The Curated Cabinet

Growing up between Finland and the Netherlands, Julia Elisabeth van Emmerik has always been captivated by the contrasts between cultures and landscapes. Experiencing the midnight sun in Finland, where daylight stretches for weeks, sparked an enduring curiosity about space and how we inhabit it. These dualities nurtured her fascination with light, place, and the emotional resonance that spaces can hold, and from a very young age, she began capturing these moments through photography. Observing how light interacted with nature and architecture, she became increasingly intrigued by the interplay between atmosphere and emotion. To be able to capture these elements more intentionally, she wanted to explore whether it was possible to create such atmospheres deliberately.

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Naturally, this curiosity led her to film school, where she aspired to become a production designer—the architect of cinema. Film offered her a way to experiment with light, colour, and composition to shape not just physical spaces but also emotional landscapes. Here, she learned how to craft environments that reflected character and narrative, and she came to understand the importance of storytelling. She began to see how space and design could evoke feelings, spark imagination, and immerse viewers in a story.

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As her work in the art department progressed, she found herself increasingly fascinated by the connection between spaces and the human psyche. She began asking deeper questions: What stories do physical spaces tell? How do materials, light, and forms shape the way we feel, move, and live? This exploration led her to the concept of genius loci—the spirit of a place—which has become central to her creative philosophy. Certain spaces seem to possess an atmosphere that feels alive, as if imbued with their own stories. She became drawn to capturing this intangible quality and translating it into designs that were immersive, dreamlike, and meaningful.

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Over time, her focus began to shift from the ephemeral nature of film to the lasting impact of built environments. The transition from film to architecture felt natural, as both disciplines share a deep connection to storytelling and human experience. While film allowed her to explore transient moments of beauty, she realised that architecture could provide these moments on a daily basis. Architecture holds the power to create spaces that endure and continue to evoke emotion.

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With interior architecture, Julia Elisabeth van Emmerik aspires to go further—designing spaces that people can inhabit, explore, and connect with on a profound emotional level. By crafting environments that reflect the spirit of a place, she hopes to create transformative experiences that leave a lasting impression and inspire people to be better human beings.