Tonnit Design

Tonnit Design specialises in design-based advertising.

It took a month and a half to complete the office from concept to finish. Tonnit Design became operational on October 2008.

Pranali Diwadkar, an independent set designer.

Designer Pranali has been in the advertising industry for over 15 years. "She has to created an ambience that is distinct from sitting in an 'office' space," says Tonnit Thomas, CEO/creative director. "People spend very long hours in advertising agencies, so it's important that the team feels comfortable when they're in the office."

"In the business of communication, it's important that people get to discuss and interact. The creative department being the heart of any agency, it's important that there is enough room for the creative people in the agency to brainstorm and to present their ideas. The yellow brainstorming room gives them the privacy to think," says Tonnit.

The agency also opted for a seating lounge instead of a stereotypical conference room, in order to help create healthy interaction with the clients.

"I like the homely feel that the entire office space exudes. Subtle touches in the design, from the cast iron photo-frames with the kids, the white shelf with small curios. In fact, that was an integral part of our brief to the designer." Renu Thomas, administration & finance director & partner

"I like the acrylic speech balloon in my room. Sitting on the couch beneath it and looking out through the window opposite, I get to see the Dubai Skyline and it feels like "Dubai, I want to speak to you." Nitin Menon, brand leader.

"It is the white graffiti wall, which is a continuous and ever-changing design element in our office. It reflects the mood we are in. So you may find a beaten up monster when we are all about to beat the recession or you may find it all cleaned up, when we draw a blank." Sreejith Snark, art director

"I like the rain curtain. It divides the waiting lounge and the reception area. It has got an old world retro charm to it. I can well, imagine a Moulin Rouge character walking out of the white pictureless frame." Vidyanath, graphic designer

"The design has an ethereal charm about it and is like a collection of half-told stories. Design elements like the rain curtain and pictures without frames have given us a space to fill. The general retro look and the stark colours used also give it an element of drama. We wanted to provide an element of surprise for our visitors," says Tonnit.

"I was inspired by the drama of French Bohemian art. An exaggerated style of people who lived by art. Typography, film sets, film industry (particularly the Indian industry), as well as the quirkiness of the people in the advertising industry all these factors played a role.

"Space was premium and we wanted to maximise it. The 'top to toe' mirror at the entrance makes the area look more spacious. Using acrylic sheets in between the workstations added more colour and at the same time gives the feeling of a divided space and privacy for individuals."