Design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about crafting spaces that foster belonging, representation, and inclusion for everyone.

In this episode of Create A Place, Kristina York sits down with Maria VanDeman—interior designer, children's book author, and Director of Design Strategy at OFS—to explore the deep connection between design, diversity, and workplace culture.

They discuss why representation in creative careers matters, how diversity of thought leads to smarter, more human-centered spaces, and the ways our environments shape behavior, belonging, and success. Maria also shares the inspiration behind Design Your World, a book introducing kids to design, and how we can create workplaces that welcome everyone to the table.

Tune in to rethink how design can drive inclusivity, innovation, and real impact!

Connect with Maria ::

- LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandeman/

- OFS : https://ofs.com/

Buy the book ::

- English : https://amzn.to/3XrRBci

- Español : https://amzn.to/4ijK1sb

Connect with KY ::

👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast

🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net

📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com

📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE

🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208

🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4

🎧 Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com