India’s fit-out sector reshapes workplaces around user experience

India’s office fit-out industry is experiencing rapid expansion and transformation. From Rs 15,400 crore (€149m) in 2020 to Rs 27,700 crore (€269m) in 2023, the segment is expected to reach Rs 80,500 crore (€781m) by 2030. Beyond these figures, the shift is cultural: companies are prioritising workspaces designed around human comfort, natural light, movement, and functional layouts rather than purely visual impact.

The market now divides into studios with global design influence, fully integrated firms managing design and execution in-house, teams with extensive site management expertise, and practices that incorporate research on human behaviour to optimise productivity.

FocusOn Interiors exemplifies the people-focused approach. The firm begins every project by studying how end users interact with space, ensuring designs are practical and user-friendly. Notable projects include Luminous Haridwar, where a green wall enhances air quality, and the Regent Lighting office in Noida, where workspaces are aligned with natural light to reduce energy use and improve focus.

Sustainability is embedded through material choices and operational design, including recycled PET acoustic panels, low-VOC paints, energy-efficient lighting, and ventilation planning. The goal is functional responsibility rather than branding every office as “green.”

Technology plays a critical role in operational efficiency. FocusOn uses a single ERP system connecting design, procurement, finance, and on-site teams. Tools like AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, 3ds Max, and BIM are applied to avoid errors and delays, with future integration of energy simulations and LEED tools to optimise daylight, HVAC, and material impact at the planning stage.

According to McKinsey, human-centric design coupled with operational technology can increase productivity by 30% and reduce long-term costs by 20%.

Explore how Indian fit-out firms are shaping the future of office environments in the full report.