Architect, urban researcher, co-founder of the association 'Women in Architecture'. She holds a degree in Architecture (2003) from the Lisbon School of Architecture - University of Lisbon, and a Master of Architecture (2009). In 2017, Joana completed her Ph.D. in Urbanism focused on the challenges of urban interventions on self-produced places in the search for spatial justice.

Joana also worked as architect. Before she established her Estúdio Periférico, Joana worked for several offices like dRMM Architects (London) or Renzo Piano Workshop (Genoa).