Every designer has that one project — the one that shifted their perspective, redefined their career, and shaped the way they approach design today. In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked a group of powerhouse IIDA members to share the projects that changed everything. Was it the scale? The challenge? The collaboration? More importantly, what did they learn that still guides their work today? Their answers offer inspiration, practical wisdom, and proof that the right project at the right time can truly change everything.

Breaking the Rules and Redefining Design

For Kuchar-Parkinson, a defining career moment came in 2019 with a bold challenge: design a contemporary, brand-forward headquarters for Farmer’s Fridge, a fast-growing startup in Chicago’s West Loop — on a tight budget. “In the past, that would have meant scaling back to just paint and carpet,” she recalls. “But this time, we refused to see the budget as a limitation. Instead, we saw it as a creative challenge.” Determined to maximize impact, Kuchar-Parkinson and her team reimagined how materials could be used. They transformed IKEA pendants into a statement chandelier, repurposed off-the-shelf cabinetry for a professional test kitchen, and turned corrugated metal from Home Depot into a striking architectural feature. Every decision was intentional, proving that resourcefulness doesn’t mean sacrificing design integrity. “It wasn’t about making do with less,” she says. “It was about making more out of what was possible.”

Lessons in Unconventional Thinking

The project didn’t just stretch the budget — it reshaped Kuchar-Parkinson’s entire approach to design. “It was the start of my ‘no rules’ design philosophy. I had to throw out conventional thinking entirely — and it really paid off.” Embracing constraints as creative opportunities, experimenting with materials, and challenging industry norms became the foundation of her work. That mindset now drives every project she takes on. “Since then, I push myself and my team to think differently — to find unexpected solutions and bring a fresh perspective to every space we design.” For Kuchar, great design isn’t about following a formula. It’s about curiosity, experimentation, and a willingness to break the rules. “There are no set rules for great design. Thinking outside the box is where the magic happens.”

Designing Legacy: A Project That Came Full Circle

Early in her career, Moody, President of the IIDA International Board of Directors and now president of Helix Architecture + Design, was an interior project manager for H&R Block’s headquarters, a large-scale project that became a turning point. Among the many teams involved, national builder JE Dunn served as the contractor. Through collaboration and mutual respect, Moody’s team built a strong rapport — one that would ultimately shape the trajectory of her career.

“After the project, JE Dunn asked my team to lead the design for their new headquarters in Kansas City, MO,” Moody recalls. “It was a big compliment coming from a contractor that works with so many design offices.”

But this wasn’t just another project — it was the first time she led a headquarters of this scale, for a client with deep roots, a legacy to uphold, and ambitious sustainability goals. And with a contractor as the client, every design choice was under scrutiny. “Working for a contractor as our client kept us under the microscope — and that was good,” she says. The experience sharpened her ability to balance creative vision with technical precision, a skill that would define her career.

Lessons That Last a Career

The JE Dunn headquarters wasn’t just a milestone, it shaped Moody’s design philosophy. One of her biggest takeaways? Materials should tell a story. “Show your purposeful choice of materiality by using the material in its true form,” she says. The project’s emphasis on JE Dunn’s expertise in concrete work reinforced her belief that materials shouldn’t be concealed, but highlighted — an approach she carries into every project today. It also redefined how she views teamwork and leadership. “I learned that small teams are highly efficient, even for large jobs,” she says. “And I saw firsthand how clear, respectful communication — especially in difficult conversations — can strengthen client relationships.”

But perhaps the most meaningful outcome of the project came years after its completion. When JE Dunn returned to Helix for a major renovation of the very building she had designed, it was proof that strong relationships built on great work have a lasting impact. A career-defining moment arrived in an unexpected way: an unsolicited email from a JE Dunn marketing manager. “I was just leaving the office tonight feeling grateful that I get to work in such an amazing building! I am so blessed to be the benefactor of one of your designs. Thank you for the positive impact you have made on my environment.” For Moody, it was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of design. “As designers, we don’t just shape spaces — we shape experiences. And sometimes, a well-designed space can make someone’s day better.”

Read the first article in our Women's History Month series here