Maria VanDeman Named Director of Design Strategy at OFS

OFS is proud to announce the appointment of Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, Ind. IIDA, as the new Director of Design Strategy. In this national role, Maria will lead the company’s efforts to strengthen design strategy, foster partnerships, and deepen connections within the design industry, driving impactful initiatives that resonate across commercial real estate, student engagement, and beyond.

With over 16 years of experience in the commercial design industry, Maria brings a wealth of expertise as an interior designer, design strategist, sales manager, writer, and advocate for equity in the workplace. Having spent the past eight years with OFS, she has witnessed the company’s steadfast commitment to family, integrity, design excellence, sustainability, and wellness—values that align seamlessly with her passion for creating inspiring environments and meaningful human experiences.

“I’m thrilled to step into this new role as Director of Design Strategy at OFS,” said Maria VanDeman. “This opportunity allows me to elevate our design approach while building stronger relationships with the design community nationwide. OFS’ core values resonate deeply with me, and I’m excited to continue championing our mission and expanding our presence within the design landscape.”

“Maria’s appointment is a reflection of her talent, dedication, and the impact she has already made at OFS,” said Molly Prior, SVP of Sales and Experience. “Her leadership and passion for design will undoubtedly strengthen our relationships within the design community and push our strategy forward in meaningful ways.”

Beyond her work at OFS, Maria is a recognized thought leader in the industry, contributing as a columnist for Office Insight magazine and serving on various design equity councils. She also leads OFS’ DEI Committee, working to foster inclusivity within the company. Furthering her dedication to education and mentorship, Maria co-authored Design Your World, a children’s book designed to introduce young minds to the possibilities within the design field and encourage greater diversity in the industry.

In addition to her new role, Maria will also assume hosting duties for Imagine a Place, the widely respected podcast produced by OFS. With over 170 episodes to date, the podcast has become a cornerstone of thought leadership and storytelling within the design community. “Imagine a Place is more than just conversations—it’s a platform for connection and inspiration,” said VanDeman. “I’m excited to build on its strong foundation, sparking meaningful dialogue that drives impact and encourages a bright future for our industry.”

Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Purdue University and has been recognized for her advocacy and leadership, earning the HiP Leadership Award from Interior Design magazine in 2022. OFS is confident that Maria’s leadership, creativity, and passion will propel the company’s design strategy forward, reinforcing its dedication to crafting spaces that inspire and uplift.

Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that have the power to inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. Our goal is to elevate the belief that the places we make and how we design them matter in our lives. Imagine a Place Productions creates an industry-leading podcast network, engaging video series, an annual magazine, and has also launched a children’s book, further expanding our mission to inspire and educate.