catiavieira_profile

Having lived across London, Paris, Luxembourg and Braga, I’m now based in Lisbon, where I founded Zajal Studio.

My career began in literature before evolving into nearly a decade in brand and communications, working across strategy, positioning and narrative. Along the way, I became increasingly interested in the relationship between identity and the physical world: how stories can be expressed not only through words, but also through objects, materials and space.

That curiosity led me to study interior design at Istituto Marangoni in Milan and the University of the Arts London. Today, through Zajal Studio, I work at the intersection of interiors, storytelling and creative direction, creating spaces that feel deeply personal and culturally grounded.

Alongside my design practice, writing has remained a constant. My debut novel, Lola, was published by Penguin Random House in 2021 and explores themes of identity, belonging and mental health. Since then, I've been invited to speak at schools and institutions about mental health awareness, using literature as a starting point for conversations around emotional wellbeing.

lately, I’ve been listening

lately, I’ve been reading

The Scent of Flower by Leïla Slimani

August Blue by Deboray Levy

Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Easy Beauty by Chloé Cooper Jones

Simple Passion by Annie Ernaux