Sound-Led Experience Design
Designing human experience through sound.
Award-winning immersive audio studio
2× International Sound Awards 2025
Trusted by museums, cultural institutions and innovation partners
Experience begins with state
Before visitors read a label or look at an artwork, they have already entered a physiological state.
Sound is the fastest way to influence that state.
That is why we approach sound not as decoration, but as architecture.
The State Design Framework™
A structured approach to designing experience through sound.
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Intent
What state should a visitor enter?
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Physiology
How does sound influence that state?
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Dramaturgy
How does the experience unfold over time?
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Integration
How does sound become part of the spatial design?
Oorlog Dichtbij - War Up Close
Context: WWII history brought close to home in A-kerk
What we did: onsite Spatial sound design + Binaural Audiotour + Audio-stories + on-site calibration
Impact: 2× ISA 2025 winner; press praised “oppressive and confrontational” experience
VRelax
Context: Clinics needed a fast, drug-free way to lower stress and anxiety.
What we did: Spatial nature soundscapes (location recordings + ambisonic mix) tuned for calm and daily clinical use + Binaural Beats + Sound Therapy Sessions + Ambient Music
Impact: Used in 200+ healthcare institutions; sessions help users settle within minutes and improve adherence.
What partners say
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Micah Johnson, Artist
Jelmer and the Sphere of Sound have consistently delivered incredible audio experiences to accompany our art in both physical spaces and digital productions.
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Michel Verspagen, Ubuntu-Media & VR Bioscoop
It was fantastic to work with Jelmer. Jelmer provided our VR film with spatial audio. With his own insight, he managed to elevate the film to a higher level because he understands how VR works as an immersive media technology. Additionally, he was able to compensate for our shortcomings in visuals with audio. Jelmer is the go-to person for spatial audio.
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Frank Oly, Oly & Reed Productions
I have had the privilege of working with Jelmer on a great range of productions for various, (often quite demanding), clients. Whether directing vocal talent to produce a pop song, or composing an intricate orchestral score, he always goes above and beyond expectations. I would highly recommend him for any production where music is key.
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Jelle Westra, Amelander Museum Foundation
A pleasant and flexible collaboration, leading to an Immersive Audio product by Sphere of Sound, where the Ameland feeling truly comes to life.
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Alex van der Baan, YOM
Jelmer helped Beemup realize and bring to life our showcase. A process full of trial and error, the full immersive audio experience was impressively laid down by Jelmer. Besides a great collaboration on content, our production really got a boost. Highly recommended!
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Koen Toornvliet, VRROOM
For me, Jelmer is a true audio and sound artist. With extreme sensitivity and a unique way of creating sound, he is an added value to my VR company VRROOM. Especially jamming and testing together with 3D sound combined with Virtual Reality makes Jelmer a great partner for us. Both in personality and professionalism a true fine audio specialist.
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Clemens Amon, atmoky
It's a true pleasure and honour to work with an industry expert like Jelmer
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Isa Scharff, Project Manager OVAL
Onze samenwerking met Jelmer verliep prettig. Hij begreep vanaf het eerste moment exact welke sfeer we zochten voor de surround sound; van omgevingsgeluiden tot het specifieke geluid van een datacenter, en bracht daarbij ook eigen ideeën in. Dankzij zijn snelle schakelen, heldere communicatie en flexibiliteit bij last-minute aanpassingen zijn we zeer tevreden met het eindresultaat.
I’m Jelmer Althuis, founder of Sphere of Sound. I design immersive, spatial audio for XR, mental health, museums, and art.
In the past five years I’ve created 150+ soundscapes (100+ for VRelax’s therapeutic VR library) and led award-winning installations like Oorlog Dichtbij.
2× ISA 2025 winner. My work blends art, science, and clear outcomes: calmer users, deeper presence, stories that stick.