Diana Celella, Unit Leader for MA Interior Design (Online) at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB), is celebrating a silver award in the Interior Design – Healthcare category at this year’s international MUSE Design Awards.
Diana won Silver for her work on Wellford Gardens Care Home, a new 65-bedroom care home in Oxfordshire operated by the Order of St John Care Trust. She has a vast amount of experience in designing for the healthcare sector and retirement living projects, from her first position at Claude Hooper to establishing her own consultancy, Drawing Room Interiors, in 1989.
“My focus on healthcare design has been driven by my passion for evidence-based design," Diana explains. "This approach emphasises enhancing residents’ dignity, independence, and confidence through thoughtful and research-backed design solutions.”
The award was given for demonstrating and exemplifying ‘the transformative impact of evidence-based design, aimed at enhancing resident well-being, independence, and confidence. The design approach prioritised creating a homely, non-institutional atmosphere, all while managing tight budget constraints.’
Diana’s concept was rooted in the local culture and history of Oxfordshire and developed through a collaboration with local artist Valerie Petts, whose architectural paintings were transformed into bespoke wall coverings and murals. By incorporating local themes, custom artwork, and dementia-enabling features, the project achieved a space where residents can feel safe, comfortable, and deeply connected to their surroundings.
“It’s important to remember that designing for dementia is not just about safety and functionality,” explains Diana, “but also about creating spaces that promote dignity and independence. Engaging with caregivers and residents themselves during the design process can provide invaluable insights. Everyone’s experience with dementia is unique, so personalised solutions often yield the best results.”
“The future of care design is exciting, with new evidence-based approaches continually emerging. We are increasingly considering the needs of an ageing workforce within care homes, alongside those of the residents. Innovations in technology, such as virtual reality, offer new ways to design and improve independence for residents.”
Diana is currently a lecturer on MA Interior Design (Online) at AUB. She's also regular speaker at The Care Show and has been featured in a range of magazine articles, as well as being a guest on the Third Age Design podcast.
