Commercial Interior Designers: Julio Arco Of Bark and Chase On How To Design Office Spaces That People Love To Work In
An Interview With Ben Ari
Biophilic design goes beyond just adding a splash of nature to your workplace; it’s about creating a deep, evocative experience of nature in the office setting. Incorporating natural elements into built environments can improve both physical and mental well-being by reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and enhancing mood and creativity.
As a part of our series called “How To Design Office Spaces That People Love To Work In”, we had the pleasure of interviewing M.Arch. Julio A Arco
M.Arch, B.Arch Julio Arco is an architect and interior designer with over 10 years of experience in the industry and the founder of Bark and Chase. Julio has a Bachelor of Architecture from ITESM University and a Masters’s Degree in Urban Design and Housing from McGill University. He is also a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and a Professor of Architecture at ITESM.
He is also an Evidence-Based Design Specialist and a Pet-Friendly Design expert. He holds an Architecture in Urban Context Certificate from LDM University.
Thank you so much for joining us in this series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
Certainly! During my master’s degree in Montreal, Canada, my life took a captivating turn. I had the incredible opportunity to meet individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities. This exposure wasn’t just eye-opening — it fundamentally shaped my approach to design. It was in this eclectic environment that I stumbled upon “Evidence-based Design,” a game-changing philosophy that focuses on making design decisions based on scientific research and hard data. This discovery revolutionized the way I practice design, turning it into a meticulous blend of art and science.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting and a lesson you learned from that?
If I could turn back time, launching my business and website sooner would be at the top of my to-do list. The moment my website went live, it became a game-changer. Suddenly, I had a platform to connect with thousands of people, sharing insights and demystifying the world of evidence-based design for them. Through this digital medium, I’ve been able to help individuals tackle their everyday design questions using a method grounded in science and research. So here’s my nugget of wisdom for fellow designers: Don’t hesitate to establish your own online space. The reach is boundless, and you never know who might stumble upon your site and have their perspective transformed.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Of course! One of my favorite life lesson quotes is: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” This Chinese proverb resonates with me, particularly when reflecting on my journey in design and entrepreneurship. There was a time when I hesitated to launch my business and website, wondering if it was the ‘right’ moment. But once I took the plunge, the impact was immediate and expansive; I connected with people globally and became an advocate for evidence-based design.
This quote serves as a constant reminder that waiting for the ‘perfect time’ often means missing out on opportunities. Whether it’s making a career move, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, or sharing valuable insights, the ‘now’ is always a good time to start. It’s a philosophy that’s empowered me to stop contemplating what could have been and focus on what can be achieved today.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Absolutely, I attribute a significant part of my success to my parents. Their sacrifices have been the bedrock on which my academic and professional journey was built. From a young age, they prioritized my education, making countless sacrifices to ensure I could attend a top university for my bachelor’s degree. This strong foundation led to opportunities I couldn’t have dreamed of, including a full scholarship for my master’s at McGill University, one of the best institutions worldwide.
The story that stands out is not a single moment but a lifetime of smaller instances — every extra shift they worked, every event they missed, and every personal desire they set aside to invest in my future. It’s through these cumulative sacrifices that I was empowered to explore diverse design philosophies, build invaluable relationships, and make a name for myself in the design world. Today, as a professor at Tec de Monterrey, I find great joy in passing on the knowledge I’ve gained — knowledge that traces back to the opportunities my parents worked so hard to provide.
Their unwavering support has not just influenced my career; it’s shaped the person I’ve become, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Certainly! One of the most exciting projects I’m currently engaged in is teaching architecture and design at Tec de Monterrey, Mexico’s top university. This role allows me to introduce students to the principles of evidence-based design, guiding them to make decisions that are rooted in scientific research and data. By equipping them with this methodology, I’m not just shaping their careers but also potentially influencing the way architectural and design projects will be approached in the future. The ripple effect of this education can lead to more sustainable, functional, and human-centric designs that positively impact communities at large. This teaching role is especially meaningful to me as a way to ‘pay it forward,’ given the invaluable educational opportunities my parents provided for me.
Thank you for that. Here is the main question of our discussion. What are your “Five Things You Should Do To Design Office Spaces That People Love To Work In” and why?
1.- Biophilic Design for Enhanced Well-Being.
Biophilic design goes beyond just adding a splash of nature to your workplace; it’s about creating a deep, evocative experience of nature in the office setting. Incorporating natural elements into built environments can improve both physical and mental well-being by reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and enhancing mood and creativity.
For example, imagine replacing standard office dividers with aesthetically pleasing, sound-absorbing “plant walls.” This can serve a dual purpose: it enlivens the space and, at the same time, offers employees the chance for micro-interactions with nature. They might pause to touch a leaf or inhale the plant’s fragrance as they pass by, providing subtle yet potent mental breaks that contribute to overall well-being.
