Hi, I’m Joana — but you can call me Jo.
This space is a little glimpse into my journey. Over the years I’ve gathered experiences, projects, and moments that shaped who I am and what I create.
I’ve had the chance to work with different companies in different countries, each one adding new perspectives, way of thinking and skills to my path and growth.
In this portfolium of works you’ll find my CV and some selected projects throughout the years.
Projects
With over 12 years of experience in the creative industry, I’m a detail-oriented and driven designer passionate about creating spaces that feel both harmonious and welcoming. My work focuses on the thoughtful balance of materials, textures, colors, ff&e and light, to craft environments that tell a unique and layered story.
With a Master Degree in Architecture from the FAUTL in Lisbon, my design journey has taken me across the globe—from over seven years in Shanghai, where I worked on a wide range of large-scale architectural and interior projects (with a focus on retail and F&B in later years), to Dubai, where I’ve spent the past 6 years specializing in hospitality and F&B interiors.
From boutique dining experiences to large-scale hotel developments, I have worked in numerous projects from initial concept to full execution—balancing creativity with precision and always pushing for excellence..
I’m a responsible, committed, and empathetic designer who values collaboration and always strives to deliver high-quality work on time. A listener, looking for ways to grow and excel with every project, and bring genuine passion to everything I do. I’m inspired by the people I work with and the natural world around me—both of which shape my creative approach.
I thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments and am always seeking new ways to elevate the spatial experience through human-centered design.
Explore
Food & Beverage
Coco’s — Shangri-la Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Cafe Dauban — Hilton Labriz, Seychelles
Dispatch — Pullman, Ethiopia
Gastropub — Pullman, Ethiopia
Thiptara — Palace Downtown, Dubai
All Day Dining — Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
Vox Theatre Cinema — EMAAR Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai
F.R.N.D.S Cafe — Address Fountain Views, Dubai
Red Robin Brand — Several Locations Across USA
ALM Resort — Hilton Canopy, Seychelles
AEX Coffee — Jiangyin
Pizza hut HQ — Beijing
Bao — Chongqing
Bakery — Lisbon (competition)
Brewery Shanghai — (collaboration with ale maggi and guillermo bravo), Shanghai
Hospitality
Shangri-la Le Touessrok — Mauritius
Sofitel Al Medina — Saudi Arabia
ALM Resort — Hilton Canopy, Seychelles
Wellness & Health
Sofitel Gym/Fitness Center — Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
ALM Resort — Hilton Canopy, Seychelles
ABRAAJ Swiss Hotel — Qatar
FF&E Project - Clinic - Lisbon
Wills Gym — China
Residential
Living Room Design — Abu Dhabi
FF&E Project - Residential — Comporta
VFX Villa — Lisbon
FF&E Residential Project — Lisbon
Residential Villa — Chongqing
Villa Shanghai — Shanghai
Residential Villa — Shanghai
Residential Villa — Lisbon
Residential Villa (Competition) — Lisbon
Ruomi Villa — Shanghai
Retail
Gold Souk Refurbishment — EMAAR Dubai Mall, Dubai
Marina Mall Refurbishment — EMAAR Dubai Mall, Dubai
Dubai Mall Washrooms — EMAAR Dubai Mall, Dubai
Snow Oman Ski — Oman Mall, Muscat
Food Court Kunming Shopping Mall — Kunming
AEX and OVV Store — Shanghai
HLA Jeans — China
Heilan Home Zhengzhou, Wuxi & Fuzhou AEX Pop Up Store — China
AEX Pop-up Store — China
BFC Bund Financial Center — Shanghai
Half Space Concept Store — Shanghai
IFFG Retail Department Store — Shanghai
Office
GMG Office — GMG, Dubai & Singapore
GX Office — Beijing
Fromm Logistic Warehouse Offices — Lisbon
Others
M50 Art District - Urban Renovation — Shanghai
Qingdao Hospital - Architecture Project — Healthcare, Qingdao
Kindergarten Shanghai - Architecture Project — Educational, Shanghai
Archive Center Urumqi - Architecture Project — Cultural, Urumqi
Welfare Center - Architecture Project —Healthcare, Shenzhen
Bank of Hefei - Architecture Project —Hefei
Kindergarden Kunshan - Architecture Project — Educational, Kunshan