Delhi NCR, July 21, 2025: On the surface, it looks like a new design studio taking shape in Gurgaon. But step inside, and it’s clear this isn’t just another co-working space for architects. The tables are covered with real material samples, walls are lined with curated catalogues, and small teams are quietly huddled in review rooms. There’s no launch signage, not much social media blitz, just a slow and steady stream of professionals testing what might soon become a new standard in architectural workflows. Welcome to the beta phase of the Knowledge Center’s One-Day Design Lab.
Now in soft launch, the One-Day Design Lab is being quietly tested by select architecture studios, real estate developers, and design educators, just before it opens to the wider industry. The idea is simple: to compress what normally takes weeks—material selection, catalogue browsing, technical clarifications, and client approvals—into a single working day.
At the heart of the Lab are five interconnected spaces, designed to eliminate friction from every stage of the design workflow. The Material Library enables architects and clients to physically touch, compare, and evaluate finishes in real-time, with no vendor delays or guesswork from a screen. Alongside it, the Catalogue Library offers a streamlined, updated collection of product information from across the industry, replacing scattered PDFs and email chains. The Reference Library goes deeper, providing access to working drawings, legal references, case studies, and construction details for real-world grounding. In between, the Networking Café facilitates relaxed, productive interactions among designers, vendors, clients, and collaborators. And when it’s time to present, align, or make decisions, the Conference Rooms offer a fully equipped environment designed for serious decision-making. This isn’t a showroom. And it’s far from a casual lounge.
The One-Day Design Lab is a purpose-built ecosystem that enables architects and project teams to transition seamlessly from exploration to execution without leaving the building. In the last few weeks, design studios have utilised the space to host material walkthroughs, finalise client selections, and align vendor deliverables—tasks that would typically span multiple platforms, meetings, and missed calls.
Ankur Jain, CEO and founder of the Knowledge Center, says, “We’re calling it a beta, but it’s already working. We’re observing how people use the space—what triggers momentum, where friction still exists, so that we launch something truly useful, not just exciting. Initial reactions from those invited into the beta have been overwhelmingly positive. Designers appreciate the pace at which clients make decisions when the right tools are readily available. Builders have begun exploring it as a neutral zone to bring all stakeholders together. Even educators have enquired about using the format for hands-on critique sessions and live industry exposure.”
In the coming weeks, KC will roll out a digital prep tool to help teams plan their sessions remotely, shortlisting materials, references, and brand catalogues in advance. A flexible membership model is also being shaped, allowing studios, consultants, and project heads to use the space on demand.
For now, the remains in quiet preview mode. But if the early response is any indication, it won’t stay that way for long. A new way of working, grounded, tactile, and remarkably efficient, is about to become official.
Updated on
Also available on: Made in Media
