Imagine a Place

This is a podcast about people, places, and design that will help you learn and grow. Our guests share insight, stories, and big ideas that inspire courage and curiosity. Whether it's our workplace, our home, or all the places in between, interior design is shaping the human experience every day.

Imagine a Place is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 221 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Imagine a Place, a arts show with 221 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #218

  Designing with purpose: Nicole Ward on the future of healthcare spaces

  Aug 10, 202629 min

  What if great healthcare design isn't just about beautiful spaces but about helping people heal, caregivers thrive, and every second count? In this episode, Nicole Ward, Senior Associate and Interior Designer at NBBJ, shares how purpose has shaped her career in healthcare design. Nicole offers an inside look at the complexity, and humanity, behind designing spaces where lives are changed every day. It's a thoughtful conversation about innovation, empathy, and why the best design solutions begin with asking better questions. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn . Connect with Wesley on LinkedIn . Connect with Maria on LinkedIn . Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn . Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. 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.

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  Episode #217

  Leading across generations: Burnout, authenticity, and the workplace of tomorrow

  Jul 27, 202623 min

  Amanda Schneider joins Imagine a Place for a candid conversation about the future of work, generational leadership, and what it takes to build workplaces where people can thrive. Beyond the researcher, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, Maria uncovers the authentic Amanda, discussing motherhood, burnout, finding joy, and the "elephant circle" of women who helped her rediscover balance. Together, they explore Gen Z, personal branding, authenticity, and leading across generations with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. It's an inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, generational differences, career growth, or the changing world of work. Check out Imagine a Place on Instagram and LinkedIn for a giveaway of Amanda's new book, Work for What's Next: Why Workplace Culture is Failing and How the Next Generation Can Fix It. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn . Connect with Maria on LinkedIn . Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn . Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. 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.

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  Episode #216

  People care about people: What neurodiversity teaches us about great design

  Jul 13, 202626 min

  Discover how neuroinclusive design is reshaping the way we think about workplaces, justice facilities, and human-centered environments. In this episode, Olivia Danielson-Veed, independent contractor for ThinkLab and former Associate and Senior Project Interior Designer at HOK, shares practical insights on designing for neurodiversity through choice, control, and variety, while exploring how thoughtful design can improve well-being, support rehabilitation, and create spaces where more people can thrive. She also discusses mentoring the next generation of designers, navigating an increasingly complex world, and why empathy remains one of the most powerful tools in the design profession. It's a compelling conversation about inclusion, human experience, and why great design begins with understanding people. Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn . Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn . Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. 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.

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  Episode #215

  Building community for the Dealer Designer: Growth, recognition, and meaningful work with Alexandra Tseffos

  Jun 22, 202624 min

  Dealer designers play a vital role in shaping the workplace experience, yet many navigate their careers without a strong professional network or a clear roadmap for growth. In this engaging conversation, Maria VanDeman sits down with Alexandra Tseffos, founder of The Design POP, to discuss the evolving role of dealer designers and the power of building community within the industry. Together, they explore career development, leadership, mentorship, professional visibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings fulfillment and value to your work. From creating meaningful connections with peers to finding opportunities for growth within your organization, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for designers who want to build a more purposeful, connected, and rewarding career. Explore Pop into Excellence Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Connect with Maria on LinkedIn . Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn . Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. 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.

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  Episode #214

  The Design Days therapy session we didn't know we needed

  Jun 18, 202617 min

  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. Connect with Christina on LinkedIn . Connect with Maria on LinkedIn . Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn . Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World. Click here to get your own Imagine a Place Conversation Card Deck. 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.

  ListenShow Notes

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