Event
Craft, Context and Making: MAWD Explores Portuguese Artistry with Boca do Lobo
MAWD Interior Designer Elena Mouis recently joined a private design journey in Porto, hosted by Boca do Lobo, exploring the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary expression. The two-day experience offered a rare insight into the processes, materials and techniques that define some of Portugal’s most distinctive design ateliers.
A two-day immersion into craftsmanship, material innovation and lived design in Porto
Day one began within the brand’s workshops, where upholstery, lighting and metal artisans demonstrated the meticulous layering of materials and techniques that bring each piece to life. From hand-shaped metals to richly detailed textile applications, the visit highlighted the balance between traditional craft and advanced fabrication methods. The evening concluded with sunset drinks and networking alongside global design practices, fostering dialogue around materiality, luxury and evolving client expectations.
On the second day, the group explored wood workshops and specialist finishes studios before visiting Covet Town, an 80,000 sqm design city in Oporto dedicated to immersive, experiential living. The journey culminated at Covet Douro, a restored three-storey waterfront mansion set within the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. The historic villa, now transformed into a curated showroom residence, offers a layered narrative of architectural heritage and contemporary design brands.
For MAWD, the visit reinforced the importance of tactility, bespoke craftsmanship and material storytelling. As clients increasingly seek individuality, warmth and depth within their spaces, exposure to these artisanal processes informs our approach to textiles, finishes and furniture selection, ensuring each project is grounded in authenticity and enduring design quality.
