The firm
Founded in Mumbai in 2005, Arena Consultants is a specialised architectural practice for R&D environments: the laboratories, and the workplaces around them.
The practice
A practice built around one building type
Arena starts from the science: the protocols, the hood counts, the sample paths and the pressure regimes, then designs the building around them. That method has been refined on laboratory projects ever since. Our expertise covers the offices, write-up areas and meeting rooms with the same depth, so the whole facility reads as one considered piece of design.
Science first, building second
Layouts developed from user requirement workshops with the researchers who will occupy the space, not from a template.
Engineering in the same room
HVAC, lab ventilation, gas distribution, drainage and electrical coordinated with the architecture in one BIM model.
Standards as a starting point
NABL, ISO/IEC 17025, GLP, ISO 14644 and ASHRAE guidance built into the first drawing, not retrofitted before an audit. See our full standards list.
Labs and the workplace
Write-up areas, offices, cabins, conference and breakout spaces, designed with the same expertise as the labs.
Design only, vendor neutral
We sell no furniture, fume hoods or contracting. The specification serves your lab, not a product catalogue.
Through to as-built
Shop drawing review, site visits against design intent, snag list, completion certification and as-built verification.
Our philosophy
The principles behind every environment
Client Focus
We understand that a laboratory is more than a building. It is where your research, safety and efficiency must work in perfect harmony. We take time to learn your workflows, equipment and compliance needs, so every design decision reflects the way your team actually works.
By putting your goals at the centre of our design approach, we deliver labs that perform from day one and grow with your needs.
Safety First
We design labs where safe practice is intuitive, not an afterthought. Clear flows, right-sized containment and instant access to PPE make compliance the path of least resistance.
Workflow Efficiency
Science moves at the speed of handoffs. We choreograph benches, utilities and instruments so samples travel fewer steps and teams spend more time generating results.
Flexibility & Scalability
Discovery is change. Modular casework, mobile benches and quick-connect services let spaces pivot from chem to bio to analytics without disruption.
Sustainability
Performance and responsibility can be the same choice. High-efficiency HVAC, demand-based ventilation and low-impact materials reduce operational and embodied carbon.
Wellness & Collaboration
People power the science. Daylight, acoustics and ergonomic stations protect focus, while adjacent write-up and huddle zones turn spontaneous conversations into documented decisions.
Committed to Global Goals
Arena is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: designing R&D environments that advance health, reduce environmental impact and build resilient infrastructure.
Testimonials
In their words
"Their exceptional design skills and efficient planning addressed our complex needs for the group's 60,000 sq ft facility in Mumbai. Flexibility, proactive solutions, and in-depth knowledge throughout."
"Archana led a successful R&D lab renovation exemplifying her commitment to Integrated Project Delivery, balancing functional and aesthetic requirements throughout."
"Their interactive approach and deep understanding of technical aspects enabled us to launch the labs on schedule, earning high praise from our scientific team."
"Constant support and Arena's extensive expertise greatly enhanced our design and execution. Emphasising innovation and understanding, they made our project memorable."