PROJECT INFO

Location: Bangalore, India
Completion Date: 2023
Project Type: Corporate Workplace and Innovation Labs
Scope of Work: Crux Design Studio was appointed to deliver the Stage 3 design for JLR’s new 68,000 sq ft floor in Bangalore. As the first of many phases for the brand in India, the project had a strategic role in setting design standards and building trust between UK and India-based stakeholders. The design needed to balance JLR’s global guidelines with the practical requirements and cultural context of a rapidly scaling local team.


JLR – 4TH FLOOR WORKPLACE

JLR’s Bangalore team experienced exponential growth—from 15 to over 450 people—within just 24 months, far outpacing the original five-year projection established at the project’s outset. The 4th floor project became both a workplace delivery and a foundational strategy piece, setting the tone for future expansion across India.

Crux was brought in to interpret and adapt JLR’s global design guidelines to an Indian context—navigating differing workspace standards, density expectations, and delivery models. This first project created not just a physical space, but a playbook for future growth and local/global collaboration.

Design Concept

The design followed JLR’s global workplace principles—including a 1:8 occupancy ratio and 1600x800mm desk standard—but these had to be carefully reconciled with the more compact Indian workspace norms and the lived experience of the local leadership team. These stakeholders, who had grown the Bangalore office from just two people, had a deep understanding of how their teams worked—and what they truly needed from the space.

Crux’s role was to translate corporate standards in a way that honoured the local context, while still creating a globally consistent JLR experience. The layout prioritized spatial efficiency without compromising on quality, integrating labs, open-plan workspaces, collaboration zones, and a cafeteria.

Challenges & Solutions

One of the primary challenges was mediating between two deeply invested stakeholder groups—UK property leads and the entrepreneurial Indian leadership—who held very different expectations for space planning and delivery. Crux acted as a bridge, actively listening to both groups, and crafting a solution that aligned with global intent while reflecting local insight.

While Crux’s initial remit was Stage 3 design, the team delivered an enhanced “Stage 3+” pack suitable for local tender. This proved critical in managing procurement risks. Through the process, Crux developed a close working relationship with JLR’s UK property team, building trust and alignment that helped push the politically sensitive project through internal approvals and toward delivery. The most important learning came during procurement: selecting the wrong delivery partner can unravel even the strongest design. Without a rigorous tender process—including interviews, site visits, and technical submittal reviews—project timelines, quality, and budgets can rapidly erode. Crux’s experience highlighted the need for detailed due diligence and ongoing oversight, especially on large, multi-phased international projects.

Final Outcome

Despite challenges, the 4th floor was delivered as a smart, balanced workplace that satisfied both UK and Indian stakeholders. It marked the beginning of a long-term programme for JLR in Bangalore, establishing Crux as a trusted strategic partner. The success of the project set a benchmark for all future phases—both in terms of design execution and in establishing new, more rigorous delivery protocols that protect client interests through all project stages.

Key Features

  • Global-Local Alignment – Bridged UK guidelines with Indian workplace norms.
  • Strategic Growth Planning – Designed for a team that grew from 15 to 450 in under two years.
  • Enhanced Stage 3 Delivery – Tender-ready Stage 3+ pack tailored for Indian contractor market.
  • Cultural Sensitivity – Balanced entrepreneurial local leadership with corporate property oversight.
  • Multi-Phase Foundation – Set the tone and standards for future JLR projects in India.
  • Trust-Based Collaboration – Built a close partnership with JLR’s UK property team.
  • Procurement Lessons – Emphasized the need for rigorous contractor selection and design review.
  • Delivery Risk Awareness – Identified how poor delivery can compromise budget, timelines, and quality.