We are a design studio that searches for solutions with origin. We believe in design that unfolds from an exploration between people and place. Our integrated practice uses cultural research as an approach to original, engaged and sustainable material culture. Fueled by curiosity and passion for low technologies and endemic materials, we value tradition and the process of making.
Who we are
Founded in 2005 by Álbio Nascimento and Kathi Stertzig, The Home Project Design Studio is a company with recognised experience in consultancy, conception and implementation of development strategies and product design dedicated to local craft production. THP Design Studio has been defining and consolidating its own methodologies, based on fieldwork experience in different cultural contexts, as well as on its constant research on materials, technologies and techniques of vernacular knowledge. Their integrated design practice proposes a co-response-able material culture that promotes conscious consumption.
By employing design as a facilitator, THP Design Studio works together with clients and partners to build platforms and networks that empower communication and knowledge. Their work is a joint and coordinated effort that oversees all phases of project development and is fruitful at multiple scales. The work of THP Design Studio with public and private institutions, both national and international, has become a reference in the field of sustainability, based on traditional arts and crafts.
Clients
A Vida Portuguesa (Portugal)
Artesania Catalunya – Government of Catalunya (Spain)
Bauhaus University Weimar (Germany)
Büro Stattmann (Germany)
Casas Brancas – Rede de Turismo Criativo (Portugal)
CACO – Associação de Artesãos de Odemira (Portugal)
Casa Modesta (Portugal)
Centro Nacional de Arte, Artesanato e Design de Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)
Centro Regional de Apoio ao Artesanato – Açores (Portugal)
Chloroform (Belgium)
CCDR Algarve (Portugal)
Câmara Municipal de Lisboa (Portugal)
Câmara Municipal de Loulé (Portugal)
Faculdade de Belas Artes – Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal)
Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (China)
Internationales Design Zentrum Berlin (Germany)
Istanbul Bilgi University (Turkey)
Ministério da Cultura – Governo de Portugal (Portugal)
MUDE – Museu do Design e da Moda (Portugal)
Rota Vicentina (Portugal)
Short Cut – Berlin (Germany)
Turismo do Centro – Turismo de Portugal (Portugal)
Vluchtelingenwerk Antwerpen (Belgium)
Publications
Lojas com História, vol. 2 [PT/EN]. Book. Tinta da China (Portugal, 2020).
Kutxi [PT]. Catalog. Centro Nacional de Arte, Artesanato e Design (Cape Verde, 2019).
Cerâmica e Fibras Vegetais [PT]. Catalog. Centro Regional de Apoio ao Artesanato (Açores, Portugal, 2019).
Lojas com História, vol. 1 [PT/EN]. Book. Tinta da China (Portugal 2018).
The Craft and the Makers [EN]. Gestalten (Alemanha, 2014).
Projecto TASA [PT]. Book (editorial coordination). CCDR Algarve (Portugal, 2012).
USELESS [PT/EN]. Ed. by Frederico Duarte & Max Bruinsma. Babel. ExperimentaDesign Bienal de Lisboa (Portugal, 2011).
Eins Zu Eins, Ein Workshop [ed. by Kathi Stertzig & Daniel Reisch] – Bauhaus Universität Weimar (Germany, 2010)
Timeless [PT/EN]. Catalog. Experimentadesign exhibition catalog. Athena (Portugal, 2010)
Cultura Intensiva [PT]. Exhibition catalog (editorial coordination). (Portugal, 2009)
Articles
“O Dilema do Espremedor de Laranjas” [PT]. Co-written with Frederico Duarte. FIA Catalog. IEFP (Portugal, 2011).
