Crafting serene spaces since 2011
Welcome to Arcadia Studio, where design meets tranquility in perfect harmony.
Arcadia Studio was born from a shared vision between Emily Chen and Daniel Morris, two designers who met while working at a prestigious Sydney architecture firm in 2009. Frustrated by the industry's focus on trends over livability, they dreamed of creating a design practice that prioritized how spaces feel, not just how they look.
In 2011, they took a leap of faith and founded Arcadia Studio in a tiny rented space in Fitzroy with just one client. Their first project—a small apartment renovation—established the foundation of what would become their signature "modern calm" approach: clean lines and contemporary elements balanced with warm textures, natural materials, and thoughtful spatial flow.
Word spread quickly about their refreshing philosophy. Within three years, they had expanded to a team of five and moved to their current location on Hay Street. What began as a two-person operation has evolved into Sydney's premier interior design studio specializing in spaces that serve as sanctuaries from our increasingly chaotic world.
Today, Arcadia Studio works with residential and commercial clients throughout Australia, bringing our modern calm aesthetic to homes, offices, hospitality venues, and retail spaces. While our team and portfolio have grown, our core mission remains unchanged: to create beautiful environments that nurture wellbeing and bring a sense of peace to everyday life.
"To create spaces that restore balance and bring calm to modern life through thoughtful design that combines beauty, functionality, and emotional wellbeing."
We believe in creating spaces that support mental wellbeing through thoughtful design choices. Every element—from spatial flow to material selection—is considered for its impact on how a space feels and functions.
We foster genuine relationships with our clients, taking time to understand their lifestyles, preferences, and needs. Your story is essential to creating a space that truly reflects and supports your life.
We prioritize environmental responsibility by sourcing sustainable materials, supporting local craftspeople, and designing spaces that stand the test of time both aesthetically and functionally.
Our modern calm approach seeks perfect equilibrium between aesthetics and function, minimalism and warmth, innovation and timelessness. This balance creates spaces that feel both fresh and enduring.
We believe that excellence lives in the details. From perfect proportions to thoughtful finishing touches, we bring meticulous care to every aspect of the design process.
We constantly evolve our practice through ongoing education, travel, research, and refinement of our craft. This commitment to growth ensures we bring fresh perspectives while maintaining our core philosophy.
The creative minds behind our modern calm designs
Creative Director & Co-Founder
Emily brings over 15 years of design experience to Arcadia Studio. With a background in architecture and interior design, she specializes in spatial planning and creating cohesive design concepts that perfectly balance form and function.
Her approach is deeply influenced by her studies in mindfulness and biophilic design principles, which she integrates into every project to create spaces that nurture wellbeing.
Technical Director & Co-Founder
Daniel's expertise lies in the technical aspects of interior design, ensuring that beautiful concepts become functional realities. With a background in construction and project management, he oversees the execution of all Arcadia Studio projects.
His meticulous attention to detail and extensive knowledge of materials and construction methods ensure that our designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and built to last.
Senior Designer
Olivia joined Arcadia Studio in 2015 after completing her Masters in Interior Architecture. She brings a fresh perspective to our team with her expertise in color theory and material innovation.
Known for her ability to create unexpected yet harmonious combinations, Olivia specializes in developing custom furnishings and detailed styling concepts that give each project its unique character while maintaining our signature modern calm aesthetic.
Project Manager
With a background in both design and business administration, Marcus ensures that our projects run smoothly from concept to completion. He joined Arcadia Studio in 2017 and has transformed our project delivery process.
Marcus excels at coordinating contractors, managing timelines, and maintaining clear communication with clients throughout the design process. His exceptional organizational skills and calm demeanor make him invaluable to our team and clients alike.
Over the years, our commitment to excellence has been recognized through awards, publications, and most importantly, client satisfaction.
What our clients say about working with us
"Working with Arcadia Studio transformed not just our home, but our entire family life. Emily and her team took the time to understand how we live and what we value, creating a space that feels both beautiful and deeply personal. Their modern calm approach has given us a sanctuary from our busy lives, and the thoughtful details continue to delight us every day. From the initial consultation to the final styling touches, their process was organized, transparent, and enjoyable."
"As a CEO of a tech startup, I wanted our office to reflect our innovative spirit while providing a calm environment where our team could thrive. Daniel and Marcus understood this vision immediately and delivered beyond our expectations. The space they created perfectly balances functionality with biophilic elements that reduce stress and boost creativity. Our team productivity has measurably improved, and clients always comment on the unique atmosphere. Arcadia Studio's modern calm approach was exactly what our workplace needed."
"Having worked with several design firms in the past, I can confidently say that Arcadia Studio stands apart. Their approach to restaurant design demonstrated a profound understanding of hospitality spaces that need to be both visually stunning and operationally efficient. Olivia's material selections created the perfect ambiance while being practical for our high-traffic environment. The design has become part of our brand identity, and our return customers often mention the atmosphere as a key reason for their loyalty."
A glimpse into our portfolio of modern calm interiors
Let's create a sanctuary that reflects your lifestyle and brings the modern calm approach to your environment.