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. This is part two of a two-part series.

Blending Innovation and Craft: A Showroom That Redefined a Brand

For Chang, partner at Shimoda Design Group, a defining moment came in 2008 with the completion of the Steelcase Chicago WorkLife Center Showroom (above) — a project that was as much about pushing fabrication boundaries as it was about rethinking what a showroom could be. “It was transformative in so many respects — the design collaboration journey with the client, the collaborative development process with the fabricator, and the excitement of blending digital parametric methods with traditional analog techniques,” she says.

From CNC milling to cast gypsum architectural columns and intricate lattice wall structures, the project was a study in material innovation. It proved that cutting-edge digital fabrication and timeless craftsmanship weren’t opposing forces but could instead work in harmony. “It was a ‘dream collab’ before the term was even in use,” Chang says. The result was more than a showroom — it was a bold statement, redefining the typology and solidifying a design ethos that would come to define Steelcase at a pivotal moment in its evolution.

Lessons in Lasting Impact

A decade later, the impact of the project was reaffirmed in a powerful way. In 2018, Steelcase’s refreshed showroom — one that repurposed many of the architectural "artifacts" from the original 2008 design — was awarded Best in Competition in the IIDA Showroom & Booth Design Competition.

For Chang, this recognition underscored a critical lesson: design should have staying power. “Receiving this recognition was a meaningful affirmation that our design ideas and values remain relevant even a decade later — especially in contrast to the fleeting nature of fast-fashion and the temporary Instagram-driven moments that often define today's design culture.”

That philosophy has shaped her approach ever since. “In December 2008, The New York Times described that year as one where substance and sustainability reigned. That sentiment resonates deeply with me. It perfectly encapsulates the goals we set in 2008 — principles that continue to shape my design philosophy today.” For Chang, great design isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about crafting spaces with purpose, longevity, and impact.

Designing for the Future of Learning

For Scott, interior design principal at HDR, one project didn’t just modernize a space — it transformed the way she thinks about design. Tasked with renovating Wittson Hall McGoogan Library at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, she knew this wasn’t just about upgrading a campus facility. It was about reimagining how students and faculty engage with learning in a rapidly evolving world. “As one of the largest medical science libraries in the country, it’s a critical part of campus,” Scott explains. “But it was underutilized — students weren’t engaging with the space the way they should have been.”

The challenge wasn’t just functionality — it was perception. Scott and her team partnered with university leadership to turn outdated, static areas into a dynamic environment designed for innovation, collaboration, and quiet reflection. When the newly renovated library opened, students were returning to campus after months of remote learning. Many were stepping into the space for the first time, and the reaction was immediate. “Every time I was there, someone would stop to tell me how much they appreciated the space. They were grateful to have a place that truly supported them.” For Scott, it was a powerful reminder: great design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating environments that foster connection and purpose.

Lessons in Designing for People, Not Just Spaces

The Wittson Hall project didn’t just shape a campus; it reshaped Scott’s approach to design across industries. “No user is the same. Spaces need to be adaptable — flexible enough to support deep thinking, creativity, and different ways of working.” While higher education remains an inspiring sector, Scott sees these principles as universal. Whether in workplaces, healthcare facilities, or cultural institutions, spaces must evolve with the needs of the people they serve. “It’s about going beyond well-being to true harmony — where the physical space, digital tools, and emotional experience all align to create something truly impactful.” At its core, her design philosophy is simple: listen, understand, and create spaces that support the way people truly live, work, and learn.

Read part one of "Projects That Changed Everything" here