AKTO Studio

AKTO Studio (Arts & Krafts Technologies) is a woodworking and furniture restoration workshop in the heart of Lisbon's Príncipe Real neighbourhood. Founded in 2013 by master craftsman João Erse—trained at the prestigious Instituto de Artes e Ofícios da Fundação Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva—the studio is driven by a mission to keep traditional woodworking arts and crafts alive while passing this knowledge on to new generations. AKTO develops its work across three main areas: high-end cabinet making, furniture conservation and restoration, and hands-on workshops. The workshop programme offers a structured learning path, beginning with an Introduction to Joinery (42 hours), progressing to Furniture Restoration and Recovery, and advancing to Joinery Level 2 (42 hours)—each designed to provide participants with the essential foundations before moving to more complex techniques. Specialised workshops such as Spoon Carving (12 hours) are also available. Beyond training, AKTO produces bespoke furniture for private clients, prototypes for designers and architects, and undertakes conservation projects for museums, churches, and historical buildings. The studio champions sustainability through creative recycling—reusing materials and extending the life of furniture—and works in collaboration with the Ordem dos Arquitetos (OASRS) to deliver certified professional training. International internships are also offered in partnership with institutions across five European countries. A multidisciplinary team of expert craftspeople shares a deep passion for wood and brings clients' plans, ideas, and dreams to life.