Imagine a Place

Imagine a Place
Imagine a Place
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This is a podcast about people, places, and design that will help you learn and grow. Our guests share insight, stories, and big ideas that inspire courage and curiosity. Whether it's our workplace, our home, or all the places in between, interior design is shaping the human experience every day.

  1. 3 days ago

    Mothers of Design: Designing careers, raising families, and finding balance

    What does it really look like to build a meaningful career in design while raising a family? In this special Imagine a Place episode, Maria VanDeman takes us inside Mothers of Design: Calling in the Double Shift, a live conversation in Knoxville, Tennessee, exploring the intersection of motherhood, design, leadership, and life. Following the panel, Maria sat down with designers and leaders for candid mini conversations about what motherhood has taught them about empathy, presence, boundaries, asking for help, and navigating the changing seasons of a career. Their perspectives reveal that there is no single formula for balancing work and family and that doing it all doesn't mean doing it all at once or alone. From learning to put down the phone and be present, to practicing saying no, leaning on community, and recognizing motherhood as a powerful form of leadership, these women share refreshingly real advice for anyone navigating ambition, caregiving, and a full life. Whether you're a mother in design, lead working parents on your team, or simply want to build a more human workplace, this conversation is a reminder that healthy places require healthy people to design them. Listen for an honest conversation about motherhood, interior design careers, working parents, leadership, work life balance, community, and finding grace in the season you're in. Read Maria's insights from this event Connect with Christina Fehr -Brooks on LinkedIn Connect with Milagros Zingoni on LinkedIn Connect with Kelly  Reynolds on LinkedIn Connect with Julie Dalby on LinkedIn Connect with Heather Dodd on LinkedIn Connect with Barbie Thomas on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

  2. 10 Aug

    In the Room | Designing with purpose: Nicole Ward on the future of healthcare spaces

    What if great healthcare design isn't just about beautiful spaces but about helping people heal, caregivers thrive, and every second count? In this episode, Nicole Ward, Senior Associate and Interior Designer at NBBJ, shares how purpose has shaped her career in healthcare design. Nicole offers an inside look at the complexity, and humanity, behind designing spaces where lives are changed every day. It's a thoughtful conversation about innovation, empathy, and why the best design solutions begin with asking better questions. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn. Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

    In the Room | Designing with purpose: Nicole Ward on the future of healthcare spaces

  3. 27 Jul

    Leading across generations: Burnout, authenticity, and the workplace of tomorrow

    Amanda Schneider joins Imagine a Place for a candid conversation about the future of work, generational leadership, and what it takes to build workplaces where people can thrive. Beyond the researcher, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, Maria uncovers the authentic Amanda, discussing motherhood, burnout, finding joy, and the "elephant circle" of women who helped her rediscover balance. Together, they explore Gen Z, personal branding, authenticity, and leading across generations with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. It's an inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, generational differences, career growth, or the changing world of work. Check out Imagine a Place on Instagram and LinkedIn for a giveaway of Amanda's new book, Work for What's Next: Why Workplace Culture is Failing and How the Next Generation Can Fix It. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

  4. 13 Jul

    People care about people: What neurodiversity teaches us about great design

    Discover how neuroinclusive design is reshaping the way we think about workplaces, justice facilities, and human-centered environments. In this episode, Olivia Danielson-Veed, independent contractor for ThinkLab and former Associate and Senior Project Interior Designer at HOK, shares practical insights on designing for neurodiversity through choice, control, and variety, while exploring how thoughtful design can improve well-being, support rehabilitation, and create spaces where more people can thrive. She also discusses mentoring the next generation of designers, navigating an increasingly complex world, and why empathy remains one of the most powerful tools in the design profession. It's a compelling conversation about inclusion, human experience, and why great design begins with understanding people. Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

  5. 22 Jun

    Building community for the Dealer Designer: Growth, recognition, and meaningful work with Alexandra Tseffos

    Dealer designers play a vital role in shaping the workplace experience, yet many navigate their careers without a strong professional network or a clear roadmap for growth. In this engaging conversation, Maria VanDeman sits down with Alexandra Tseffos, founder of The Design POP, to discuss the evolving role of dealer designers and the power of building community within the industry. Together, they explore career development, leadership, mentorship, professional visibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings fulfillment and value to your work. From creating meaningful connections with peers to finding opportunities for growth within your organization, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for designers who want to build a more purposeful, connected, and rewarding career. Explore Pop into Excellence Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

  6. 19 Jun

    The Design Days therapy session we didn't know we needed

    What happens when two design leaders sit down after one of the industry's biggest events and tell the truth about how they're really feeling? In this candid episode, Maria VanDeman, Director of Design Strategy, and Christina Jameson, Director of Workplace, reflect on Design Days and NeoCon, discussing burnout, working motherhood, authenticity, workplace design, career passion, and the future of human connection in an AI driven world. They explore why designers are uniquely susceptible to burnout, how authentic spaces create stronger workplace experiences, and why meaningful conversations matter more than ever. If you attended Design Days and NeoCon in Chicago, or if you're a designer, workplace strategist, leader, parent, or creative professional trying to balance purpose and pressure, this episode will resonate deeply. Connect with Christina on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

  7. 1 Jun

    The art of feeling: How OFS, Liz Flores, and Alkemis brought a showroom to life

    What happens when art, wellness, and design come together? In this special Design Days Chicago episode, Maria VanDeman sits down with artist Liz Flores and Alkemis co-founder Price Latimer to explore the partnerships shaping the OFS showroom experience. Liz shares the stories woven into her vibrant artwork, from the symbolism of an acorn growing into a tree to her celebration of imagination, community, and the female perspective. Price reflects on Alkemis' journey to create the world's first wellness paint and why the materials surrounding us matter as much as the spaces themselves.  Join us for an inspiring look at the creative vision behind the OFS Design Days experience and the collaborators making it possible. Together, they invite listeners into a showroom designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

  8. 28 May

    In the Room at ICFF: The spaces that shape us with Sabrina Lippman of Habitat for Humanity

    Recorded live from ICFF 2026, Wesley Edmonds sits down with Sabrina Lippman, CEO of Habitat for Humanity NYC & Westchester, for a powerful conversation about housing, dignity, and the life-changing impact of homeownership. From transforming underutilized spaces across New York City into thriving communities, to helping working families build generational stability, Sabrina shares how Habitat for Humanity is redefining what affordable housing can look like in one of the world’s most expensive cities. Together, they explore the emotional impact of having a place to call home, the connection between design and dignity, and why creating stability gives people the freedom to dream bigger. Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn. Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.

    In the Room at ICFF: The spaces that shape us with Sabrina Lippman of Habitat for Humanity
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This is a podcast about people, places, and design that will help you learn and grow. Our guests share insight, stories, and big ideas that inspire courage and curiosity. Whether it's our workplace, our home, or all the places in between, interior design is shaping the human experience every day.

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