Why designers need community more than ever | Naoko Oguro of IA Interior Architects

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.

Key Insights

1. Strong professional communities give designers allies, friendships, and a sense that they do not have to navigate the industry alone.
2. Building a network requires stepping beyond your comfort zone, introducing yourself, and consistently showing up until those connections begin to feel natural.
3. Purpose-driven workplace design removes everyday obstacles so clients can focus on their mission and do their best work.
4. Leadership becomes more meaningful when success includes recognizing the people who contributed, sharing credit, and expressing gratitude for their work.
5. Effective design leadership empowers team members to develop ideas, think through challenges, and collaborate on solutions rather than simply follow instructions.
6. Great spaces balance practical requirements with intentional design moments that make people feel proud, comfortable, and excited to be there.
    

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 Naoko Oguro
Naoko Oguro, IIDA, CID, is a Design Director at IA Interior Architects’ New York studio with more than 20 years of experience creating thoughtful, high-performing workplace environments. Her award-winning portfolio spans corporate headquarters, healthcare spaces, and government facilities for clients including Bank of America, Estée Lauder, WSP, Henkel, and the General Services Administration. Known for combining compelling storytelling with functional, forward-thinking design, Naoko prioritizes strong client relationships and creates spaces that help people and organizations thrive. She is also passionate about mentoring emerging designers and advancing women in the architecture and design profession. Connect with Naoko Oguro 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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