As Western Australia faces the nation’s fastest rise in dementia diagnoses, the need for supportive environments is more urgent than ever.  

Beyond simply meeting the growing demand for care, it’s vital to design homes, workplaces and public spaces that are welcoming, safe and genuinely supportive for those living with dementia. 

Why good design matters

Dementia can affect anyone - directly or through a loved one. Thoughtful design has the power to transform lives, fostering independence, dignity and wellbeing for individuals and their families. Creating dementia-supportive spaces isn’t just about care; it’s about including everyone and enriching the broader community.

Environments that nurture autonomy and comfort create inclusive, safe spaces suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Enhancements such as clear signage, accessible layouts, and calming colour schemes benefit not only people with cognitive impairment but also children, older adults and those with disabilities. These design principles encourage social interaction, reduce stress and strengthen community bonds.

More than 57,000 Western Australians currently live with dementia - a figure expected to more than double by 2050, the largest increase of any state or territory in Australia. This surge is attributed to overall population growth in the state and the rapidly ageing population. The strain on aged care services, health systems and families will have a ripple effect on a built environment that is already at capacity.

A practical solution: dementia design school

To address this growing need, we are bringing our Dementia Design School to Perth on 18 March 2026 at Curtin University’s School of Design and the Built Environment. This one-day program is designed for aged care leaders, property teams, architects and interior designers - anyone who shapes the built environment.

Our comprehensive, hands-on curriculum explores how the physical environment affects people living with dementia. Participants will learn practical strategies for enhancing autonomy, wellbeing and social connection, whether their project is a renovation, a refresh or a new development.

Participants will learn

• Key design elements: lighting, acoustics, colour and contrast, layout, wayfinding, outdoor access, and furniture selection
• How to link design choices to the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines
• Reducing environmental triggers that cause confusion, and promoting calmness
• Creating spaces that are intuitive and comfortable for residents, families and staff

Our Dementia Design School draws from practical experience, including design reviews, co-design with residents and families, and major redevelopment projects led by our design experts. The program uses real-world case studies and evidence-based practice, encouraging participants to adopt contemporary dementia-inclusive design and the small household model.

A key highlight is the opportunity to engage directly with experts and peers, sharing experiences and ideas for better outcomes.

Be part of the change

With limited spots available, this is a rare chance to build your expertise in dementia-enabling design and contribute to a more supportive future for Western Australians living with dementia - and the wider Australian community. The one-day school costs $790 + GST. By taking part, you’ll help create more inclusive, compassionate, and well-designed spaces for all.