Our Mission

Creating meaningful spaces that inspire and elevate everyday experiences

Hello! I’m Julie Arruda

Owner and Principal Designer at Arruda Design Studio — welcome, and thank you for being here! We are an interior design studio based in Tampa, Florida, specializing in both commercial and residential projects. I’d love to share a little about myself and the journey that brought me here.

The Heart of Design

Design, for me, has always been more than just creating something beautiful — it’s about connection, intention, and meaning. When I begin a project, I fully immerse myself in it — understanding not only how a space will look, but how it will feel and function in someone’s everyday life. Aesthetics are important, but design only becomes truly powerful when it tells a story, serves a purpose, and evokes emotion.

Each project is a journey of collaboration and discovery. I see myself as a storyteller, a facilitator — sometimes even a conductor — intention and transforming them into spaces that feel authentic, balanced, and meaningful.

The Process I love

Every stage of design holds value, but the early conceptual phase is where I truly come alive. That’s the moment ideas start to form and take shape — when the vision begins to reveal itself. From that foundation, all other parts of the process fall naturally into place, evolving into spaces that feel complete and intentional.

My Journey

I was born and raised in Brazil, where my love for design began early. As a child, I was constantly sketching my surroundings, drawn to the beauty of form, fashion, and architecture. Pursuing a degree in Architecture felt like a natural path — a way to channel that creative curiosity into something tangible. I earned my Bachelor’s in Architecture in 2000 and soon opened my own studio, focusing on commercial and residential projects. While trained as an architect, I quickly realized that interiors were my true passion — the scale where design feels most personal and human.

In 2007, life brought me to the United States, where I embraced my passion fully and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve had the privilege of working on multiple award-winning projects with renowned design — from intimate boutique spaces to large-scale developments. My experience spans 15 diverse practice areas, including workplace, hospitality, residential, sports, mixed-use, food & beverage, among others.

These projects have shaped me as a designer and deepened my understanding of how thoughtful design can transform the way people live and workspaces and have a direct impact upon our emotional wellbeing. These experiences have reinforced my belief that great design is universal — a powerful tool to bring ideas to life and create meaningful experiences.

Beyond Design

When I’m not working on a project, I’m usually with my husband, our two kids, and our two sweet dogs — soaking up all the love, laughter, and little adventures that make my life full. You’ll also find me at a 6 AM barre class most mornings — a ritual that fuels my energy and focus for the day ahead. No matter where I am, design has a way of finding me and sparking new inspiration.

Latest From Instagram

Exploring two distinct moods for a bedroom renovation we are currently working on — both rooted in warmth, elegance, and modern comfort. Each board captures a unique interpretation of what “elegant and cozy” can mean, helping our cl
Our Chesapeake Home is under construction and shaping up so beautifully! We’re excited to share a glimpse of the vision for this full-home renovation — starting with the kitchen rendering you see here, followed by the “before”
One of my favorite stages of the design process is this one — where everything is still conceptual, loose, and full of possibility. This photo is a small glimpse of our finish palette and mood board, designed to spark conversation, provoke reac
We’re deep into construction on our Coral Gables project but wanted to pause and revisit how we got here — showing a before photo alongside a rendering of the second floor of this 3-floor townhome renovation. Every design starts with a p
Meet the real bosses of Arruda Design Studio! Every design studio needs a Beagle brainstormer + a Lab-level hugger. We’ve got both 😉  #nationalsogday #cocoanutarruda #hazelnutarruda #studiodog #arrudadesignstudio
In commercial interiors, the finishes are the storytellers, they speak for the brand. This palette — full of bold colors, tactile textures, and statement patterns — was created to capture the brand’s vibrant energy and creative spir
I’m excited to share that Arruda Design Studio is officially celebrating its first anniversary! This past year has been full of creativity, growth, and meaningful collaborations — and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible
Designing for Two Brothers, Two Worlds Creating mood boards and finish palettes for these two themed bedrooms was such a joy — and a true exercise in imagination and contrast. One brother dreams of galaxies far away, so we brought in a moody
Mission accomplished 🤍 There’s nothing more rewarding than wrapping up a project and hearing this kind of feedback. Designing a space that reflects not only how a family lives—but how they want to feel in their home—is always the g
It’s all in the details! We recently wrapped up this project, and looking back through the detail shots reminds us how much heart goes into every inch of a space. From the texture of the fabrics to the curated accessories and layered finishes a
Here’s a peek into the living room of our Tampa renovation — a rendering of a space that’s both fresh and deeply rooted in family history. This forever home has been in the family for decades, and our goal has been to honor its stor
When designing this kitchen for our latest full home renovation, one thing was clear: a big island was a must! This space is all about bringing the family together—whether it’s for homework, crafts, or those fun family gatherings. We ma
Here is a sneak peek of this home office renovation. We're embracing color drenching—painting the walls, ceiling, and built-ins in a single rich hue to create a seamless, and sophisticated backdrop. While it might sound daring, pairing it with
Hi there! We know that sometimes, all you need is a little guidance to get your project moving in the right direction. Our Interior Design Consulting Services are designed to be just that — in a focused but relaxed session, we’ll bring

Our Services

Full Interior Design Services

Our Full Design Service offers a comprehensive, start-to-finish partnership, guiding your project from concept through implementation. This service is ideal for clients seeking a fully integrated design experience where every detail is carefully curated.

Consulting Interior Design Services

Our Consulting Interior Design Service provides focused, as-needed expertise for clients seeking guidance on specific challenges or design decisions. Whether you have a single question about your space or need ongoing support on different aspects of your project, this flexible approach is ideal for clients who want professional insight without committing to a full-scale design engagement. It allows you to tap into our expertise wherever it’s most needed.

Get it touch