Designing across digital and physical worlds | Featuring Veronica Gilliams of HOK

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.

Key Insights

1. Designing both video games and physical environments revealed that people respond to materials, spatial elements and atmosphere across digital and real-world experiences.
2. Exploring multiple creative disciplines broadens a designer’s perspective and opens up solutions that may be missed through a traditional, linear approach.
3. Choosing a nontraditional career path strengthened Veronica’s design skills while expanding how she approaches creativity and life.
4. Seeking opportunities beyond a single role or specialty can help designers develop a more versatile and well-rounded creative practice.
5. Connecting with nature brings energy and life to our surroundings while helping designers feel grounded and creatively refreshed.
6. Embracing new creative challenges, such as learning an instrument, encourages continued growth beyond one’s professional work.
    

Recorded at the Designing for People, Place, and Purpose Retreat

Held over two days at OFS headquarters in Huntingburg, Indiana, this gathering brought together design leaders from across the country. Through immersive activities, behind-the-scenes looks at manufacturing and innovation, and candid conversations with host Maria VanDeman, guests explored how people, place, and purpose shape their work, careers, creativity, and the future of design.

Learn more about Veronica Gilliams
Veronica Gilliams is a designer at HOK whose work explores the intersection of physical space, digital environments and emerging technology. Drawing on her experience with tools such as virtual and augmented reality, she helps teams visualize ideas, collaborate more effectively and create immersive experiences that strengthen the connection between people and place. Her forward-thinking approach demonstrates how technology can expand—not replace—the creativity, empathy and human perspective at the heart of great design. Connect with Veronica 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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