April 10, 2026 | vol 17
MADE in LISBON:
TWO CRAFTS, ONE VISION
photos André Nave
In Lisbon’s Príncipe Real, a new address quietly redefines how we experience Portuguese design. Conceived by jewellery designer and architect Sofia Esquivel and the ceramic duo Isac Coimbra and Diogo Ferreira, the shared space brings together two disciplines united by craftsmanship, geometry, and form. More than a showroom, it acts as a living studio — a place where materials, ideas, and people intersect. With its earthy palette and sculptural displays, the interior mirrors the brands’ sensibilities: thoughtful, tactile, and distinctly contemporary. Together, Esquivel. and GRAUº invite visitors into an intimate dialogue between silver and clay, tradition and experiment, object and emotion.
Príncipe Real has become one of Lisbon’s most creative neighbourhoods in recent years. What, in your view, makes this area so special from a design perspective?
Príncipe Real stands out for how it blends heritage with experimentation. Historic façades and leafy squares sit alongside concept stores and creative studios, giving the area a layered, evolving identity. It feels both authentic and forward-looking — where design honours the past while constantly embracing new ideas.
With your new space, how do you hope to contribute to Lisbon’s design landscape?
Our space reflects the dialogue between authenticity and experimentation. It’s the first time jewellery and ceramics — our two authorial expressions — are presented together under one roof in Lisbon. Beyond that, we want to foster interaction. Both Esquivel. and GRAUº invite direct contact between creator and visitor, offering bespoke commissions and consultations that make design a shared experience.
How did the idea of bringing ceramics and jewellery together under one roof first come about?
SOFIA: As a jewellery brand, I knew direct contact with the public was essential. When I found the space, I realised it was slightly too big, so I thought of GRAUº. We’ve often shared events and audiences — and a similar creative mindset.
ISAC + DIOGO: Opening a physical space was always part of our vision, though we imagined it would come later. When Sofia reached out, we knew this was the right moment to grow and evolve — we couldn’t say no.
Both brands share a focus on geometry and detail. Where do you see the common ground between silver and clay?
Both Esquivel. and GRAUº are rooted in craft and precision. With clay, geometry emerges through shaping and structure; with metal, it’s in the accuracy of cutting and finishing. The connection lies in our shared attention to detail — a respect for materials, process, and the deliberate rhythm of making.
EVENTS LIKE LISBON BY DESIGN AND LISBON DESIGN WEEK HAVE HELPED SHAPE THIS MOVEMENT — WE WERE FORTUNATE TO JOIN BOTH
Sofia, your jewellery draws inspiration from architecture — from Modernism to Art Deco and Organic Architecture. What fascinates you most about translating buildings into wearable pieces?
SOFIA: I’ve always been fascinated by scale — how changing proportions alters the way we relate to space and form. During my MA in Scenography in London, this interest became almost an obsession. When I began designing jewellery, I naturally turned to architecture, sketching buildings that moved me and translating their essence into small, wearable structures. Each piece reflects a fragment of a space or a detail that caught my eye — it’s never just jewellery; it carries a story. I love how something monumental can be reimagined as something intimate enough to wear.
GRAUº’s work balances a modern and tribal aesthetic. How would you describe this tactile, sensory universe that defines your ceramics? And what’s driving Lisbon’s growing design scene?
ISAC + DIOGO: Our work merges raw textures with refined forms — pieces that feel grounded in tradition yet carry a modern edge. Clay invites touch, while geometry brings precision and clarity. We explore the space where raw, almost tribal roots meet minimalist design. Portugal, and Lisbon in particular, has a deep craft tradition — from ceramics and textiles to tilework and wood carving. In recent years, there’s been a revival of these crafts through contemporary reinterpretation. Designers are merging old techniques with new aesthetics, creating work that feels both timeless and fresh. Events such as Lisbon by Design and Lisbon Design Week have played an essential role in amplifying this movement, and we were fortunate to take part in both. Events like these give visibility to both established and emerging designers, while offering a mix of exhibitions, workshops and open studios, which helps connect local talent to national and international networks. People are visiting Lisbon not just for its historic beauty, but to also see galleries, studios, craft shops and interact with the design scene in person. And we definitively want to be a part of this, through our new space.
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