As a body which drives and creates an interface between all partners – professionals, companies, design colleges, publications, shops, public and private institutions – the Centro Português de Design searches out opportunities, enhances professional opportunities and resources, and ensures that the public participates in the world of design. CPD has not a closed or negative view of design, guided by the exclusion of what is not ”true design”, and supports the creation in Portugal of institutions and projects in which design plays a major role.

Together with all the partners, CPD works towards changing practices and attitudes, by operating in four areas: Companies and partnerships > designers selection, consultancies, audits; development of integrated sectorial projects; support for brand creation and promotion; strategic and sectorial studies and design case studies. Training > training, qualification and specialisation initiatives, via medium and short-team courses; post-graduate courses in urban design; work placements within companies for young designers. Promotion and communication > publications, website, designlist (electron. newsletter); promotion of workshops, get-togethers; actions to raise awareness like exhibitions, displays, seminars, congresses. Support for practice > organisation of National Design Awards; publication of the design directory (guide for professionals); organisation of competitions; management of the database of professionals; documentation centre.

CPD brings together design and economical agents, satisfying needs, solving problems and generating emotions. CPD works towards defining in Portugal a few possible strategic routes for design and stimulating a reflection on the future, while keeping in mind the spiritual form of art that brings a meaning to life. Design and Centro Português de Design will always have an active part in designing the future.