About
Design for sustainable growth
We are an independent design firm working across branding, design and communication.
Our expertise spans strategy and positioning, brand identity, graphic design, packaging, product design, infographics, web and video, as well as digital communication, editorial design, space branding, signage, exhibition design and event design.
Working with multidisciplinary teams, we take projects from initial concept and creative development to final production and implementation, ensuring consistency and quality at every stage.
We work internationally with brands and institutions seeking to grow sustainably. We believe lasting growth comes from thoughtful design and communication that balance economic efficiency, environmental responsibility and positive impact.
Through strategic thinking and design, we help brands and institutions build stronger identities, communicate with purpose and create lasting value.
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
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)
Sustainable Suppliers Programme by the UN Global Compact Network UK
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
Team leaders
Joaquim Castelo
CEO and Head of Communication and Environmental Graphic Design
Graduated 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
Graduated 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
Graduated in Communication Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon, he is a multidisciplinary designer working 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 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
