Imagine a Place

From architecture school to leading design at global coworking brand Industrious, Jean Chandler has seen the workplace from every angle. In this episode, we explore how coworking spaces create buzz, why people “vote with their feet,” and what it takes to design offices that feel more human. Connect with Jean on LinkedIn Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode, Maria sits down with Melissa Borman, Interior Design Director at Niles Bolton Associates in Atlanta, to talk about leadership, listening, and designing with intention. Melissa shares how seeing projects through a client’s business lens reshaped her approach to design. Along the way, she discovered that her greatest superpower isn’t just creativity, but listening. Together, they explore the shift from designing for clients to designing with them, and why empathy, curiosity, and asking better questions lead to stronger outcomes. Melissa reflects on stepping into executive leadership, succeeding a long-standing mentor, and learning to move from working “in the weeds” to leading the forest. This conversation is about growth, mentorship, and what modern design leadership truly requires.  If you care about client-centered design, meaningful leadership, and building spaces with purpose, this episode is for you. Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode, Maria sits down with Mike Sewell, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Gresham Smith, to explore what happens when engineering, interior design, and artificial intelligence intersect. From a life changing moment on a bicycle that reshaped how he thinks about designing for people, to his role as Chief Digital Transformation Officer guiding firm wide digital innovation, Mike shares a powerful perspective on the future of practice. Together, they unpack the tension between automation and creativity, the responsibility that comes with AI, the risks of a race to the bottom, and why authenticity and human connection matter more than ever. This conversation is a thoughtful, energizing look at how we balance technology and humanity and why, at the end of the day, design is still about people. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode, Kala Fagan, a Senior Associate and Design Director at OTJ Architects, joins us for an honest and energizing conversation about what it means to lead in design today. From navigating post recession pressures to pushing back on unrealistic timelines and race to the bottom fees, Kala speaks candidly about advocating for people, protecting teams from burnout, and why designers must reclaim the value of their ideas. We explore leadership as an act of care, the importance of industry wide community over competition, and how designing for humans starts with how we treat our own. This is a must listen for designers, leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping a healthier, more valuable future for the profession. Connect with Kala on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode of Imagine a Place, host Wesley Edmonds shares a few standout moments from her conversation with Hector Kolonas, founder of This Week in Coworking. From coworking spaces in train stations to the role automation and AI are playing in furniture manufacturing, they explore what it really means to create human-centered work experiences, and why flex is so much bigger than a single model.Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

Naoko Oguro, Design Director of IA Interior Architects, reflects on what it means to build a career rooted in purpose, community, and care. From growing up in New York after moving from Tokyo, to finding confidence as an introvert in a relationship-driven profession, Naoko shares why designers are drawn to this work not for prestige, but for impact. This conversation explores leadership through empathy, the power of design community, and how success evolves from seeking approval to lifting others as you grow. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

What happens when enterprise workplace needs meet the flexibility, hospitality, and humanity of coworking? In this episode, host Wesley Edmonds sits down with Caroline Hecht from Preferred Office Network to unpack how flexible workspace can simplify complex real estate portfolios while putting people first. From streamlining multi-market office solutions to elevating operators, rethinking partnerships, and introducing new ways to assess quality in flex spaces, this conversation explores why the future of work is less about square footage and more about experience, time, and connection.Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

What happens when a designer refuses to follow a traditional path? In this episode, Veronica Gilliams, Senior Interior Designer at HOK, shares how her journey through video game design, physical spaces, and creative exploration shaped her perspective on people, place, and possibility. From biophilia to bold career moves, this conversation is about curiosity, creativity, and designing beyond the expected.Connect with Veronica on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

Sometimes the best conversations happen when two design-minded people realize they share the same passion for creating better places to work. In this episode, Mara Hauser, founder and CEO of 25N Coworking and Founding Principal of Workplace Studio, alongside host Wesley Edmonds, talk about coworking, corporate offices, and why designing for humans, not just density, makes all the difference.Join us at WorkX in Dallas and use code INTHEROOM40 for 40% off when you register!https://www.ssonetwork.com/events-workxConnect with Mara on LinkedInConnect with Wesley on LinkedIn   Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this year-end episode of Imagine a Place, Maria brings together her co-hosts and longtime friends, Wesley Edmonds and Christina Jameson, to look back on the lessons, surprises, and standout moments of 2025. The trio reflects on how the workplace is evolving, why choice and neuroinclusivity are becoming essential design drivers, and how communication, optimism, and human connection shaped their conversations this year. From WorkX insights to the power of storytelling, mentorship, and emerging design talent, this episode captures the heart of what they learned, what inspired them, and what they’re hopeful for in 2026. It’s a warm, candid, and energizing conversation about design, leadership, and the future of work, told by three voices who lived it together.Check out Maria's 2025 recap article: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/what-i-learned-year-behind-iap-microphone Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode, Wesley talks with Aflac’s Office Design & Planning Supervisor, Lelitha Williams and Meta Workplace Designer, Emily Burchill about what it really means to create employee-centric spaces. Together they unpack how empathy, flexibility, and a little bit of hospitality thinking can turn workplaces into environments where people actually feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work. These two women are doing amazing work for big companies and you won't want to miss their insights in this jam-packed episode.Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

