Design&Drinks is a monthly series of talks that brings together different design schools to share experiences, ideas, and perspectives on the role of design today. The meetings take place on the last Thursday of each month, at 6 pm, at Exploratório — Headquarters of Porto Design Biennale, a dynamic space dedicated to exhibitions, talks, workshops, and events that bring design closer to the community.

Each session features a conversation, followed by a get-together at the bar, providing an informal space for networking among participants.

In this session, the speakers are designers Bernardino Gomes, Miguel Martinho, and Daniel Leal, representing FAAULP – Faculty of Architecture and Arts of Lusíada University of Porto, who will share their experiences and professional perspectives on design.

Bernardino Gomes

Designer and lecturer Bernardino Gomes represents a founding generation of design teaching at Lusíada University - North. Graduating in Design in 1994, he began his connection with the institution at a very early age, having been invited while still a student to participate in teaching activities as a teaching assistant. This connection has continued uninterrupted since 1995, as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Arts, on the Porto and V.N.Famalicão campuses, closely following the consolidation of Design as an academic and professional field in Portugal.

His career has consistently combined teaching with professional practice, integrating architecture, equipment design and interior design projects since the mid-1990s. At the same time, he has developed long-term collaborations with the furniture industry, notably with companies such as TORS (1998–2005) and Conceito Casa (2008–2015), as well as coordinating and supervising architecture and design projects since 2015.

With a master's degree in Design and Marketing from the University of Minho, his career reflects the transition from analogue to digital design, from craftsmanship to industrial practice, and the consolidation of Design as a structuring discipline in Portuguese higher education.

Miguel Martinho

Designer, master's degree in Interior Design and currently pursuing a PhD in Design at Lusíada University, Miguel Martinho represents an intermediate generation, trained in a context of strong links between design, technology and industry. Born in Porto, he began his career in cycling and mechanics, developing an early interest in materials, engineering and production processes.

After a brief stint in Computer Engineering at ISEP, he graduated in Design and completed his master's degree in Interior Design at the Faculty of Architecture and Arts of the Lusíada University of Porto. While still an undergraduate, he was recognised in a national competition promoted by the company RODI, in a sink design project, marking the beginning of a close relationship with the industry.

His professional career includes relevant experience at RODI, Polisport, Unvi/Camo and RTE, where he worked in product development, brand management, innovation and new business, particularly in the areas of mobility, composites, safety equipment and everyday products. In 2022, he joined the jury of the European BEST Engineering Competition (EBEC).

He currently collaborates with the company Origemetrica, runs the Pitoresco – Creative Studio and develops editorial and creative projects, viewing design as a practical, strategic and essential tool for creating value through utility and functionality.

Daniel Leal

Designer, trainer and maker, Daniel Leal represents the latest generation of Portuguese design, marked by the convergence of sustainability, social innovation and academic research. He graduated in Design from the Faculty of Architecture and Arts of the Lusíada University of Porto in 2018, completing the course with academic distinction and awards in competitions, and went on to pursue a master's degree at the University of Porto, where he deepened his socially responsible approach to design.
He is currently a PhD student in Design at Lusíada University, with a scholarship funded by FCT - Foundation for Science and Technology. His research focuses on innovation in the Portuguese craft sector, exploring the relationship between Design and Craftsmanship, collaborative methodologies and cultural enhancement.

Throughout his career, he has been involved in several social and participatory projects, notably the Oficina Design project, promoted by the Matosinhos City Council, ADEIMA and Design Studio FEUP, where he acted as a social innovation facilitator. He also participated in the European iAtelier project, presenting the Tressa lamp at Dutch Design Week 2022, and joined the DIA Network team at UPTEC's Startup School.

At the same time, he works as a trainer, speaker and mentor in social innovation, sustainability and creativity programmes, collaborating with educational institutions, associations and communities.

 

We count on your presence to strengthen this space for sharing, reflection, and socialising, bringing together the academic and professional design community in Portugal.