Our Story | Arar Architecture

Our Story.

We aim to bring joy and fulfillment to our clients, the communities we serve, the environments our designs inhabit, and everyone we collaborate with throughout the process.

We are a recently established, boutique architectural practice specialising in architecture, urban design and interior design. Our services include architecture and interior design from project conception to construction.

The practice is built around the following core principles:

People and Community
Place and context
Collaboration
Innovation

We use these core principles throughout all stages
of design and delivery to ensure holisitc outcomes.

As a small, agile practice, we work with a trusted network of expert partners and consultants built over years of experience. This allows us to assemble the right team for each client, community and project.

We collaborate with leaders and organisations to uncover the knowledge within communities and places. By blending this with traditional and contemporary design, we create spaces that foster belonging, connection, and lasting relevance.

Team

Dinko Arar

Director (Architecture)

Dinko leads the architectural direction of the studio with a focus on creating places that are thoughtful, enduring, and responsive to the way people live and interact with their surroundings. A registered architect and principal design practitioner, he brings over a decade of experience across retail, hospitality, residential, commercial, civic, and transport sectors.

His work spans all phases of a project—from concept development to construction documentation—and is guided by a human-centered approach that responds to the unique needs and context of each site. With a particular passion for residential, commercial, and retail design, Dinko is committed to creating architecture that enhances daily life and contributes positively to the broader urban and social fabric.

Working closely with Ashleigh, he ensures that architecture, interior design, and place strategy are considered from the outset—resulting in cohesive, well-resolved spaces that balance function, beauty, and intent. With a strong focus on social and environmental sustainability, Dinko’s work reflects a deep sense of responsibility and care for both people and place.

Ashleigh Arar

Director (Interiors)

Ashleigh leads the interior design arm of the studio with a focus on creating spaces that feel personal, purposeful, and intuitive. Her approach is grounded in understanding how people live and move through their environments—what brings them comfort, what pieces they treasure and how their daily rituals unfold.

With experience spanning from place strategy to concept design and installation, Ashleigh brings a thoughtful lens to every stage of the project. She draws on research and contextual insight to design interiors that not only look beautiful but enhance the lives of those who inhabit them.

A natural collaborator, Ashleigh values building strong, lasting relationships with clients, consultants, and peers. She works closely with Dinko to ensure that interior design and place strategy are embedded from the very beginning of a project—resulting in cohesive, well-resolved spaces that reflect both function and feeling. Driven by curiosity and care, her work celebrates the connection between people and place.

Collaborators.

These are the values that drive us.

People

We depend on people and communities to guide us in enhancing their environment. By continuously listening and learning from past knowledge and stories, we build a design response rooted in their experiences and insights.

Context

aWe deeply consider the rich history and existing conditions of place prior to the design process. A thoughtful response which includes the physical, social, cultural and historical aspects of a project ensures that our work is not created in isolation and is responsive to positively contribute to their surroundings.

Collaboration

Bringing together individuals with diverse expertise and backgrounds leads to well-rounded designs and stronger solutions. By embracing collaboration we can create more dynamic and inclusive outcomes.

Innovation

Innovation encourages projects to think outside the box and lead to the development of environmentally responsible solutions. Designs that respond to Cultural Relevance, Economic Efficiency, Future-proofing and identity result in a architecture that is impactful and meaningful.

Advocacy

Our firm doesn’t stop here, we continually aim to connect with the public, professionals and policymakers about the value of good design, ethics and more sustainable building standards.