The office of BlackLine, in Bengaluru, designed by Unispace India embodies a seamless blend of professional minimalism and warm hospitality through a celebration of materials and textures.
Located in the bustling city of Bengaluru, Backline’s office space that spreads approximately 32,000 sq. ft. transcends traditional office environments. Designed by Neha Sethi – Design Principal, Unispace India, this workspace is a thoughtfully designed environment that supports connection, creativity, and long-term impact.
BlackLine is a well-known finance and accounting solution providing company that works with thousands of companies across different industries around the world. Since it is their first physical office in India, they wanted to represent their global culture, but showcase it in the Indian context through their design. Unispace India incorporated subtle regional storytelling: locally inspired artwork, acoustic panels with Indian motifs, and biophilic design that resonated with the traditional Indian culture. Every element was chosen not just for form or function, but to reflect what BlackLine is and what it does.
Sharing the clients brief, Neha, says, “BlackLine’s brief was clear, focused, and closely aligned with the type of work we specialize in. For their first office in India, they envisioned more than just a functional workplace—they wanted a space that would foster connection and bring their teams together. The brief called for an environment that was dynamic and collaborative, reflecting their global brand while also being warm, culturally relevant, and future-ready.” She further adds, “Key priorities included agility, employee wellbeing, and the integration of technology to support a seamless hybrid work model. The space needed to encourage both productivity and meaningful in-person engagement.” The team at Unispace India collaborated closely with BlackLine to translate these objectives into a workplace that embodies their people-first culture and their aspirations for growth in India.
Explaining the USP that sets the workstation apart, Neha says, “The defining feature of BlackLine’s Bengaluru office is a central space we refer to as “The Heart.” More than just a reception area, this dynamic networking lounge reimagines the traditional office welcome zone as a multifunctional hub designed to foster interaction, collaboration, and community. “The Heart” has been purposefully designed to adapt to various needs—seamlessly transforming from an informal gathering space into a fully functional town hall or café-style environment. It accommodates a wide range of activities, from spontaneous conversations and team huddles to large-scale meetings and company-wide events.” This thoughtful, human-centered design embodies BlackLine’s culture of openness, inclusivity, and connection. By prioritizing flexibility and meaningful interaction, “The Heart” not only enhances the workplace experience but also reinforces the organization’s commitment to building a collaborative and future-ready work environment. It is this fluid, people-first approach that truly distinguishes the Bengaluru office.
The core concept driving this project was “connection and belonging.” Unispace India’s objective was to design a welcoming, vibrant, and culturally attuned environment—one where employees feel valued, supported, and proud to be part of the organization. To evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity, the space incorporates visual cues such as regional artwork and organic materials, blending local character with a refined, global aesthetic. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, the design was envisioned as an adaptable environment that evolves with its people and reflects their shared purpose. In this way, the workplace transcends its functional role—it becomes an integral, living expression of BlackLine’s identity and culture.
The space is thoughtfully zoned to balance collaboration and concentration. Neha informs, “The Heart” anchors the entry with energy and warmth. Open workstations support fluid team collaboration, while private cabins offer quieter, focused spaces for leadership. Conference rooms are fully equipped for hybrid meetings, with AV and acoustic planning to ensure seamless communication. There are breakout zones near the café for casual collaboration or recharging, and biophilic elements are used throughout to soften transitions between zones. Every area serves a distinct purpose, yet they flow together naturally to support the rhythm of the workday.” Giving insights on the various challenges faced by the team and how they overcame it, Neha says, “One key challenge for this project was balancing openness with functionality. People seek focus areas and seclusion in addition to teamwork after the pandemic. It was crucial to create an environment that accommodates various work types without feeling divided. It took meticulous planning to include sustainability and cuttingedge technology, such as smart lighting systems, into the architecture without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Additionally, as this was BlackLine’s first office in India, it was critical to genuinely communicate their brand to a fresh talent pool. In order to create a meaningful local experience, we had to make sure that every design decision from the materials to the mood was aligned with their worldwide philosophy.”
As far as material palette is concerned, the team has opted for a warm, earthy palette complemented by natural finishes and calming neutrals— tones that convey a sense of grounding, approachability, and timelessness. Materials were thoughtfully curated to enhance acoustic comfort and introduce tactile warmth. Custom-printed acoustic panels featuring Indian-inspired motifs add a layer of local storytelling and cultural context. The use of wood laminates, soft textiles, and integrated greenery contributes to a more humancentered environment, while maintaining a polished, forward-looking aesthetic. For lighting, the team has integrated a Smart Lighting Management System (LMS) that adapts to time of day and occupancy, ensuring energy efficiency without compromising comfort. Warmer tones have been used in informal and breakout areas to encourage relaxation, while cooler, focused lighting supports productivity in task zones. The system allows for flexibility, automation, and a reduction in energy consumption which eventually comes handy in supporting both sustainability and employee experience.
“Adhering to, sustainability norms was a key pillar in the design approach. To begin with, we integrated a smart Lighting Management System (LMS) to optimize energy use and reduce environmental impact. The materials selected, including low-VOC finishes and acoustic panels, were chosen with both wellness and environmental responsibility in mind. We also brought in biophilic elements to improve air quality and enhance the indoor ecosystem. While the project wasn’t tied to a specific green certification, our intent was clear: to create a future-ready space that supports both the planet and the people who work within it”, concludes Neha.