Design for Belonging: Good design is good for businessWhat does belonging look like in healthcare — and can design help create it? In this thought-provoking conversation, Maria VanDeman sits down with Jessica Radecki, Healthcare Director at NBBJ, and Lauren Cole, System Director of Design Strategy with Providence Healthcare, to explore how the built environment can foster connection, comfort, and dignity.Together, they unpack the groundbreaking Design for Belonging research — an effort to quantify something often seen as intangible. From redefining how hospitals measure inclusion and empathy, to building a “kit of parts” that empowers every health system to design for all budgets, this episode reveals how data, design, and humanity intersect.Whether you’re in healthcare, design, or simply passionate about people-centered spaces, this conversation will challenge the way you think about belonging — and inspire you to design with courage, compassion, and purpose.Link to article:  How Can Healthcare Support Inclusion Through Design? - HCD Magazine Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

What does “flex work” really mean today? In this conversation, Wesley Edmonds (Director of Workplace at OFS) sits down with top leaders from Switchyards, 25 North Coworking, Everything Coworking, and the Global Workspace Association to explore the future of coworking and flexible office spaces. From the rise of neighborhood work clubs to the pitfalls of landlord partnerships, this episode dives into how the industry can stay truly people-first.In this episode you'll hear from:Kayla Gottschalk, SwitchyardsMeagan Slavin, 25N CoworkingJamie Russo, Everything CoworkingGiovanni Palavicini, Fronteras Commercial Real Estate and Global Workspace AssociationConnect with Wesley on Linkedin Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode, host Maria sits down with Charmaigne Haley, an interior designer at SmithGroup whose story beautifully blends culture, creativity, and compassion. From her Filipino roots to her journey into healthcare design, Charmaigne shares how her heritage, family, and personal experiences with neurodiversity have shaped the way she designs for empathy and connection.Together, they explore what it means to create spaces that not only function but also heal—spaces that honor people, culture, and community at every turn.Connect with Charmaigne on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

Join our guest host, Roby Issac from Mannington Commercial, as he sits down to talk with Alexandra Bonner from FCA.A West Philadelphia-born interior designer, Alex's heart and passion for healthcare spaces are rooted in empathy, personal experience, and a lifelong love of design. She shares how her firsthand experiences inform her approach to creating neuro-inclusive healthcare spaces and designing environments that empower. Join the conversation about how color, choice, and human-centered design can transform clinical environments and discover Alex’s advice for emerging designers ready to make an impact.Discover the article: 5 key insights to neuro-inclusive design.Connect with Roby Issac on LinkedinConnect with Alexandra Bonner on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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 this episode of In the ROOM, host Wesley Edmonds sits down with Christina Jamison, Director of Workplace at OFS, to unpack key takeaways from WorkX in Boston. From the industry’s “flight to experience” and the resurgence of private offices to the impact of AI and the human side of workplace data, they explore how design and strategy must evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce—a practical, human-first conversation on what’s shaping the future of work.Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."Read more about WorkX and the future of work on OFS.com/InsightsLearn more about ROOMConnect with Wesley on LinkedIn.Connect with Christina on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

What happens when you bring together leaders shaping the workplace from some of the world’s most innovative companies? In this special WorkX episode, In the ROOM host Wesley Edmonds sits down with Alexandra Selezneva (Coca-Cola), Jimmy Groh (Otsuka Pharmaceuticals), Lauren Hasson (JLL), and Brittany Freeman (Athenahealth) for four fast-paced conversations packed with insights on the future of work.Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."Read more about WorkX and the future of work on OFS.com/InsightsConnect with Wesley on LinkedIn.Learn more about ROOM Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

What does a farm full of Highland cows have to do with interior design? For Shanna Francis, Director of Corporate Interior Design at HuntonBrady Architects, it’s everything. In this episode, recorded live at OFS Design Days showroom, we dive into her inspiring journey, from raising a young son while grinding through design school, to leading high-profile projects, to building a life of peace and purpose on a 200-year-old farm in Virginia.Shanna shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career: the professor who doubted her, the studio community that lifted her up, and the design industry colleagues who rallied around her. Her story is one of resilience, mentorship, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.We talk about what it means to lead with empathy, to be authentic in your work, and to find joy in both the quiet mornings on the farm and a bustling design scene. If you’ve ever faced doubt or struggled to balance career and life, this episode will inspire you to embrace your own unique path and discover peace among the mountains, along with a renewed sense of joy and happiness.Connect with Shanna on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

How can we start making spaces more inclusive for all kinds of minds?In this episode, Host Roby Isaac sits down with Dr. Kati Peditto, senior design researcher at DLR Group, to explore neurodiverse and inclusive design. Dr. Peditto shares how co-design, research, and empathy help shape spaces that meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals. From classrooms to healthcare to workplaces, she explains how small, intentional choices like lighting, sound, wayfinding, and tactile elements make a big difference.The conversation highlights practical strategies for designers to create environments that are neuro-inclusive. Dr. Peditto emphasizes listening to lived experiences, engaging stakeholders early, and designing for extremes so everyone benefits.5 key insights to neuro-inclusive designConnect with Roby Issac on LinkedInConnect with Dr. Kati Peditto on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.

Recorded live at Design Days, Maria VanDeman chats with a dynamic leader in design, Ronnie Belizaire, Studio Practice Leader and Principal at HKS, about her incredible journey from business student to design industry powerhouse. From navigating her Haitian-American heritage to embracing her true self in the design world, Ronnie shares inspiring stories of mentorship, authenticity, and the power of community. Tune in to hear about her passion for shoes, her role in shaping the future of design, and the life-changing lessons learned along the way. Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a bold shift, Ronnie’s story is a testament to the impact of staying true to yourself and seeking out and honoring meaningful connections. Don’t miss out! Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.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.