IN THE HONOR OF ICONIC STORYTELLING FROM OUR TIME AND BEYOND UNITING STORIES ACROSS TIMES, PLACES AND CULTURES
ONTO A CULTURALLY-CONNECTED FUTURE THAT BLESSES HISTORY
LET’S STAY INSPIRED
IN THE HONOR OF ICONIC STORYTELLING FROM OUR TIME AND BEYOND UNITING STORIES ACROSS TIMES, PLACES AND CULTURES
ONTO A CULTURALLY-CONNECTED FUTURE THAT BLESSES HISTORY
LET’S STAY INSPIRED
IN THE HONOR OF ICONIC STORYTELLING FROM OUR TIME AND BEYOND UNITING STORIES ACROSS TIMES, PLACES AND CULTURES
ONTO A CULTURALLY-CONNECTED FUTURE THAT BLESSES HISTORY
LET’S STAY INSPIRED

House of Narrative is a creative direction studio dedicated to the ancient tradition of storytelling in modern times.

We craft, collaborate, curate and investigate stories that are rooted in legacy, locally lived culture and serve a curious generation. Our work lies practicing storytelling in contemporary forms with our clients and storytellers, while collecting inspiring stories along the way.

House of Narrative is a creative direction studio that transforms brands, spaces, and events through the power of strategic storytelling. We partner with brands, designers, events and institutions who seek thoughtful creative direction for their project.

Our work is grounded in heritage, shaped by culture, and designed for modern times. We’re not interested in narratives created out of the blue. We work with what’s already there — the essence, the legacy, the untapped potential — and build from that foundation.

This is why we don’t invent stories. We reveal them. The most powerful narratives already exist. They live in the spaces we gather, the holidays we take, the brands we wear, the rituals we practice, the films we love, the images we post, and the products we choose. Our role is to uncover these narratives and shape them into strategy, design, and experiences that move people.

Whether you're designing a space, redefining your brand, curating an event, or launching a content campaign — we provide the creative direction and project management to bring your vision to life, from concept to execution.

Our work is always collaborative. We create alongside a collective of visionary storytellers, designers, artists, and makers who are actively shaping today’s cultural landscape.  On this website, you’ll find the fruits of our work, collaborations, and observations. Take pleasure in exploring the diverse voices, disciplines, and perspectives that meet here.


What we do

At House Of Narrative operates as a storytelling agency and cultural platform. We practice storytelling through content production, marketing and communication management, editorials, rebranding processes and more - all rooted in legacy and culture. No matter who our clients are, from big brands to local shops, we help them celebrate their story. Curious to see our projects in action? Take a peek here. But inspiration does not operate in isolation, so most important rule of the house: we like storytellers to cross paths. House Of Narrative offers a home for diverse forces that shape stories and connect to an international range of storytellers, including researchers, writers, filmmakers, photographers, basically anyone that aims to share a story. 

CREATIVE DIRECTION

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT & NARRATIVE FRAMING

ART DIRECTION & MOODBOARDING

STORY-DRIVEN CAMPAIGN STRATEGY

ARTIST, MAKER & COLLABORATOR SOURCING

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY TEAM GUIDANCE (PHOTOGRAPHY, SET DESIGN, CONTENT, ETC.)

CREATIVE STRATEGY FOR EVENTS, INSTALLATIONS & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING

Brand Identity & activations


BRAND POSITIONING & NARRATIVE

NAMING & TONE OF VOICE

VISUAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

STYLE GUIDES & BRAND BOOKS

CONTENT PRODUCTIONS

INTERIOR DESIGN

INTERIOR CONCEPTS

NARRATIVE-DRIVEN STYLING

MOOD & MATERIAL PALETTES

SOURCING OF OBJECTS, ARTWORKS & LOCAL CRAFT

CREATIVE BRIEFS FOR BUILDERS & ARCHITECTS

SPATIAL STORYTELLING FOR TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT USE

Growth & Consultancy


GRANT & PROPOSAL WRITING

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS & POSITIONING

LONG-TERM VISIONING & BRAND STRATEGIES

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT RESEARCH

EDITORIALS

ARTICLES & LONG-FORM CONTENT

INTERVIEWS WITH ARTISTS, FOUNDERS & CULTURAL VOICES

RESEARCH-BASED STORY DEVELOPMENT

CONTEXTUAL & HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

CULTURAL JOURNALISM & EDITORIAL STRATEGY

Want to work together?

Are you a creative of any kind and do you want to be part of our family? Do you want to write beautiful stories with us? The more, the merrier. Get in touch via hello@house-of-narrative.com.

Narration

Co-publications
Content productions
Storytelling campaigns
Editorial enquiries
Photography & visual curation
Oral history practices
Copywriting & voice

Strategy

Brand and identity development
Cultural heritage consultancy
Creative concept and art direction 
Legacy-minded communication strategies 
Archive revival 
Community building 

Organization

Creative project management
Marketing & communication coordination
Research initiatives 
Cultural collaborations 
Curation & exhibition organization

FORMER COLLABORATIONS

* AMSTERDAM ROOTS FESTIVAL
* BADHUIS THEATER AMSTERDAM
* CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE AMSTERDAM (ARCAM)
* CLUE+ RESEARCH INSTITUTE
* EEFJE VOOGD REAL ESTATE
* DE FIRMA STEK
* GEMEENTE AMSTERDAM
* JORIS LAARMAN STUDIO

*NATIONAL DUTCH INSTITUTE FOR SOUND & VISION
* KIZI
* NETHERLANDS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION COLLECTION (NIIC)
* CULTURESUITE
*
NINTH WAVE GLOBAL
* UNMIGRATION
* QUIVERPOINT

* SITES OF MEMORY
* SURFANA COLLECTIVE
* SURF MAROC
* INDEED.COM
* INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE BIENNAL ROTTERDAM 
* SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
* REDRES HERITAGEEXPERTS
* RIGHTABOUTNOW.INC
* 1METER98 ARCHITECTS

House of Narrative Family

Jocelyn kotvis

Jocelyn (founder) is art historian (Ba) and cultural heritage expert (Ma) working in allround content and communications, specialized in storytelling, content creation, grassroots branding and content strategies.

HAiko Sanders

Haiko Sanders is a International Business Student (Ba) and combines this with experience in social and environmental impact. Employs broad critical-thinking skills through his travels to over 50+ countries.

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Catarina Mourira

Historian and heritage professional working in Lorum ipsem Lorum ipsem.Lorum ipsem.Lorum ipsem.Lorum ipsem.Lorum ipsem.Lorum ipsem.

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