Who We Are
At Arruda Design Studio, we believe that thoughtfully designed spaces have the power to shape how people live, work, and connect. Our work is guided by a deep commitment to intentional design — creating interiors that balance beauty, function, and meaning while reflecting the unique identity of each client and project.
Based in Tampa, Florida, the studio focuses on commercial interiors, including workplace, hospitality, food & beverage, sports, and mixed-use environments, as well as thoughtfully curated residential projects. Each space is approached with curiosity, strategy, and a deep respect for how design influences daily experience.
Every project begins with listening. Understanding the people behind the space — their vision, their story, and how they want their environment to feel — is the foundation of the design process. From early concepts through final execution, ideas are carefully explored and refined into interiors that feel authentic and purposeful.
As a boutique practice, Arruda Design Studio operates with a highly personalized and flexible approach. Founder Julie Arruda collaborates with a trusted network of designers and consultants, allowing each project to be supported by the right expertise while maintaining a focused, hands-on design process.
Julie Arruda
Founder & Principal Designer
Julie Arruda is a licensed interior designer with over 25 years of experience spanning commercial and residential interiors.
Originally from Brazil, Julie studied architecture, earning her Bachelor’s degree in 2000. From there, she opened her own studio focusing on interior architecture. Her early experiences shaped a design perspective rooted in both creativity and client relationships, while also revealing her true passion for interior spaces — the scale where design becomes deeply personal.
After moving to the United States in 2007, Julie expanded her expertise by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, aligning her training with the discipline she loved most. Over the past 15+ years, she has worked with leading design firms on projects across the country, contributing to a diverse portfolio that ranges from boutique spaces to large-scale developments. Her work has spanned 15 practice areas, including workplace, hospitality, residential, sports, mixed-use, and food & beverage environments, and includes several award-winning projects.
Through Arruda Design Studio, Julie brings together this diverse experience with a deeply personal design philosophy: that great design is more than aesthetics — it is a powerful tool to bring ideas to life and create spaces that enrich the way people experience the world around them.