APPROACH
Founded in 2017 by Tom Carroll and Nelson Riofrío, RCA Studio (also known as Riofrío—Carroll Architects) is a Melbourne-based architecture and interior design practice. Our work balances craft, clarity and function, designed to endure daily use and deepen over time.

We remain small by choice so every project benefits from direct collaboration and shared authorship between directors, designers and clients. We guide each project from concept to completion with consistent attention to detail, from homes to workplaces and mixed-use environments, balancing creativity with technical precision.

We design spaces that feel good to live and work in: architecture that stands the test of time through craft, clarity and care. Our practice is founded on a simple principle: thoughtful design, executed with integrity. Our work has been recognised by The Local Project, Habitus Living and the Boroondara Urban Design Awards, among others.



STUDIO

RCA Studio grew out of a desire to reconnect with the essence of design: direct client relationships, thoughtful details and shared authorship. Our team formed organically through personal networks and shared values, creating a collaborative, culturally diverse studio where every voice contributes.

We work as one practice where directors stay involved and designers take ownership. Collaboration extends across architecture, interiors and landscape, managing the complexities of development: timelines, coordination and cost, while maintaining design integrity.

We value clarity and communication as much as design itself, guiding clients through each stage with transparency, care and attention to detail. Together, these relationships define us: a studio working with integrity, collaboration and care.



PEOPLE
DIRECTORS
Nelson Riofrío brings international experience and deep technical knowledge, ensuring design integrity is maintained through documentation and delivery.

Tom Carroll leads design strategy across residential and commercial projects, combining heritage sensitivity with contemporary clarity and spatial precision.

TEAM
Our architects and designers share a commitment to detail, integrity and collaboration. Each project benefits from collective authorship and continuity from start to finish. Our team brings design sensitivity together with the documentation and project management capability required to deliver complex work up to $20 million in construction value — without joint ventures.



CLIENTS

Harry the Hirer
Cobild
Strategic Financial Management
Knox City Council
University of Wollongong
WorkSafe Victoria
Agilent Technologies
Resdal Corp
Co.Develop
Caribbean Gardens
Victorian Farmers Federation
Colliers International Group
Babajan



RECOGNITION
2024, The Local Project
Randolph House Project Feature
Words by Charlotte Huston

2024, Habitus Living
A Very Personal Labour of Love: Randolph House by (and for) RCA Studio
Words by Saskia Neacsu

2023, Boroondara Urban Design Awards
Certificate of Commendation: Best Heritage Extensions, Additions and Alterations

2023, Broadsheet
Babajan Project Feature

2022, ArchDaily
Canning Street House

2022, Australian Design Review
Riofrío—Carroll Architects Brings Consistency to Century-old Art Deco Home
Words by Charlotte Huston  

2022, Australian House & Garden
Two Become One: Canning Street House Feature
Words by Stephen Crafti

2022, Archilovers
Best Project 2022: Myrnong Crescent House

2022, Dwell
19 of the Best Aussie Mullet Renovations That Turn Things Up in the Back
Words by Melissa Dalton and Daisy Zuckerman

2022, the Design Writer
Double Terrace, with Recycled Brick by Riofrío—Carroll Architects
Words by Penny Craswell

2022, Good Food
Babajan Opens Second Store in Melbourne's CBD for Middle Eastern To-go
Words by Emma Breheny

2022, TimeOut
Babajan opens on Little Collins Street
Words by Cjay Aksoy

2021, Dwell
This Melbourne Mullet Renovation Is a Mood—and It Starts in the Kitchen
Words by Cullen Ormond

2021, Habitus Living
A Home With a Kitchen at Its Heart
Words by Micky Pinkerton

2020, Domus
Canning Street House Project Feature


RCA Studio QUEEN & COLLINS  
LEVEL 10, 100 QUEEN ST
MELBOURNE, VIC 3000
[email protected]
INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN
ARBV 52007
NELSON RIOFRÍO
DIRECTOR
+61 406 637 019
TOM CARROLL
DIRECTOR
+61 417 417 663
RCA STUDIO ACKNOWLEDGES THE WURUNDJERI WOI-WURRUNG AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLES OF THE KULIN NATION AS THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND WE LIVE AND WORK ON ◼ RCA STUDIO ACKNOWLEDGES THE WURUNDJERI WOI-WURRUNG AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLES OF THE KULIN NATION AS THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND WE LIVE AND WORK ON ◀ RCA STUDIO ACKNOWLEDGES THE WURUNDJERI WOI-WURRUNG AND BOON WURRUNG PEOPLES OF THE KULIN NATION AS THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS OF THE LAND WE LIVE AND WORK ON 