Where Nature Meets Design: How Julius Iversen and Tableau Transform Spaces
Visitors to our shop may have noticed the beautiful organic installation and display that has been in place this winter—an artistic expression brought to life by Tableau. At Ara’kai, we’ve long admired Tableau’s ability to merge botany, art, and design into striking spatial experiences. Founded with the vision of elevating nature beyond mere decoration, Tableau has evolved into a multidisciplinary creative studio, shaping everything from installations to furniture. We sat down with founder Julius Iversen to discuss the studio’s journey, the role of nature in design, and the creative challenges that have shaped their bold approach.
Tell us a little about Tableau — how did it start, and how has it evolved into the creative project it is today?
Tableau was founded with the ambition of elevating botany to something more than just decoration — something that belongs in the world of art and design. This vision has guided us into that realm, and today, we work across multiple disciplines, where botany is just one small part of what we do in the studio. While our scope has expanded significantly, there’s always a clear thread connecting everything we create.
What’s been the most exciting part of Tableau’s creative and multifaceted approach recently?
Opening a new store and gallery has been a major highlight of 2024. The creative industry has faced financial challenges in general, and we’ve felt that pressure too, being forced to make tough financial decisions. Surprisingly, these decisions have turned out to benefit the business by pushing us to think more strategically and take bold steps. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to think outside the box in every part of the process, which makes us dynamic (some might say chaotic) in how we work. This flexibility enables us to act and deliver quickly, even in challenging situations.
The natural world is one of our biggest sources of inspiration at Ara’kai. How does the natural world influence your work at Tableau and the vision behind the project?
The essence of Tableau lies in working with botany to create unique scenarios, often incorporating other materials from the natural world. Limited project budgets frequently challenge us to think creatively and explore alternative material choices — whether that means going into the forest to find old branches for an installation or experimenting with unexpected natural elements. Studies show that having flowers in a space profoundly impacts mental health, and our creative process often begins with something organic or botanical. This connection to nature is at the very core of who we are.
How do you think Tableau’s work impacts the spaces and people it touches? What do you hope people take away from it?
Our goal is to bring nature indoors and create surprising spaces that subtly and subconsciously inspire positivity. Whether it’s through artworks, furniture, or an entire spatial design, we aim to transform environments in meaningful ways that spark joy and leave a lasting impression.
Quick 4:
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
I always prioritize sleep, so I typically get ready in under 10 minutes, head out the door, and stop by Andersen & Maillard for pastries on my way to work.
Best way to unwind after a busy day?
A sauna session followed by an ice-cold dip at Glacier.
Secret guilty pleasure?
Cheese and Nutella combined.
City or countryside?
I’ll always be a city girl.
And finally: If you were a plant or flower, what would you be and why?
I’d be one of the flowers photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe. He was one of the first photographers to capture flowers in their true essence, and I find his perspective both inspiring and timeless.
