Deana Acheson

BIOGRAPHY

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. 

Additionally, Deana has worked on luxury residential projects in New York City, areas of Connecticut and Pittsburgh through her own Interior Design firm, Design Doula Interiors. She has also 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. 

Always feel free to email Deana about further information about Chatham University's IAR Program and opportunities within!