M.Arch, B.Arch Julio Arco – Online Interior Designer & Founder of Bark and Chase

Meet the Author and Your Future Designer: Julio Arco is a passionate architect with years of experience in architecture, interior design, urban design, and housing. He studied at prestigious universities across North America and Europe.
If you’re looking to decorate your home, hire me or my colleagues to help you. Our collaboration will be a seamless online process, from idea boards to detailed layouts, renderings, and a curated shopping list. Click here to learn more and work with me with 25% off! Learn more About Me, or visit my Portfolio.

My name is Julio Arco, and I have been practicing as an architect, interior designer, online interior designer at Havenly, founder of Bark and Chase and Maisonly, 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.
In addition to my work in design, I have a deep passion for leading a healthy and mindful lifestyle, which naturally extends to several creative outlets I’ve developed over the years. I’m especially drawn to the vegan and plant-based lifestyle—not only for its health benefits but also for its alignment with sustainability and compassion. This inspired me to create The Vegan and Plant-Based Kitchen, a blog where I share quick, nourishing recipes and tips to make plant-based eating approachable and delicious.
My love for beverages and the art of mixology led me to launch The Crafted Drink, a space where I explore everything from vibrant infused waters to artisanal cocktails. I’ve always found something magical about how a beautifully made drink can set the tone for a gathering or even enhance a quiet moment of reflection.
Fashion has also been a long-standing interest of mine—it’s another form of self-expression that I truly enjoy curating and sharing. That’s why I created My Trend Boutique, where I highlight current trends, style tips, and wardrobe inspiration for people who want to look and feel their best.
Most recently, I launched Hogarly, my interior design blog. It brings together my love for creating spaces that feel like home, with a focus on accessible design tips, mood board inspiration, and curated aesthetics that promote comfort and beauty.
These blogs are more than just passion projects—they’re reflections of the lifestyle I love living and the creativity I enjoy sharing with others.
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Hire an Online Interior Designer at Havenly
There are several online interior design websites, but Havenly is your best option to hire from a robust list of interior designers that will help you in decorating and creating the perfect dog-friendly home. When you sign up for Havenly, you will take a short quiz about your design style and what you are looking for in a designer. Havenly will then match you with a designer who will help you select paint colors, furniture, and accessories that are both stylish and safe for your furry friend.
In addition, your Havenly designer will be able to provide tips on how to create a space that is both comfortable for your dog and inviting for guests. With Havenly, creating a beautiful and functional home that your dog will love is easy and stress-free.
Click here if you want to learn more about Havenly or book an interior designer and get 25% off your design package if you click here!