Add panel without adding it into row

Hello ,
I have a complex dashboard design , where i am showing lots of metrics on one dashboard.
Like -
Department 1 – ( use panel )
Topic 1 ( metrics ) ( use row )
Topic 2 ( metrics ) ( use row )
Department 2 ( use panel )
Topic 1 ( metrics ) (use row )
Topic 2 ( metrics ) ( use row)

So when i design this department 2 automatically moves inside the above row that is topic 2
How to avoid it ?
I really want to do categorisation although i am stuck.
Is there a better way to do it ?
Like top row and sub-rows ?
Could not find anything helpful . Please suggest

Thank you