Reclaiming creativity: Leadership, balance, and the evolving practice of design | Abby Rolla, Vice President and Principal at ASD|SKY

In a profession shaped by increasing speed and complexity, how do we reclaim the creativity at the heart of great design? In this episode of Imagine a Place, Abby Rolla, Vice President and Principal at ASD | SKY, shares her perspective on protecting creative thinking, leading with intention, and building studio cultures that support both performance and wellbeing. From designing without constraint to advocating for healthier boundaries, this conversation explores how leaders can create the conditions for more thoughtful, human-centered design. It offers a clear lens into how the industry can sustain creativity while evolving toward a more purposeful future.

Key Insights

1. Prioritizing the end user over trends or personal preferences keeps workplace design purposeful, relevant, and human-centered.
2. Creating space to design freely before addressing budgets and client constraints helps teams preserve creativity and discover stronger solutions.
3. Advocating for realistic timelines and openly discussing workloads can protect design teams from burnout and improve work-life balance.
4. Adapting leadership to each person’s work style, personality, and generation helps individuals and teams perform at their best.
5. Embedding a client’s mission and community impact into a space can strengthen organizational storytelling and remind employees why their work matters.
6. Integrating sustainable, reusable, and environmentally responsible materials into standard specifications can make a positive impact without adding unnecessary costs.

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 Abby Rolla
Abby Rolla is Vice President and Principal at ASD | SKY, where she leads teams in creating thoughtful, human-centered environments that respond to the evolving needs of people and organizations. With extensive experience in interior design and project leadership, Abby brings together creative vision, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach to guide both clients and design teams. She is passionate about building supportive workplace cultures, developing emerging talent, and helping designers protect the curiosity and creativity that first drew them to the profession. Her perspective encourages design professionals to redefine success, create space for life beyond work, and lead with greater purpose and authenticity. Connect with Abby 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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