“Designing for People, Place, and Purpose” was the theme of an event I recently hosted, bringing design leaders from across the country together for a dialogue about the evolving world of design.
Although we started as strangers, we very quickly became friends, united by the shared goal of creating spaces that empower and support the people around us. Throughout the experience, our conversations moved seamlessly from personal to professional, and everything in between.
It was inspiring to be surrounded by women like Abby Rolla, Vice President and Principal at ASD|SKY and Veronica Gilliams, Senior Designer at HOK, who modeled what it means to design human-centered experiences and lead with purpose. As Gilliams shared, “No matter where you work or what your position is in this industry, our goal remains the same. We are striving every day to do the best and make a meaningful impact on the environments people experience.”
This gathering showed the power of conversations and how design can serve as a catalyst for cultural and physical change. There were countless takeaways from the event, but the three I’d like to share are reminders of where design is heading and how leaders should show up in a transforming world.
1. Connection Is the New Currency
In today’s workplace, connection has become the currency that fuels engagement, culture, and creativity. In a world where hybrid work has weakened connection and belonging, people are craving environments that encourage authentic conversation and community.
Thoughtfully designed spaces and experiential events can help people feel connected to find meaning and shared purpose. As Rolla reflected on our time together, “While we may be competitors when it comes to winning projects, we can still be allies and supportive of each other – we’ve all been through it, and we all have valuable insights to offer up when someone is struggling or needs guidance.” That spirit of unity and collaboration is exactly what today’s workplaces need.
When spaces support a healthy culture, people feel free to collaborate more freely and show up as their authentic selves, which is the true currency of connection. Workplaces that blend varied settings, help ideas and relationships flow naturally, from lounges and meeting areas that spark dialogue to furnishings that flex with different work styles. The strongest environments build these moments into daily routines, making connection a practical driver of culture and performance.
2. Leadership Looks Different Now
Leadership today is no longer defined by hierarchy, but by humanity. The strongest leaders are relational, inclusive, and grounded in trust. Designers play a powerful role in shaping environments that embody these values and make leadership approachable and collaboration feel safe.
As Gilliams shared, “I design with purpose by always remembering the ‘why.’ It’s easy for that to get lost in the process sometimes, but staying connected to the reason and intention behind what I’m doing helps guide my decisions and keeps the design meaningful.” Her words capture the essence of leadership by staying grounded in purpose and creating space for others to thrive.
Psychological safety is the foundation of honest dialogue and innovation. When people hesitate to have hard conversations, it can reflect both a cultural and spatial gap. Layouts that encourage openness, from approachable private offices to human-scaled meeting spaces, can make even difficult conversations feel safe. Designing for leadership today means moving away from spaces that command authority and toward those that encourage connection, empathy, and transparency. It also requires that leaders show up with the same empathy and purpose that we’re designing for.
Psychological safety is the foundation of honest dialogue and innovation. When people hesitate to have hard conversations, it often points to both a cultural and spatial gap. Spaces that encourage openness, from approachable private offices to human-scaled meeting areas, can help make even difficult conversations feel safe. Designing for leadership today means creating environments that replace authority with connection, empathy, and transparency – and it calls on leaders to show up with those same values.
3. Creativity Across Generations
Every generation brings a unique lens to the workplace, creating a dynamic ecosystem of ideas. Millennials, shaped by early career adversity, bring resilience and resourcefulness. Gen Z, entering a rapidly changing world, brings curiosity and courage. When these generational strengths combine with the broader diversity of an organization, creativity and innovation flourish.
Designers are uniquely positioned to bridge these perspectives and spark shared imagination. Spaces that balance privacy and openness, mentorship and autonomy, structure and play, allow people to learn from one another and turn diverse experiences into creative outcomes.
As Gilliams expressed, “I am the most creative when I am inspired by my surroundings.” Her words reflect finding energy in context, from the spaces we occupy to the communities we serve. Rolla added, “I’m at my most creative when I’m experiencing great design in person. Whether I stumble across cool architecture while out on a walk or visit a museum, I love being surrounded by inspiration.”
Together, their reflections remind us that creativity isn’t generated in isolation, but fueled by our environments and the people who inhabit them. The most creative and thriving workplaces will connect and empower individuals across generations, experiences, and perspectives.
Designing with Purpose in an Evolving World
Design is about people: creating spaces where they feel connected and supported. It’s about place: shaping environments that encourage belonging and creativity. And it’s about purpose: using design to reflect our values and make life, work, and community better.
The workplaces of the future will be defined by how well they bring people and ideas together through collaboration and community. Designers like Abby Rolla and Veronica Gilliams remind us that connection and creativity grow from both our surroundings and the people who inspire us – a reminder of what it truly means to design for people, place, and purpose. If connection is truly the new currency, then every genuine moment we help spark is worth more than gold.
Editor’s Note: Maria VanDeman, NCIDQ, Ind. IIDA, is an interior designer, published children’s book author, Director of Design Strategy at OFS, host of the Imagine a Place Podcast, and advocate for equity in the workplace. Passionate about people and purposeful design, Maria is dedicated to creating meaningful impact through environments, storytelling, and mentorship. Say hello and follow along on LinkedIn! www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandeman