Our Mission

Creating meaningful spaces that inspire and elevate everyday experiences

Julie Arruda principal designer at Arruda Design Studio

Meet Julie

Hi! I’m Julie Arruda, Owner and Principal Designer at Arruda Design Studio. Welcome and thank you for visiting!

We are an Interior Design studio based in Tampa, FL focusing on residential and boutique commercial projects. I’d love to share a little about myself and the journey that led me here.

I was born and raised in Brazil, where my passion for design began early. Whether I was sketching everything in sight or designing my own outfits, I was always drawn to creativity and visual storytelling.

After graduating with a degree in Architecture in 2000, I launched my first design studio in Brazil, focusing on residential and small commercial projects. Although trained as an architect, my heart naturally gravitated toward interiors from the very beginning. In 2007, life brought me to the U.S. for a new chapter — and with it, the perfect opportunity to fully embrace that passion. I returned to school to earn a degree in Interior Design, officially aligning my education with what I loved most.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible design firms and collaborated with incredibly talented people on more than 150 projects across the country - from small to large-scale with over 500,000 square feet. These projects have spanned more than 15 practice areas, including residential, commercial, sports, workplace, healthcare, hospitality, and beyond. I’m proud to have contributed to award-winning work that not only shaped me as a designer but also reinforced my belief that great design is universal — a powerful tool to bring ideas to life and create meaningful impact.

I live in Tampa with my husband and kids, and we’ve proudly called this city home for the past 18 years. Tampa embraced us when we arrived and continues to inspire me every day - it’s vibrant, full of life, and always evolving, just like design.

Design is a big part of who I am, and I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love. I believe that design should tell a meaningful story, be purposeful, evoke emotions and leave a lasting impression. Design has the power to shape life experiences, and that belief guides my creative process from the first sketch to the final details, always blending beauty with functionality. 

I hope we can work together soon,

Julie

Latest From Instagram

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
Thrilled to share a glimpse of one of our upcoming projects in Coconut Grove! This three-story townhome is about to begin a full renovation, and here’s a first look at the future kitchen. In just a few weeks, construction will kick off —
This is where it shifts—from project to personal. Accessories that speak, that mean, that belong. These final touches tell a story. They bring out a memory, reflect a personality, and add that soulful layer that makes the space theirs. Design
Happy Monday! We are on a quick recess for spring break—a little time to enjoy quality time with family and friends. We’ll be back refreshed next Monday and ready to continue helping our amazing clients bring their design dreams to life!
Mood Board approved! Excited for this new home renovation on the works. We are sure it will become a beautiful forever home for this sweet family of 5. #interiordesign #homerenovation #moodboard #foreverhome #arrudadesignstudio
B|V Renovation Project A harmonious blend of natural materials, contrasting textures, and cozy contemporary style. This space has been thoughtfully refreshed into an inviting retreat—perfect for gathering, unwinding, making memories, or simply

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