Adico
ADICO is a Portuguese company with a rich history, founded in 1920. Originally focused on creating durable metal furniture for hospitals, ADICO has since grown to become the oldest metal furniture manufacturer in Portugal—and one of the oldest in Europe still going strong. The company’s legacy is built on a foundation of timeless design and exceptional craftsmanship.
In the 1930s, ADICO expanded its range to include outdoor furniture, debuting one of its most iconic creations: the legendary Portuguese chair. Inspired by the innovative German Bauhaus school and the sleek, curved steel tube designs of visionaries like René Herbst, Marcel Breuer, and Mies van der Rohe, this chair has become a beloved symbol of Portuguese heritage. Still a staple in cafés and public spaces across the country, especially in cities with protected heritage sites, it remains as iconic today as it was when first created.
Today, ADICO continues to innovate, designing and producing high-quality furniture for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Recognized worldwide, it stands as a leader in the hospitality furniture industry, known for its timeless style and enduring legacy.
About the designer
André Pinto
André Pinto, born in Porto, Portugal, in 1985, pursued his studies in Product Design at Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, where he completed his higher education. After collaborating with several industrial design studios in Portugal, André developed a deep appreciation for the direct link between design and manufacturing. This passion led him to join Adico in 2009, where he now serves as Head of the Technical Department and Head Designer.
For André, design is a holistic process, one that strategically combines creativity with functionality, from initial concept to final product. “I see design as a whole, where different fields should always complement each other, and where each product has the power to tell stories and offer new experiences,” he says.
His journey with Adico began through the “Take a Seat” contest, which sparked his fascination with the company’s legacy and its ongoing quest for innovative seating solutions. After completing his professional internship, he joined the Adico team and has since felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute new, beautiful chapters to the company’s already rich history.