Chicago Design Week: Feel the Energy, Vibes, and Experiences

Step into the heart of Chicago’s Design Week —where 50,000 designers gather, showrooms pulse with creativity, and deep dish dreams meet Michelin-star ambitions. In this electric episode, Maria VanDeman and Wesley Edmonds reflect on everything from Fulton Market’s immersive design experiences to unexpected encounters with industry icons like Cheryl Durst (yes, even with laryngitis!) and Roby Isaac from Mannington.You’ll hear stories of bold murals, student innovation at ICFF, and why winning “Best Large Showroom” at Fulton wasn’t just about design—it was about heart, culture, and hospitality. The conversation weaves through laughter, food cravings, human-centered design, AI with empathy, and the kind of spontaneous connections that make this industry unforgettable.If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be inspired by a city, a space, or a stranger—this episode is your invitation.Spoiler: Vibes are high. Energy is off the hook. And kindness is the new innovation. 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.