Joana Alves
Architect - Senior Interior Designer
“I create spaces that are unique, textured, spaces that tell a story but also that are a reflection of my personality. Each space has a sense of place and it's an experience that triggers emotions and curiosity to its users.”
With over 12 years of experience in the creative industry, I’m a detail-oriented and driven designer passionate about creating spaces that feel both harmonious and welcoming. My work focuses on the thoughtful balance of materials, textures, colors, ff&e and light, to craft environments that tell a unique and layered story.
With a Master Degree in Architecture from the FAUTL in Lisbon, my design journey has taken me across the globe—from over seven years in Shanghai, where I worked on a wide range of large-scale architectural and interior projects (with a focus on retail and F&B in later years), to Dubai, where I’ve spent the past 6 years specializing in hospitality and F&B interiors.
From boutique dining experiences to large-scale hotel developments, I have worked in numerous projects from initial concept to full execution—balancing creativity with precision and always pushing for excellence.
I am a responsible, committed, and empathetic designer who values collaboration and always strives to deliver high-quality work on time. A listener, looking for ways to grow and excel with every project, and bring genuine passion to everything I do. I am inspired by the people I work with and the natural world around me—both of which shape my creative approach.
I thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments and am always seeking new ways to elevate the spatial experience through considered, human-centered design.
CV
The Odd Duck Design
2023-Now
Senior Interior Designer
Dubai
COCO’S BEACH HOUSE - F&B Specialty Restaurant
Shangri-la Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Open
GUESTROOMS REFURBISHMENT
Shangri-la Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Open
CAFE DAUBAN - F&B All Day Dining
Hilton Labriz- Seychelles
In Progress
DISPATCH- F&B All Day Dining
Pullman- Ethiopia
In Progress
IMAN GASTROPUB - F&B Bar
Pullman- Ethiopia
In Progress
PUBLIC AREAS, EXECUTIVE LOUNGE & ALL DAY DINING - Hospitality
Sofitel Al Medina, Saudi Arabia
In Progress
Zebra 2020-2023
Senior Interior Designer
Dubai
THIPTARA- F&B High-end-Restaurant
Palace Downtown, Dubai
Built
SOFITEL GYM - Wellness
Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
Built
SOFITEL ALL DAY DINING - F&B All Day Dining
Sofitel Downtown, Dubai
Concept
GOLD SOUK REFURBISHMENT - Retail
Dubai Mall - Dubai
Built
GMG- Office
Dubai & Singapore
Built
SNOW OMAN - Commercial and F&B
Mall of Oman, Muscat
Built
VOX Theatre MOE- F&B Lounge & Cinema
Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Concept
F.R.N.D.S CAFE- F&B High-end-Restaurant
Address Fountain Views - Dubai
Built
RED ROBIN - F&B Casual Restaurant
Several locations across USA
Concept
MARINA MALL REFURBISHMENT- Public Areas and F&B
Marina Mall - Dubai
Built
DUBAI MALL WASHROOMS REFURBISHMENT -
Retail Dubai Mall - Dubai
Built
Stickman Tribe 2019-2021
Interior Designer
Dubai
ALM RESORT- Full scope Hotel - Hospitality
Hilton Canopy, Seychelles
Built
ABRAAJ HOTEL - Spa & Gym, Swimming pool, Kids Club and Business Center- Hospitality
Swiss Hotel - Qatar
Confidential
KIMPTON HOTEL - Public Areas - Hospitality
Kimpton Hotel, Shanghai
Concept
Link+Architects 2017-2019
Interior Designer
Dubai
AEX & OVV STORE - High-end-Store - Retail
Shanghai
Built
FOOD COURT - F&B
Mall in Kunming, Kunming
Concept
WILLS GYM- Wellness
China
Concept
HLA JEANS CHINA- Retail
China
Built
AEX COFFEE - F&B
Jiangyn, China
Concept
HEILAN HOME - Retail
Zhengzhou, Wuxi & Fuzhou
Built
BFC GARDEN- Retail
Shanghai
Concept
BFC BUND FINANCIAL CENTER SHANGHAI- Lift Lobbies
Shanghai
Built
AEX POP UP STORE- Retail
China
Built
M50 SHANGHAI- Urban Renovation
Shanghai, China
GPT 2017
Freelancer Interior Designer
Shanghai
QINGDAO HOSPITAL- Healthcare
Qingdao
Built
JKSQUARE 2014-2015
Interior Designer & Architect
Shanghai
PIZZA HUT HQ - F&B
Beijing
Built
HALF SPACE CONCEPT STORE - Retail
Shanghai
Built
GX - Office
Beijing
Built
KINDERGARTEN SHANGHAI (Architecture)- Educational
Shanghai
Concept
CSCEC 2013
Junior Architect
Shenzhen
ARCHIVE URUMQI (Architecture Competition) - Cultural
WELFARE CENTER SHENZHEN (Architecture Competition) - Healthcare
FTA Architectural Group 2012
Intern Architect
Shanghai
BANK OF CHINA (Architecture Competition) - Bank
Hefei
KINDERGARTEN KUNSHAN (Architecture Competition- Award) - Educational
Kunshan
Datrans 2011-2012
Intern Architect
Shanghai
Anfoo Studio 2019-Now
Founder & Senior Interior Designer
Lisbon, Shanghai
FF&E PROJECT - Clinic - Lisbon
VFX VILLA - Lisbon
FFN&E RESIDENTIAL PROJECT - Lisbon
RESIDENTIAL VILLA - Chongqing
VILLA SHANGHAI - Shanghai
FROMM LOGISTIC WAREHOUSE OFFICES - Lisbon
RESIDENTIAL VILLA - Shanghai
RESIDENTIAL VILLA - Lisbon
BAKERY - Competition - Lisbon
RESIDENTIAL VILLA - Competition - Lisbon
FREELANCE JO 2016-Now
Lead & Senior Interior Designer
Lisbon, Shanghai, UAE
LIVING ROOM DESIGN - Abu Dhabi
FF&E PROJECT - RESIDENTIAL - Comporta
XIAOLONG BAO RESTAURANT - Chongqing
RUOMI VILLA - Shanghai
BREWERY SHANGHAI - (Collaboration with Ale Maggi and Guillermo Bravo) Shanghai
IFFG RETAIL DEPARTMENT STORE - Shanghai
Skills
SOFTWARES SKILLS
Autocad
Sketchup
Adobe Photoshop
Indesign
Illustrator
LINGUISTICS SKILLS
Portuguese
English
Spanish
French
Basic chinese
Education
MASTER DEGREE ARCHITECTURE
2009-2010 — Faculdade de Arquitetura UTL, Lisbon
2008-2009 — Institut Victor Horta ULB, Bruxelles
DEGREE IN ARCHITECTURE
2005-2009 — Faculdade de Arquitetura UTL, Lisbon