About Ada
From first sketch
to launch day
I’m Ada, a designer in Lisbon. For seven years I’ve helped founders name, shape and ship what they’re building, as a studio of one with a small bench of people I trust.
The long version
How I got here, and the places that taught me.
I started in a print shop in Porto, setting type for wine labels and gig posters. It taught me most of what I still believe: say less, make it tactile, and check it at the size people will actually see it.
Then came six years in studios, first Atlas & Co in London, then Northbound in Lisbon, on brands and products for teams of two and teams of two thousand.
In 2019 I went independent so I could stay with a project from the first call to launch day. Most clients come back for the next thing, which is the best review I know.
Experience
Independent, Lisbon
2019 to now
Design lead, Northbound
2016 to 2019
Designer, Atlas & Co, London
2013 to 2016
Junior designer, Tipografia Costa, Porto
2011 to 2013
How a project runs
Twelve weeks, three stages, and one person from the first call to launch day.
Weeks 1 to 2
Listen
A first call, then a short brief we both sign off. You get a fixed quote and a calendar.
Weeks 3 to 8
Make
Brand first, then the site or product, in weekly reviews. You see real work every Friday.
Weeks 9 to 12
Launch
Built in Framer, tested and handed over. Your team can edit everything, and I stay on call for a month.