Imagine a Place

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...

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...

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 be...

Design for Belonging: Good design is good for business What 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, a...

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 dive...

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 w...

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 designi...

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 practic...

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...

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 p...

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 expla...

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 o...

How do pathways between the brain, body, and built environment shape our experience? In this first episode of Crafted for Healing , neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Olson joins series guest host Roby Isaac for a look into the science behind healing spaces. Dr. Olson shares how our brains respond to built environments and how thoughtful design can help regulate stress, support well-being, and serve the nee...

How can we craft the future of healing spaces through neuro-inclusive design? In this episode of Imagine a Place, Stan Gray of Carolina and Roby Isaac of Mannington Commercial join Maria to discuss Crafted for Healing , neurodiversity, inclusive design, and creating community. Together, they talk about how the Crafted for Healing experience connected healthcare design leaders to learn about neurod...

Step into the heart of Chicago’s Design Week —where 50,000 designers gather, showrooms pulse with creativity, and deep dish dreams meet Michelin-star ambitions. In this electric episode, Maria VanDeman and Wesley Edmonds reflect on everything from Fulton Market’s immersive design experiences to unexpected encounters with industry icons like Cheryl Durst (yes, even with laryngitis!) and Roby Isaac...

What does it really take to go from intern to entrepreneur? In this episode, Dani Miller , owner of Lauderdale Design in Knoxville, TN, shares her journey of stepping into business ownership, leading with intention, and building a design firm that reflects her values, vision, and bold spirit. Recorded just days before welcoming her second child, Dani opens up about the realities of entrepreneurshi...

In part 3 of "In the ROOM," host Wesley Edmonds sits down with two visionary design leaders: Jane Nakagawa , Vice President of Research and Development at American Honda Motor Company, and Gabriele Chiave , former VP of Global Creative Direction at Estée Lauder and co-founder of the design collective Controvento. Together, they dive into a wide-ranging conversation on the future of design—from Jan...

Join host Wesley Edmonds for part two of In the ROOM at ICFF, where design meets humor, emotion, and experience in unexpected ways. First up is NYC-based comedian Dan Mahboubian Rosen , who brings a fresh—and funny—perspective to the world of design. Through his unique lens, Dan explores how comedy can shift our understanding of space and spark new ways of thinking. Then, Wesley sits down with Dav...

Step into the ROOM at ICFF in New York City, where host Wesley Edmonds sits down with two inspiring women who are making waves in the design world with purpose and heart. First up is Jaime Derringer , Co-Founder and Head of Brand at TRAME and the Founder and creative force behind Design Milk . Jaime reflects on her unexpected path from art and blogging to becoming a pioneer in digital design media...

What began as a friendship in a college dorm unfolds into a story of growth within the design profession — marked by pivots, promotions, and purpose. In this episode, Sara Meier , Interior Designer and Project Manager at CannonDesign , shares her journey from design school to a flexible, future-focused firm. She reflects on the power of saying yes to new challenges, seeking mentorship, and champio...

In this episode, we dive deep into the raw, real, and rewarding journey of interior designer Cynthia Sarria , as she shares what it’s like to lead, learn, and build a thriving design culture from the ground up. From her unexpected move from Jersey to Miami to helping launch HOK’ s office during a pandemic, Cynthia opens up about what it truly takes to grow a resilient team—and why floaties, heart,...

Maria VanDeman and Wesley Edmonds unpack the powerful themes from IIDA’s 27th Industry Roundtable —"The Happiness Code." From designing for awe to embracing vulnerability and joy in the workplace, this episode explores how comfort, connection, and magic are influencing the future of design. Hear their reflections on insights from thought leaders like Dr. Upali Nanda and Mark Bryan—and find out wha...

Imagine a Place is stepping into a new chapter, and we're thrilled to introduce our new host, Maria VanDeman . In this heartfelt and unscripted debut, Maria opens up about the excitement — and a bit of the nervousness — that comes with taking the reins of a podcast that's inspired so many. She reflects on the 170+ incredible guests who’ve shaped Imagine a Place and shares her vision for what’s ahe...

On this episode Doug is by himself talking about his 19th NeoCon and what caught his attention. He also talks about the future of this time of year as OFS is moving to Fulton Market for Design Days. Doug also takes time to share memories of Phyllis Menke, Matriarch of OFS who recently passed away at the age of 98. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn . Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn . Click here to...

In honor of Juneteenth, we welcome Jack Travis , an esteemed interior designer, architect, author, and educator whose profound insights have significantly shaped the design and education landscape. Jack is an incredible storyteller and today, he shares his journey from childhood into the business of architecture. You’ll hear about his experiences of overcoming racial barriers and learn his unique...