups helped coordinate construction, reduce on-site changes and maintain the original design intent.
The completed workplace gives Zendesk a strong foundation for its continued growth in India. It balances openness with privacy, global standards with local character, and technical performance with a welcoming atmosphere, creating a workplace that feels connected, comfortable and distinctly its own.
Design:
Photography: Syam Sreesylam
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