conceive of (someone or something) as (someone or something)
To think of someone or something in a different way than usual. Considering her lack of patience, I have a really hard time conceiving of her as a kindergarten teacher.
conceive of someone or something as someone or something
to think of someone as being someone else; to think of something as being something else. I can't conceive of you as a pilot. I can conceive of this grassy spot as a very interesting setting for a cottage.