Crafting a Story for an Interior Space: A Milan Design Week Conversation

As the world of design converged on Milan for its annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship, one voice stood out for its focus on meaning and emotion. ARRCC’s interior designer Kelly Fischer shared insights on the evolving art of interiors. Walking the space with SCAPE during Milan Design Week, Kelly entered a moment of quiet observation. It is here, within the built environment, that concepts find their form and vision becomes tactile.

“Design happens in layers. Some drawn, others felt,” Kelly says. It is a sentiment that resonates deeply with ARRCC’s process. It is a dance between what is imagined and what is discovered through presence. In collaboration with SCAPE, Kelly stepped into this layered reality, where design is tested against light, context, and human experience.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Making of Meaningful Interiors
“Design is never static,” Kelly explains. “It shifts with questions, deepens with dialogue, and strengthens with shared vision.” This philosophy is central to ARRCC’s approach to crafting elevated, sensory interiors that not only look refined but are designed to be lived in and loved.

ARRCC’s portfolio spans luxury residences, boutique hotels, private retreats, and exclusive hospitality destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. From sculptural oceanfront villas in Cape Town to serene desert resorts in the UAE, each project tells a unique story. The design narrative is always anchored in the resident’s personality and lifestyle, ensuring a sense of intimacy and permanence.

Defining a Signature through Intimacy, Craft, and Context
ARRCC’s interiors, whether residential, hospitality, or leisure, are driven by a commitment to intimacy. The team crafts spaces that feel lived-in, layered, and deeply personal. “Our philosophy is rooted in human-centric design,” Kelly notes. “We pick finishes and materials that are personal for our clients, that make the space feel like home.” “We’re not just designing homes. We’re curating environments that speak to how people live, what they value, and how they want to feel,” says Kelly.

This personalisation lies at the heart of ARRCC’s identity. It is a fusion of contemporary luxury with bold African sensibility. “South Africa offers a unique perspective,” Kelly reflects. “Our designs are rooted in nature, culture, and soul. As the global market seeks more meaningful connections, this perspective is becoming increasingly sought after.”

Furniture as Storyteller
At ARRCC, furniture is not just function. It is narrative. “We want our clients to feel like they had a hand in creating their space,” Kelly says. “It should never feel like a designer came in and decorated it. It should feel like the home has evolved over time, curated naturally.”

This belief in storytelling through design shapes how ARRCC selects each piece. Every element is chosen to reflect the personality, lifestyle, and aspirations of its occupants. The result is a space that speaks of history, intention, and emotional resonance.

Why Milan Still Matters
As Milan Design Week drew to a close, Kelly offered a reflection on why this event remains so vital. “It’s really one-of-a-kind. It brings together visionaries from established icons to rising talents. It opens a platform for conversation on how we can evolve design in a meaningful way.”