About
Design for Sustainable Growth
We are an independent design firm operating at the intersection of design, communication and sustainability.
Our planet’s geography reminds us that every place carries responsibility. Founded in 1995 in Portugal, a country shaped by exploration and exchange, we work internationally with brands and institutions seeking to grow responsibly. We believe growth is stronger and more enduring when communication is thoughtfully designed, economically efficient, environmentally considerate and society beneficial.
We develop robust communication systems and materials that are visually compelling, create a strong sense of human relevance and are environmentally sustainable, supporting differentiation and human ingenuity while reducing material impact and optimising resources.
Our methodology combines creative excellence with technical precision. Agile, collaborative and built on trust, we design solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. Every project is conceived to deliver maximum impact through clarity of purpose, intelligent execution and long-term strategic value.
Over the past decades, we have delivered transformative projects across cultural, corporate and institutional contexts — from heritage-sensitive signage systems to complex international rebranding programmes and public-sector communication strategies.
Innovation is embedded in our practice. We pioneer the use of recycled materials, advanced production methodologies, generative design approaches and smart technologies such as NFC integration — always focused on reducing environmental impact while creating meaningful experiences.
Our award-winning work reflects creative excellence, technical mastery and sustainable thinking.
We help brands and institutions differentiate, inspire positive change and foster sustainable growth.
We design for sustainable growth.
Landmarks
REFERENCE PROJECTS
Institute of Social Security Communication & Design Strategy (2024)
Strategic framework aligning institutional communication with public service positioning.
Cimpor Global Rebranding (2010)
Global brand transformation across 12 countries, spanning identity systems, corporate communication and industrial-scale environments.
World Heritage Site Signage System (2009)
Old Cathedral of Coimbra · New Cathedral of Coimbra · Monastery of Santa Cruz of Coimbra – Ministry of Culture
INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS
Colares, Bucelas & Carcavelos Wine Route (2016)
NFC-integrated signage enhancing visitor interaction while optimising production efficiency.
Accenture Digital Conference – Lisbon & Madrid (2014–2015)
Introduction of generative design methodologies across branding and spatial communication systems.
Parque Almourol Signage System (2002)
Pioneering use of recycled plastic structures in Portuguese public signage.
Telepac ADSL Packaging Design (2002)
Redefined telecommunications packaging in Portugal.
Modelo/Continente Thematic Fairs (1995)
First implementation in Portugal of museographic principles within retail environments.
AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS
TomTom Worten Display Unit (2018)
Gold Award – Shop! POPAI
Fnac Crime Thematic Fair – Portugal & Belgium (2005)
Design Briefing Award
Credentials
Approved agency for Accenture, Avanade, CBRE and Rovensa.
Founder member of POPAI Portugal, part of the SHOP! Global Network.
IAPMEI PME certified.
Equal Pay Seal awarded by the Comissão para a Igualdade no Trabalho e no Emprego (CITE)
Ongoing Certifications
Sustainable Suppliers Training Programme by the UN Global Compact Network UK (completion expected by September 2026)
Areas of expertise
DESIGN
- Branding
- Communication materials
- Illustration
- Infographics
- Merchandising
- Packaging
- Presentations
- Project Management
- Publications
COMMUNICATION
- Campaigns
- Copywriting
- Corporate communication
- Internal communication
- Post plan
- Sustainability reports
ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHIC DESIGN
- Exhibition design
- Point-of-sale marketing
- Signage
- Space branding
- Trade show booth design
EVENTS
- A/V support
- Brand activation
- Event management, design and production/staging
- Photography
DIGITAL
- Banners
- Content production & syndication
- Digital templates
- Social media (strategy, marketing, visuals/assets, paid campaigns, monitoring, analytics and metrics)
- Web and Web app
VIDEO
- Animation
- Filming
- Motion graphics
- Post-production
- Scriptwriting
- Storyboarding
- Video editing
Team leaders
Joaquim Castelo
CEO and Head of Communication and Environmental Graphic Design
Trained as a designer and museologist, he builds his career at the intersection of culture, communication and strategic thinking. His work is guided by an interdisciplinary mindset, seeking synthesis between creative vision, technical precision and environmental responsibility.
