About Us
Since 1986, José António Andrade has been designing furniture and creating interiors that balance tradition and modernity, foster unique meetings of cultures, and reflect a deep and ongoing appreciation for the art of making.
Our studio’s practice focuses on creating atmospheres and combining craftsmanship, bringing together rich natural textures and noble materials in harmonious interplay.
Our team brings together a breadth of artistic backgrounds — architecture, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, and a shared knowledge of art history and world cultures — informing every project and collection we present. Based in Porto, Portugal, our studio’s work is defined by signature decoration, guided by a belief in spaces that feel lived-in, comfortable, and quietly refined.
Each project is conceived as a setting and approached as a unique collaboration that represents the people who inhabit it and the stories they wish to tell.
Rooted in painting, sculpture, and ceramics, José António Andrade’s creative background continues to shape and inspire his approach to interior architecture and design, fusing technical mastery with his personal philosophy and a rich tapestry of influences.
The studio’s portfolio spans private homes, gardens, and distinctive public spaces, always with an emphasis on thoughtful detail and a sense of cohesion.
This page offers a glimpse into the studio’s journey and vision — an evolving practice shaped by decades of experience and a continual curiosity for new forms and ideas.
The images below document moments from the studio’s history. They reflect the establishment and development of the principles, aesthetics, and philosophy that have shaped and elevated our practice, and which we uphold to this day.
– Excerpts from the catalog "Artesanato da Região Norte — Traditional and Contemporary Crafts in Northern Portugal", published in 1989, highlighting three terracotta ceramic pieces by José António Andrade finished with engobes and a patinated surface.
– A publication presenting a private residence designed by José António Andrade in Miramar, Porto. This unique space embodies a singular approach to the integration of form, materiality, and culture, reflecting the designer’s care in creating an environment that evokes both emotion and functionality, while deeply engaging with the context and the client’s profile.
(Excerpts from the June 1992 edition of the magazine “Casa Cláudia”)
– A publication showcasing a selection of José António Andrade’s projects. Featuring photographs of unique and carefully curated interior environments from private residences, it also highlights notable spaces of public utility projects such as the Pinto & Sotto Mayor Bank at Praça da Liberdade, Porto, and the Campos Costa Clinic in Paredes.
(In “Norte Ambientes - Decoradores - Lojas - Tecidos Decoração”, 1999, Porto)
– Interior environment designed by José António Andrade, blending objects from diverse cultures with his personal signature into a unique style. The furniture, rug, and elements that define the character of the space are his creations, including the large sanguine drawing panel that serves as the room’s backdrop. This work represents “a new kind of renaissance,” reflecting a contemporary perspective on ancient objects.
(In ”Casa Cláudia”, January 1999)
– Interior by José António Andrade for the Solverde Décor exhibition, inspired by journeys through various cultures. The space brings together authentic objects and furniture from Africa, China, Japan, and South America, showcasing the designer’s creativity in blending multiple cultural references in a natural and comfortable atmosphere.
(Published in ”Caras Decoração”, January 2000)
– Private residence in Porto, designed by José António Andrade. Walls hand-painted using the trompe-l’œil technique, furniture and rugs designed by the author, textiles featuring exotic patterns, and an eclectic collection of contemporary and traditional art — from Zimbabwe, Vietnam, India, Senegal, and the Philippines — imbue the space with a unique cultural dialogue and a sophisticated atmosphere that reflects the life experiences of its residents.
(Excerpts from the magazine “Caras Decoração”, February 2001)
– Open-plan kitchen designed with well-organized areas and sophisticated décor. The long central island offers ample storage, with beech wood finishes and granite for greater durability. The dining area features a lacquered Japanese table and Java chairs.
(In ”Caras Decoração - Cozinhas - Edição Especial”, 2002-2003)
– Two perspectives of a bathing room designed by José António Andrade, emphasizing spaciousness, comfort, and a carefully curated selection of decorative pieces. The balance between functionality, distinctive materials, and cultural references transforms this space into an invitation for exceptional well-being.
(In ”Caras Decoração - Casas de Banho - Edição Especial”, 2002-2003, and ”Caras Decoração”, February 2004)
