Our Mission

Creating meaningful spaces that inspire and elevate everyday experiences

Julie Arruda principal designer at Arruda Design Studio

Meet Julie

Hi! My name is Julie Arruda, Founder and Principal Designer at Arruda Design Studio. Welcome and thanks for visiting! We are an Interior Design studio located in Tampa, FL focusing on residential and boutique commercial projects. I would love to tell you a little about myself and the journey that led me here.

I was born and raised in Brazil where, from a young age, I knew I would grow up to be in the design industry. From sketching everything my eyes could see to designing my own outfits, I was always exercising my creativity.

My professional career started in Brazil after I graduated from Architecture school and soon after opened my own business focused on residential and small commercial projects. Although I was trained as an architect, it was clear to me from the beginning that I had a natural passion for interiors. Life changed after I got married and decided to move to the U.S. in 2007 to start a new chapter of our lives. At that time, I saw the perfect opportunity to follow my passion by going back to school and graduating with an Interior Design degree.

I’m extremely grateful for all experience gained and memories created during the past 20+ years while working for some amazing design firms. I have collaborated with incredibly talented people on over 150 projects ranging from small to over 500,000 sq. ft., in more than 15 different practice areas across the country, including residential, commercial, sports, workplace and hospitality to name a few. My involvement in award-wining projects has not only made me a well-rounded designer, but it also taught me that design is universal and a powerful tool to unlock possibilities and make client dreams a reality.

Design is a big part of who I am. It’s a lifestyle! I’m inspired by my surroundings, by fashion and by traveling with my family. I believe that design should be personal, purposeful and tell a meaningful story, it should evoke emotions and be memorable. Design has the power to shape life experiences, this belief molds my creative approach to design when I’m space planning, curating finish palettes, working on FF&E or detailing a custom millwork piece.

I hope we can work together soon,

Julie

Latest From Instagram

Absolutely love how this finish palette turned out for this commercial project! The beautiful blue hues layered over sleek black and white architectural finishes create such a striking contrast. And that small pop of yellow? Just the touch it needed
Our November Mood is bringing the warmth we need for this month. It was a month full of gratitude for all we’ve accomplished and all the amazing memories we are creating with our newly opened design studio. Looking forward to December and the j
Today, we had an exciting client presentation showcasing some of the proposed finishes for this incredible project. Swipe to see how they are coming together and press play to see some behind the scenes prep for the presentation. 😊 What a perfect w
Excited to share the finish palette we created for this commercial project! Our goal was to carefully blend rich, textured finishes with clean, modern tones to bring warmth, depth, and sophistication to the space. Every choice was made with purpose
Project Update! We’re excited to share one of the renderings of the kitchen for our residential project in Brazil! This compact space was designed with both functionality and warmth in mind. Every inch was carefully planned to maximize storage
Good morning with a few of the initial finishes selections we reviewed with one of our residential clients last week. In this phase of the project we review concept plans, mood board and a hand full of finishes to test the waters with the client and
Last week, we shared some exciting 3D views and mood boards of the bathroom and walk-in closet renovation we're working on for one of our residential clients! The client had the chance to visualize the space volumetrically and explore some material
We’re thrilled to share that we recently presented our mood boards for a full renovation project that has us overflowing with inspiration! The process of creating and sharing these mood boards not only helped us dive deep into the client&rsqu
As October comes to a close and as we move into November, I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons October has brought. It’s been an amazing journey filled with new clients, fresh connections, and, most importantly, the joy of doing w
Thrilled to share another rendering of our residential client in Brazil. This design blends functionality with style, creating the perfect focal point for their living space. From custom cabinetry to integrated lighting, every detail is thoughtfully
Transforming a piece of furniture can breathe new life into your space, and one of the most effective ways to do this is through color and texture. Here are some tips to create stunning visual interest: Play with Color: Don’t be afraid to go b
Here's a glimpse of a finish palette I put together for a commercial project, featuring two of my favorite colors: greens and blues. Green symbolizes growth, harmony, and freshness, bringing a sense of balance to any space. It’s perfect for c
Exciting news in the design world! Benjamin Moore just announced today the Color of the Year for 2025: Cinnamon Slate 2113-40! I’m absolutely in love with this soft, velvety plum. It’s understated yet so sophisticated, making it a perfec
As an interior designer, I love pieces that make a statement, and the Herman Miller Crosshatch Chair is a personal favorite. Its elegant silhouette and casual design beautifully blend artistry with a stunning interplay of texture. Perfect for complem
We’re thrilled to share one of the renderings of our latest residential project: a cozy new build studio apartment for a client in Brazil! This compact space presented its challenges, but we embraced them, transforming limitations into opportu
Did you know that our studio offers consulting interior design services? Our interior design consulting service offers personalized guidance tailored to each client’s needs—whether they’re looking for a one-time consultation or on
As Hurricane Milton approaches the west coast of Florida, let’s make sure we’re all prepared. Have your plans in place, stay protected, and keep connected with one another. Remember, we are a strong and resilient community, and together
One of the most exciting parts of any interiors project? The finish selection process! It’s where creativity meets practicality, and I absolutely love it! Choosing materials that are not only eye-catching but also appropriate for the project&r

Our Services

Julie Arruda services at arruda design studio

Design Service

This service offers a seamless and comprehensive solution for your new-build or renovation project. From the initial consultation to the final installation, we support you at every step of the way with a streamlined process and unwavering dedication.

Consulting

We offer a range of consulting services tailored to meet your unique design needs. Whether you have a single question about your space or require ongoing guidance for multiple areas, our consulting services provide the expertise and insights you need to make informative design decisions. Available virtually for local and nationwide projects.

Contact Us

Julie Arruda working on a beautiful finish palette with natural materials like plants, wood, tile and concrete