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.

Key Insights

1. Authenticity is becoming the defining characteristic of great workplace design, from honest conversations to natural materials and spaces that feel personal rather than mass-produced.
2. The workplace must become a destination instead of an obligation, creating environments where people come together to connect, mentor, and learn rather than simply complete tasks.
3. Passion for design often comes with emotional and personal challenges, especially for working parents balancing demanding careers with family life.
4. Unscripted, vulnerable conversations create stronger industry connections, as people increasingly value genuine interactions over polished presentations.
5. Design should prioritize what brings people joy rather than chasing timeless trends, because meaningful, personal spaces have lasting value to the people who use them.

Learn more about Christina Jameson
Christina Jameson is Director of Workplace at OFS, where she helps organizations create people-centered workplaces that foster connection, well-being, and meaningful experiences. A WELL AP and Industry IIDA member, she brings more than a decade of experience in workplace strategy, interior design, and commercial furniture, pairing research with real-world insights to help designers navigate the evolving future of work. Christina is a frequent speaker, panel moderator, and educator, leading conversations on workplace trends, human-centered design, and the role of choice in creating thriving environments. Connect with Christina on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Maria VanDeman
Maria VanDeman is the Director of Design Strategy at OFS, where she brings together design, strategy, and storytelling to create spaces that support people and inspire connection. With more than 17 years of experience in the commercial design industry, Maria has built a career spanning interior design, strategic sales, thought leadership, and advocacy for equity in the workplace. As the host of the Imagine a Place Podcast and the author of Design Your World, she is passionate about elevating the design profession and inspiring the next generation of creatives. Recognized with the 2022 HiP Leadership Award from Interior Design magazine, Maria is known for her thoughtful leadership, commitment to mentorship, and belief in the power of design to positively shape the human experience. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.

Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.

Read More about Maria in the Imagine a Place Journal

Learn more about Imagine a Place

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. Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.

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