With three decades of executive experience across design, heritage, communication and technology, he combines conceptual clarity with operational rigour – bridging strategy and execution in complex international contexts.
As CEO and Head Communication and Environmental Graphic Design at Ars Design, he leads multidisciplinary teams in crafting sustainable, intelligent solutions that combine design, strategy and environmental responsibility across Europe and the United States.
Lina Belo
Head of Design and Events
Trained in Communication Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts, she has built a career shaped by more than two decades of experience in visual communication and creative direction. Her work moves across design, strategy and storytelling, translating complex ideas into clear and engaging visual languages.
Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects spanning branding, communication systems and event design, combining conceptual thinking with practical execution. Over the years, she has also developed long-lasting relationships of trust and collaboration with clients, grounded in mutual understanding and a shared commitment to meaningful results.
Currently serving as Head of Design and Events, she leads multidisciplinary teams in developing integrated experiences that connect design, communication and live engagement.
Paulo Victor
Head of Digital and Video
A full-fledged designer at the forefront of communication, technology, and visual storytelling.
With over two decades of experience in graphic, digital, and communication design, he crafts concepts and strategies that turn ideas into immersive, meaningful experiences. His work thrives at the intersection of humans and interfaces, where creativity, clarity, and interaction converge.
As Head of Digital Design and Video at Ars Design, he leads projects across web design and digital design, 3D, and video, constantly pushing the boundaries of narrative and experience in contemporary media.
Ars Design’s commitments within the scope of Sustainable Development
Holistic vision
Integration of environmental considerations throughout all phases of the project.
Continuous improvement and innovation
Ongoing enhancement of processes, practices, and environmental performance.
Value chain
Inclusion of environmental criteria in the selection of suppliers and materials.
Empowerment and awareness
Contribution to the public debate on environmental performance.
Provision of environmentally friendly solutions
- Use of eco-friendly materials.
- Positive influence on perceptions and behaviours.
- Consideration of the full life cycle of solutions: impact of materials used, manufacturing, transport, and end of life.
Clients
ARS DESIGN Igniting Sustainable Growth
Somos uma empresa independente de design, comunicação e marketing, que oferece um serviço completo. Criamos histórias visuais inovadoras e apelativas para ajudar marcas e instituições a distinguirem-se, promovendo a mudança positiva e o crescimento sustentável.
Fazemo-lo de forma ágil e eficaz, assentes na confiança e com base em práticas e processos sustentáveis, através de uma abordagem de co-criação alimentada pela nossa experiência, conhecimento, criatividade, paixão e compromisso.
Áreas de especialização
DESIGN
- Apresentações
- Branding
- Gestão de projectos
- Ilustração
- Infografia
- Materiais de comunicação
- Marketing de ponto de venda
- Merchandising
- Packaging
- Publicações
- Sinalética
- Space branding
COMUNICAÇÃO
- Campanhas
- Comunicação corporativa
- Comunicação interna
- Copywriting
- Post plan
MARKETING
- Estratégia de marketing
- Relatórios de sustentabilidade
DIGITAL
- Análise de resultados
- Campanhas publicitárias
- Estratégias digitais
- Monitorização
- Social media marketing
- Banners
- Produção de conteúdos
- Social media visuals/assets
- Templates
- Web
- Web apps
EVENTOS
- Gestão de eventos, design, produção e implementação
- Suporte A/V
- Fotografia
- Ativação de marca
- Design de exposições
- Stands
VÍDEO
- Animação
- Cobertura vídeo
- Edição de vídeo
- Guiões
- Motion graphics
- Pós-produção de vídeo
- Storyboarding
Compromissos da Ars Design no âmbito do Desenvolvimento Sustentável
Visão holística
Integração da perspetiva ambiental em todas as fases do projeto.Melhoria contínua e estímulo à inovação
Aperfeiçoamento constante de processos, práticas e desempenho ambiental.Cadeia de valor
Inclusão de critérios ambientais na seleção de fornecedores e fornecimentos.Capacitação e consciencialização
Contribuição para o debate público sobre o desempenho ambiental.Disponibilização de soluções amigas do ambiente
- Utilização de materiais ecológicos.
- Influência positiva sobre perceções e comportamentos.
- Consideração do ciclo de vida das soluções: impacto dos materiais utilizados, fabrico, transporte e fim de vida.
