Providing mentorship & support through the design process.
Deana Acheson is an NCIDQ (339103) certified Interior Designer and Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture at Chatham University with 20 years experience supporting commercial and residential clients.
The relationship between the client and interior designer starts with a good fit and a great partnership. I care for client relationships deeply and make sure lines of communication are open, clear, and respected. The end result of our collaboration is never mine.
My approach to interior design is interdisciplinary. Whether the basis of design is inspired by an heirloom quilt, imaginative finger painting, collection of marbles, or the color of the year, I will weave together what is offered to help guide a cohesive and grounded design. Through humor and humility, I push myself to understand the client’s point-of-view, so I am able to be a supportive partner throughout the entire design process. Whether you have your own clear design vision and don’t know where to start, or you simply need a sounding board to be able to make decision and move forward, Design Doula Interiors can help.
About your partner in design,
Deana is an accomplished Senior Interior Designer with nearly 20 years of experience blending creativity with thoughtful leadership in both the interior design and higher education sectors. As a dedicated educator at Chatham University, she inspires and mentors students by fostering an innovative and supportive learning environment. Deana's teaching approach encourages personal growth, challenges students to reach their goals, and helps them build connections to become successful professionals in the design world.
With a strong commitment to serving Veterans, Deana plays a key role as a Project Manager for Awen Solutions Group, where she uses her extensive expertise in project management and interior design to create impactful architectural solutions for Veterans and federal projects. She is particularly passionate about designing spaces that benefit Veterans and enhance their communities.
Deana’s extensive experience spans the Commercial, Educational, and Healthcare sectors, with a specialized focus on Behavioral Health Interiors. She has developed interior specifications for K-12 Behavioral Health environments and designed spaces for the VA that prioritize both functionality and human-centered care. In the Healthcare field, she has led design efforts in areas such as Maternity, Behavioral Health, Med/Surge, Research, Step-Down Units, and Primary Care, always with a strong focus on the end user’s experience.
Deana has provided artistic consultations for visual and dance artists and has designed and created innovative environments for at-risk youth. Known for her deep care for client relationships, Deana ensures open, clear communication throughout every phase of the design process. Whether in education, healthcare, or commercial design, she is driven by her passion for creating meaningful, lasting spaces. She holds an MFA in Interior Design from New York School of Interior Design, a BFA in Dance Performance from Ohio State University, is NCIDQ certified, co-Director city center Pittsburgh IIDA, reviews CEUs for IDCEC, and is a member of Interior Design Education Council where she regularly participates in conferences.