Sobre Nós

Nieta Atelier®: Innovation and Sustainability in Textile Design and Architecture

Sustainability, once seen as an obstacle to business growth, has become a fundamental pillar for the future of the planet and industries. Since the founding of Nieta Atelier®, licensed architect and entrepreneur Nieta da Ponte Rocha has always understood the potential of waste as raw material for creating innovative and sustainable products.

Born in Angra do Heroísmo, on Terceira Island, Azores, Nieta began her academic journey at the University of Minho, where she earned a degree in Architecture/Applied Research. Her passion for sustainability and eco-design led her to further her studies with a master’s degree focused on developing an "Eco Cabin Model for Tourism Integrating Circular Economy Principles." With an innovative vision, Nieta realized that industrial surpluses could be transformed into exclusive design pieces, promoting the valorization of resources that would otherwise be discarded.

In 2017, she solidified this approach by establishing Nieta Atelier® in Guimarães, a region with a strong tradition in the textile industry. Her work stood out for its ability to repurpose high-quality textile and organic materials, applying artisanal weaving techniques to create unique and distinctive products. In 2019, she received the prestigious Mobis "Woman of Success" award, recognizing her contribution to innovation in sustainable design.

Over the years, Nieta Atelier® has expanded its international presence, participating in renowned fairs such as Formex (Stockholm), Maison&Objet (Paris), and Heimtextil (Frankfurt), frequently being referenced as a trendsetting brand in the sector. Meanwhile, the founder returned to her roots in the Azores, where she launched the Circular Blue project—a sustainability lab that combines craftsmanship, innovation, and circular economy principles.

The "Simple Powerful Feel Azores" collection reflects the essence of Azorean landscapes, incorporating elements such as pineapple and tea to create pieces that honor local culture and resources. With a strong environmental commitment, Nieta Atelier® became part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the world’s largest platform dedicated to the circular economy.

In 2022, the commitment to sustainable innovation led to the launch of the AZORES ECOBLUE project, funded by EEA Grants and the Portuguese Directorate-General for Maritime Policy. This revolutionary initiative aims to transform marine and fishing industry waste, such as ropes and invasive algae, into new textile fibers and insulation materials for the construction sector. The project not only drives the circular and blue economy but also proves that marine waste can be a valuable source of revenue and innovation.

With a journey marked by creativity, resilience, and commitment to the planet, Nieta da Ponte Rocha continues to demonstrate that sustainability and design can go hand in hand, creating eco-friendly and economically viable solutions for the future.

To learn more about Nieta Atelier® projects and collections, visit: www.ecobluegroup.com.