“The Young Vernacular: Unreliable Approaches to Craft” [EN]. THERE: Journal of Design. University of Minnesota College of Design (EUA, 2010)
“Reinventing Modernity Through Tradition: Product Development in Traditional Craftsmanship” [EN]. Engaging Artifacts. NORDES Conference Catalog (Oslo, Norway 2009)
“Design as catalyst of traditional culture” [EN]. Q&H conference catalog. (Berlin, Germany, 2008)
“Kitchen Sensations-Synesthesia” [EN]. SIGGRAPH 2004 Art Gallery (Los Angeles, USA, 2004)
Exhibitions
Práticas Situadas (Origem Comum) – CIIP Cacela, Vila Real St. Antônio / Cria, Odemira / Casa do Barro, São Pedro de Corval (Portugal, 2022)
Porto Design Biennale – Museum of Vibrant Matter (Portugal, 2021)
Como se Pronuncia Design em Português – Museu do Design e da Moda Lisboa (Portugal, 2015)
GEBLÜT Positions in Design – Villa Schöningen Potsdam (Germany, 2013/14)
Lugar de Estar – Interieur Kortrijk 12 (Belgium, 2012)
The Future is Stupid – Lodz Design Festival (Poland, 2012)
Moving Materials – Red Dot Design Museum, Essen + Dutch Design Week (Netherlands, 2012)
Far Lume/Shed Light – Museo Poldi Pezzoli – Fuori Salone Milano (Italy, 2012)
Collecting Collections and Concepts – Guimarães European Capital of Culture (Portugal, 2012)
Recréer La Nature – Liége Catedral – Liége Design Biennial (France, 2010)
A Mano – Ambiente Frankfurt (Germany, 2010)
Revolution 99/09 – ExperimentaDesign Lisboa (Portugal, 2010)
Inter-Connected – New York Design Week (USA, 2010)
Destination: Portugal – MoMA Store New York (USA, 2010)
Timeless – ExperimentaDesign 09 Lisboa (Portugal, 2009)
Cultura Intensiva [solo exhibition] – Museu Cidade de Olhão + ExperimentaDesign 09 Lisboa (Portugal, 2009)
10 Years Anniversary Guggenheim Berlin – Museum Store – Berlin (Germany, 2008)
NEST – CBK – Apeldoorn (Netherlands, 2008)
The Salt Collection [Solo exhibition] – Moshi+Morkel Gallery – Berlin (Germany, 2007)
Haute Green – New York Design Week (USA, 2007)
Portuguese Design Promotion – Icon Design Trail – Selfridges London (UK, 2006)
Universal House – Addictlab Exhibition – Salone del Mobile Milano (Italy, 2006)
Press
Gerador Online (July 9) – Portugal, 2022
Observador Lifestyle (#16) – Portugal, 2022
Schoener Wohnen (Summer Special) – Germany, 2022
Wohn!design (#3/22) – Germany, 2022
Attitude (#102) – Portugal, 2021
Observador Lifestyle (#12) – Portugal, 2021
Portugal, Art de Vivre et Création (Sergio da Silva, Editions de La Martinière) – France, 2020
Die Zeit Magazin (#32) – Germany, 2014
The New York Times (May 22) – USA, 2014 [pdf]
DesignMagazine (Jan/Fev) – Portugal, 2014
Gestalten TV – Germany, 2013
2+3D (#49) – Poland, 2013
Merian (August) – Germany, 2013
Elle Deco Lab (#2) – France, 2013
Artecapital (“O Designer Social”) – Portugal, 2013
Elle Decoration (February) – Netherlands, 2013
P2/Público (December 9) – Portugal, 2012
Der Freitag (#22, “In der richtigen Form”) – Germany, 2012
Die Zeit (“Die Souvenirmacher”) – Germany, 2011
Fábrica de Talentos (#8) – Portugal, 2011
Wallpaper* (Novembro) – UK, 2011
OBJECT (#55, Australian Centre for Craft) – Australia, 2008
DXI Magazine (#30) – Spain, 2008
Bulletí (#17, Artesania Catalunya) – Spain, 2008
ÍPSILON/Público (August 17) – Portugal, 2007
Addict Magazine (EcoWorld Issue) – Belgium, 2007
Addict Magazine (World Heritage Issue) – Belgium, 2006