Bridging Global Brand Identity with Local Relevance
Russell Investments, Mumbai
Design & Build
43,000 SFT
infuse strategic purpose into a workplace that’s often perceived as ‘just operations’
The Challenge
Global financial institutions have long looked to India as a hub for scaling operational support. But for Russell Investments, an American investment firm headquartered in Seattle, its expansion into India was not just about offshoring. The firm viewed its Mumbai office as a strategic move to future-proof its operations and embed innovation at the core of its global delivery model.
However, one fundamental challenge stood out from the start:
How do you infuse strategic purpose into a workplace that’s often perceived as ‘just operations’?
The leadership team was clear, the Mumbai centre wasn’t meant to replicate existing global offices. It needed its own identity. Yet, early workspace decisions fell into the trap of defaulting to convention:
conservative layouts, muted branding, and siloed seating arrangements that felt more compliant than creative.
Global financial institutions have long looked to India as a hub for scaling operational support. But for Russell Investments, an American investment firm headquartered in Seattle, its expansion into ...read more
design for capability, to support knowledge work, foster agility, and deepen alignment across global teams
The Solution
The transformation began with a shift in mindset. The ambition wasn’t merely to design an office, but to design for capability, to support knowledge work, foster agility, and deepen alignment across global teams.
Located on the edge of Mumbai’s verdant Aarey forest, the workplace design draws rich inspiration from its natural surroundings. The approach embraced the site's topography and local cultural narratives, creating a space that sparks connection, evokes belonging, and blends global brand language with Indian soul.
The material palette is grounded in nature, earthy terracotta tiles, hand-woven textures, and natural stone finishes echo the forest's tones. Features like step seating reference the design of ancient Indian ghats, turning circulation zones into casual, collaborative spaces.
To reinforce Russell Investments’ global brand identity, the design layers in purposeful colour psychology: deep blues evoke trust and stability; warm ochres infuse energy; and rich greens symbolise growth and sustainability. The result is a space that feels both locally anchored and globally consistent.
The transformation began with a shift in mindset. The ambition wasn’t merely to design an office, but to design for capability, to support knowledge work, foster agility, and deepen alignment across ...read more
office has become a key differentiator in attracting and retaining top talent
The Result
In solving for cultural resonance without compromising brand cohesion, this project sets a powerful precedent for workplace design in APAC expansion. It demonstrates how business goals, local identity, and human experience can come together to shape a future-ready workplace, one that empowers people and elevates performance.
In a fast-paced, competitive talent landscape like Mumbai, this office has become a key differentiator in attracting and retaining top talent. It gives Russell Investments a meaningful, authentic presence in India while strengthening its APAC footprint and global network.
In solving for cultural resonance without compromising brand cohesion, this project sets a powerful precedent for workplace design in APAC expansion. It demonstrates how business goals, local identity...read more
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