Uncommonly savvy. Strongly trusted. Inevitably fun.
Realzar is an interior design and project coordination agency based in Melbourne that specializes in Maximizing Property Value.
Founded in 2016 by Paola Tapia, the full-service agency was established to unlock the potential of residential properties to achieve each individual owner’s objective.
Realzar’s team includes a mix of designers, stylists and project coordinators with a background in interior design, property styling, property management, buying advocacy, renovators and marketing. This special blend of knowledge and a remarkable system empowers Realzar to deliver success in each project.
The word “realzar” means to heighten & enhance in Spanish… And that’s what the Realzar team essentially does. Enhancing the potential of a space, to take it to new heights and consequently have a ripple effect in owner’s lives.
Achievement
At Realzar our ultimate goal is to help our clients achieve their goals in Property. Our vast network of Property Professionals and our passion for what we do allows us to set a new goal post.
Creativity
Being creative and solution driven is at the core of everything we do, because it allows us to always find a way to improve and push the boundaries on what’s been done before.
Teamwork
We encourage every individual to contribute positively to each project. We collaborate within our team, with our clients, with all our trades and suppliers to empower each other and achieve the best result.
Courage
A key to our culture is being brave to step outside our comfort zone to improve on a daily basis. Being courageous to stand out and be different, and having honest conversations that inspire change or improvement.
Authenticity
At Realzar we believe in being who we are, saying what we will deliver and prove it by our results. We like all stakeholders to have fun while doing their best.
Since her early years in Mexico, she was a curious chatterbox, always connecting with people. After living in Canada, Switzerland, France and Australia, the later gave her enough reasons to stay.
She completed 2 Bachelor degrees in Business and a Master in Marketing which allowed her to progress rapidly in the Marketing world, at multinationals such as Procter & Gamble, Coca Cola Amatil and the like, in various countries.
Being able to transform an idea into a physical product with a robust Commercial & Marketing plan are skills she transferred into Property. She submerged herself into the world of Interiors and Renovation, studying, training and transforming Properties. She established the agency in 2016 to help Property owners build wealth through Property, as she had done with her own portfolio.
Realzar has naturally acquired values of constant growth, & connection with clients, trades, suppliers and referral partners. Since then the business has helped hundreds of families and investors achieve their goals in Property. Her biggest satisfaction is to see the result reflected on their clients and partners’ faces at the end.
She has a Mex-Italian family; 2 beautiful kids, and a supportive husband, who are her biggest treasure. A very close family on the other side of the world also keeps her focused and living her best life. She meditates daily & enjoys going on fun bike rides with her family and playing board games. Paola speaks Spanish, Italian and French, so don’t be surprised to hear “Spanglish” and a chuckle coming out every now and then.
A warm, friendly and bubbly personality who brings so much to our team. She has knowledge in both the Commercial and Residential fields, and over 10 years experience in the Industry. Her beautiful nature, efficiency, love for design and pops of colour in her proposals, help to add the personality to your project that it needs. She loves to make visits back to her families home in India and day trips on weekends with her young family.
A lover of minimal coastal style, warm shades of white and beige paired with earthy tones, palmy tropical landscaping and beach vibes! Claire is passionate about creating beautiful spaces for her clients and achieving their desired style with a contemporary spin. She finds it so rewarding to see her designs progress from initial concept stage to completion, and to see her clients satisfaction at the end result. She has a wealth of knowledge in both renovations and new builds for the Residential field, and has worked in the in the industry for over 10 years. Her designs encapsulate natural lighting, where possible, to brighten and bring life to the spaces, contemporary materials, fittings and fixtures, and a well considered layout to ensure the design is both beautiful and functional. She has a young family and loves spending time with them outside and at the beach.
With five years of experience in the Interior Design industry, Dominique has carved out a niche in hospitality design, having successfully designed and helped open over 20 restaurants. Her expertise lies in creating inviting, functional spaces that resonate with both clients and their guests.
Dominique’s favorite design style is Mid-Century Modern, a style that she inspired from, that allows her to infuse retro elements and vibrant colours into contemporary settings. Drawing from her South African nationality and a love for thrifting antiques, she adds a distinctive and personal flair to each project.
When she’s not working on transforming spaces, Dominique enjoys exploring the city, discovering new exhibitions, and dining at the latest restaurants. Her weekends are a testament to her adventurous spirit and her quest for fresh inspiration.
Andres is driven by a deep passion for Construction and the transformative power of architecture. Committed to creating spaces that enhance how people interact with and connect to their environments, he believes functional design, nature, and architecture should coexist in harmony. Andres strives to craft spaces that not only serve their purpose but also inspire personal growth and well-being.
In Colombia, Andres honed his skills in the Commercial sector, managing projects such as supermarkets, fast-food establishments, and cafés. Since moving to Australia, his expertise has broadened to include cabinet-making design and production, and he previously worked as a Project Coordinator in height safety, designing and managing systems for both new builds and operational facilities. His professional journey has given him a profound understanding of the Construction process and the dynamics of diverse project types, fueling his drive to take on Project Coordinator roles and witness projects unfold firsthand.
As a qualified architect, Andres brings a deep appreciation for the initial stages of design, where creativity takes form. He is dedicated to ensuring that the creative vision is protected and reflected in every project he oversees. Outside of work, Andres loves live music, running, and spending time in nature—activities that continually inspire his creativity and deepen his appreciation for the world around him.