Amsterdam-based Studio Modijefsky, founded by Esther Stam in 2009, marks its 15th anniversary as a pioneering all-female interior architecture studio. With over 60 completed projects, the studio has established itself as a leader in creating bespoke, story-driven spaces that redefine how people experience their surroundings. To mark this milestone, Studio Modijefsky is reflecting on its journey, looking ahead, and launching a follow-up to MAKING SPACE.
A distinctive approach to design
What distinguishes Studio Modijefsky is not just their all-female composition—but their distinctive approach to design. Each project begins with deep research into a site's architecture, history, and cultural context, resulting in interiors that feel authentically connected to their locations. This meticulous process ensures that each space tells a unique story, seamlessly blending past and present with Studio Modijefsky’s signature creative vision. These spaces offer comfort while inviting exploration, with layered stories that unfold over time, fostering discovery, connection, and a true sense of place.
For 15 years, Studio Modijefsky has redefined site-specific interiors across 60+ projects in hospitality, retail, corporate, and residential design. Their portfolio weaves spatial storytelling and sensory experience, transforming spaces like Gitane Amsterdam, where chef Angelo Kremmydas' culinary vision unfolds in a layered environment, and De Witt Dordrecht, a historic cinema reimagined from its past as a convent and laboratory. The Van Stapele Cookie Bakery becomes a theatrical experience in a compact space, while Museum Arnhem balances historic preservation with modern narrative. Home Ketelhuis—a former boiler house transformed into a home and workshop—embraces its industrial heritage through bold material contrasts and warmth. Collaborating with hospitality groups like 3WO Hospitality Group—on over 20 venues including Hotel Rumour, Bonnie, and Bar Botanique—and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants on Wyers and Miss Louisa in Amsterdam’s city centre, as well as reimagining Booking.com HQ, Studio Modijefsky continues to craft spaces that feel both deeply rooted and refreshingly new.
Founder’s vision
Esther Stam, founder and creative director, thrives on the challenge of shaping spaces around human interaction. Her design philosophy places people at the heart of every project, ensuring interiors are not only visually striking but also emotionally and functionally resonant. Her hands-on approach to craftsmanship fuels her design process—whether collaborating with artisans, studying historical structures, or exploring how objects shape user experiences. "I find inspiration in the places where making happens—workshops, ateliers, kitchens, potteries, glassblowing studios, woodworking shops, and metal workshops. These are spaces where craft is deeply rooted in culture, knowledge is passed down, and technique s emerge from the materials at hand. I’m particularly drawn to places where time slows down, whether in historic settings rich with heritage or breathtaking landscapes that spark the imagination." – Esther Stam
Looking ahead: the next chapter
Back in 2020, Studio Modijefsky published MAKING SPACE—a book that pulls back the curtain on their design process, highlighting the materials that inspire them, the projects they’ve brought to life, and the stories they aim to tell. Now, the studio is launching MAKING SPACE: Projects 2021-2024, documenting their creative evolution. This marks the starting point for their focus on larger-scale projects, creating even richer narratives in the future. "Our vision for 2025 and beyond is clear: crafting destinations where people feel deeply connected —both to the spaces they move through, from rooms to restaurants to spas, and to the broader context of their surroundings. Every interior reflects not just t houghtful design but also the history, colors, scents, traditions, materials, and stories of the place itself, creating an experience of true immersion and discovery." – Esther Stam
Upcoming projects & events
A new chapter is unfolding in the heart of Amsterdam’s Vondelpark as the historic Vondelparkpaviljoen undergoes a remarkable transformation. Once home to the beloved restaurant Vertigo until 2012, the space will once again embrace this iconic name. Inspired by Hitchcock’s film, the reimagined Vertigo will honor its storied past while shaping a vibrant new future. Located just around the corner from our project 't Blauwe Theehuis, this upcoming restaurant continues Studio Modijefsky’s tradition of crafting immersive, site-specific interiors that connect deeply with their surroundings. Set to open in spring 2025, Vertigo will blend history, cinematic inspiration, and contemporary design into a dynamic new destination.
On March 12, 2025, founder and creative director Esther Stam will participate in a panel discussion at the Independent Hotel Show: How Does Design Shape the Way We Feel in a Space? Alongside Tina Norden, Amber Feijen, Amit Dixit, and Elise Luttik, she’ll explore how interior design influences emotions, enhances experiences, and strengthens brand identity.
About Studio Modijefsky
Studio Modijefsky is an interior architecture studio based in the heart of Amsterdam. An international team of architects and interior designers provide a total creative service for spatial interventions for clients that range from hotels, houses, offices, museums, to boutiques and bars to spas. The nine women that currently form the studio carefully design everything that is seen, passed and touched by a visitor for the duration of their stay whether it’s five seconds or five hours.
