The Vault by Storeyboard Design for a feature

Name of Project: The Vault

Name of Design Firm: Storeyboard Design

Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Typology: Corporate turnkey interiors

Area: 40,000 sq.ft

Date of Completion: October 2024

Principal Designers/Architect: Swathy Sivaraman

Photography Credits: archeptions nisheetdodia 

Highlights

•    Five uniquely themed floors tailored to specific functions and departments.
•    Sustainable design using Green-rated materials & natural lighting.
•    A project delivered within a challenging six-month timeline despite multiple constraints.
•    Integration of opulent design features with cutting-edge functionality.

Concept

This business centre stands as a remarkable example of how a corporate workspace can embody legacy, innovation, and sustainability, making it a landmark corporate space where legacy meets modernity. Conceptualized as the headquarters for a leading jewellery brand, the space balances a deep-rooted heritage with forward-thinking design principles. Designed by Storeyboard Design, the office is a harmonious blend of elegance and utility, with each floor offering a unique narrative that supports the brand's operational and cultural identity.

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The move from their roots in South India, to a new corporate hub in Mumbai was a defining milestone for this leading jewellery brand, which employs over 8,000 people and operates more than 277 showrooms nationwide. The design brief was clear: create an environment that honours heritage, radiates luxury, optimizes workflow, and follows vaastu principles.

To bring this vision to life, Swathy and her team at Storeyboard Design employed floor-specific themes that reflect the unique identity of each department. Functional zones like manager cabins, workstations, quality check rooms, selection areas, and conference rooms were all strategically integrated. Even the elevator lobbies set the tone with dramatic concrete feature walls enhanced with metal and stone bead motifs, creating a visual language that unifies function and flair.

Ground Floor: Prelude to luxury

The ground floor sets an elegant precedent for the rest of the office. Due to structural constraints that disallowed permanent walls, the design team leaned into creativity. The reception area boasts marble-look flooring, a wooden ceiling with metal insets, a fluted stone reception desk with an integrated planter, and a stunning golden jaalli. The waiting zone features custom-tinted glass bricks in gold metal frames suspended by cables — offering privacy while reflecting a diamond-like brilliance synonymous with this jewellery brand.

Suspended gem-inspired lights cast a warm glow, while a central planter and concrete ceilings bring nature indoors. A white jaalli wall filters light and adds privacy, maintaining a serene yet luxurious ambiance. Even the pantry echoes the design philosophy with its rattan mesh, greenery, and concrete textures — a refreshing interlude amid a high-end corporate setting.

First Floor: The Gold Division

Dedicated to the heart of the brand, the first floor celebrates gold through a colour palette of orange, rust, and metallic hues. A bold fluted panel wall displays a golden circle marked “The House of Gold,” under a back-lit ceiling that adds grandeur. Orange and beige seating, concrete-textured planters, and bronze-framed glass partitions complete the luxurious aesthetic.

The merchandise room is a cultural showcase, with wooden displays, floral ethnic wallpapers, and designer chairs with embroidered accents. Every element underscores the brand’s legacy while meeting modern demands for comfort and efficiency. 

Second Floor: The Diamond Zone

Inspired by the timeless elegance of diamonds, this floor embodies contemporary luxury. Abstract veneered ceiling panels, curved seating, and custom carpets in greys and blues evoke a sleek yet welcoming mood. The merchandise room adopts an international design vocabulary with arched fabric displays and black-and-white mosaic flooring.

Workspaces feature twisted steel mesh and glass partitions, while breakout zones are softened with plants and biophilic design. This floor is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to refined innovation and sophistication.

Third Floor: The Startup Hub

Designed for younger teams and startup operations, this floor bursts with energy and creativity. A lively palette of pinks and sea green meets whimsical shapes and graphic floor tiles. The waiting lounge pairs floral wallpaper with playful checkered chairs, while huddle rooms feature bean bags, bold bookshelves, and bright workspaces.

Manager cabins come with curved ombre glass partitions and sculptural privacy features. A dramatic 30-foot rattan ceiling unites the work zone, creating a standout design feature. Even washrooms reflect the aesthetic, merging black-and-white tiles with colorful subway patterns.

This floor reaffirms the brand’s belief in nurturing creativity, collaboration, and modern work culture.

Fourth Floor: The Executive Pavilion

Reserved for top management, this level is the epitome of refined luxury. From the entrance — marked by fluted glass, metallic signage, and turquoise suede seating — to the intricately designed MD and other cabins, every detail speaks to the brand’s excellence. The MD desk, plush chairs, concealed doors, and composite wall finishes create a stately yet warm environment.

A dining room between executive cabins features embossed leather chairs and a mother-of-pearl buffet console beneath a dazzling chandelier. The private chef’s kitchen and hidden guest restroom add functional finesse.

The VIP lounge is an immersive experience in luxury, with layered lighting, plush seating, biophilic glass installations, and gold mesh chandeliers. Meanwhile, the boardroom balances formality with flair, featuring veneered panels, wireless charging stations, and custom lighting.

A hidden Creative Zone bursts with vibrant ceiling suspensions and curved workstations in mustard, blue, and green. This space, dedicated to the younger jewellery design team, reinforces this leading jewellery brand’s commitment to constant innovation.

From polished stone to fluted glass, metallic accents to bespoke wallpapers, the materials palette enhances the overall visual narrative. Strategic transitions in flooring and textures delineate spaces while preserving flow. Custom artwork and wall murals — like the hand-painted third-floor mural — add character to the interiors.

Lighting is a cornerstone of the design strategy. A mix of natural and artificial light ensures energy efficiency and mood-setting versatility. Accent lighting highlights focal zones like reception desks and collaboration areas, while task lighting is seamlessly integrated into workstations.

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This corporate office is a benchmark in green office design. Built in line with sustainable architecture guidelines, the project features VOC-free paints, water-saving fixtures, and responsibly sourced materials. Ample natural light cuts down power usage, and tight material management kept waste to a minimum.

Even amidst logistical hurdles like monsoons and tight timelines, the project was completed within six months — an impressive feat made possible through meticulous coordination and vision.

This headquarters isn’t just a workplace; it’s a benchmark in corporate design. With its seamless integration of heritage and innovation, it offers an environment that is inspiring, responsible, and tailored for future-ready business excellence.