My name is Julio Arco, and I have been practicing as an architect, interior designer, founder of Bark and Chase and urban designer for the past several years in the United States. I hold a degree in Architecture from ITESM and a Master’s degree in Urban Design and Housing from McGill University. I’m also a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and I’m an Architecture Professor at ITESM .
Following my passion for dogs, nature, and interior design, I started Bark and Chase as a project to create guides to help promote health, relaxation, and well-being through evidence-based design principles (EBD). My work, regardless of the interior design style, incorporates elements such as sound, music, color palettes, textures, and patterns to create calming atmospheres while using home decor ideas, residential design techniques, comfort level considerations, natural light sources, ergonomic furniture placement, ambient lighting, pet-friendly plants and trees, acoustical treatments, EBD for pet-friendly interiors, and health-conscious materials & finishes.
My goal is to help people to create visually appealing, comfortable, and inviting living spaces that reflect their unique personalities and promote restorative environments suitable for relaxation, rejuvenation, and well-being.
In addition, I consider the latest trends in residential design along with current research that has shown how features such as an open-plan layout or natural lighting can promote mental well-being and reduce stress levels. Additionally, I recommend incorporating greenery or other sources of nature inside homes to create calming atmospheres or therapeutic benefits.
I share tips and tricks on my YouTube channel and blog to help people design their spaces. From choosing the best materials and colors to creating a floor plan that makes sense, I provide viewers with the tools they need to make informed decisions about what will work best for them. My videos also focus on how design can be used to promote health, relaxation, and well-being through evidence-based principles.
I also suggest incorporating sounds to help promote relaxation and elevate the overall atmosphere of the interior space. I seek to provide my clients with calming background sounds consisting of a variety of elements, such as relaxing nature sounds, rain, and even music for dogs.
Utilizing these strategies not only creates a more pleasant living environment but can also help reduce stress levels and anxiety in those who live there. The combination of well-crafted acoustics with thoughtful design makes for harmonious spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and conducive to relaxation and well-being.