2.- Strategic Use of Mirrors and Lighting.
Mirrors do more than just reflect your appearance; they can also transform the feel of a space. Mirrors can create an illusion of expansiveness, making small spaces feel larger, which can alleviate feelings of confinement or claustrophobia. When combined with thoughtful lighting, mirrors can dramatically improve a room’s ambiance.
For instance, consider installing mirrors opposite windows to maximize natural light dispersion throughout the office. Different areas of the office could also benefit from tailored lighting solutions; for example, you could use bright, cool-white LED lights in conference rooms to maintain alertness while opting for softer, dimmable lighting in lounge areas to facilitate relaxation and casual conversations.
3.- The Role of Color Schemes.
The psychology of color has been widely studied, and it’s clear that different colors elicit different emotional responses. Colors like blue and green can have a calming effect and improve focus, making them ideal for spaces dedicated to concentrated work. In contrast, warmer hues like reds and oranges are stimulating and might be more suitable for dynamic, collaborative spaces.
Imagine a workspace where cubicles or individual workstations are painted in cool, calming shades of blue or green while meeting and brainstorming rooms are energized with vibrant shades of red or orange. Such a color-coded scheme could help set the emotional tone for different kinds of work activities, thereby enhancing both productivity and well-being.
4.- Textural Influence on Perception and Comfort.
Textures in an office environment can have a subtle yet significant impact on how employees perceive and interact with the space. Textures affect our perception of comfort and luxury, so combining them adds depth and richness to an environment.
For example, incorporating elements like exposed brick walls or wooden panels in communal areas can evoke a natural, earthy feel that is psychologically grounding. Soft textiles and plush carpets in work zones can act as sensory comfort blankets, reducing stress and fostering a sense of well-being.
5.- Decluttering for Mental Space.
The psychology behind clutter is fascinating; it’s not just an eyesore but also a mental burden. Cluttered environments can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even feelings of depression. A minimalist design philosophy can counteract this, offering not just an aesthetically pleasing workspace but also a psychologically healthy one.
For instance, office desks can be designed with built-in, hidden storage compartments that allow employees to maintain a clean work surface, ultimately creating a more focused, less stressful environment.
These approaches blend the art of design with the science of psychology to create spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also mentally and emotionally supportive.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Starting a movement that mandates the application of evidence-based design and environmental psychology principles in architecture and urban planning could have a transformative impact on society at large. The idea would be to create and enforce laws requiring every developer or designer to adhere to a set of guidelines that consider not just the aesthetic and functional aspects of design but also its psychological and physiological effects on people. These guidelines would be based on rigorous scientific evidence and best practices in the field of environmental psychology.
Imagine a world where schools are designed not just to be functional but to inspire creativity and learning while reducing stress. Picture offices that make people healthier and more productive just by virtue of their design. Consider public spaces that encourage community interaction and physical activity. The ripple effect of this movement could be enormous: lower healthcare costs due to improved mental and physical health, increased productivity, stronger communities, and overall enhancement of well-being for all.
By institutionalizing the principles of evidence-based design and environmental psychology, we would not just be building spaces; we would be creating environments that nurture and elevate human potential. The social, economic, and personal benefits could be far-reaching, affecting millions, if not billions, of lives for the better.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them 🙂
I’d be absolutely delighted to sit down for a meal with the esteemed architect and urban planner Jan Gehl. His groundbreaking work on transforming cities into human-centric, livable spaces resonates deeply with my own aspirations of integrating evidence-based design and environmental psychology into architecture and urban planning standards. Gehl’s worldwide experience in transforming urban spaces could offer unparalleled guidance on shaping policy and public awareness around these principles.
Discussing these topics over breakfast or lunch would not only be personally enriching for me but also incredibly beneficial for our ongoing and future projects. Specifically, I’d like to extend an invitation to Jan Gehl to visit Tecnológico de Monterrey. We are in the exciting phase of constructing a new building dedicated to design and architecture, spearheaded by the talented Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena. Gehl’s insights would be invaluable during this pivotal moment for our institution.
We would be profoundly honored if Jan Gehl would consider giving an online conference or even paying a visit to our school. His perspective would undoubtedly enrich our understanding and application of design that prioritizes human well-being. So, Mr. Gehl, if this reaches you, how would you feel about sharing a meal and exploring the possibility of collaborating to make our built environments more humane and emotionally enriching?
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Certainly! For those interested in keeping up with my work, I invite you to visit my website at Bark and Chase. The site is regularly updated with insights into evidence-based design and environmental psychology in architecture. Feel free to explore and don’t hesitate to get in touch through the site if you have any questions or would like to collaborate. Thank you for your interest!
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational!
Commercial Interior Designers: Julio Arco Of Bark and Chase On How To Design Office Spaces That… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.