Biography
Diane is a Principal, Design Director, and global leader of Gensler's Hospitality practice, based in Dubai. With more than 30 years of experience, she creates human-centred hospitality, residential, workplace, healthcare, and mixed-use environments shaped by culture, craftsmanship, and a strong understanding of the guest experience.
Since relocating to the Middle East in 2008, Diane has developed a nuanced understanding of the region's cultures, clients, and rapidly evolving lifestyle market. Her international portfolio includes hotels, resorts, branded residences, restaurants, airport lounges, luxury residential developments, and mixed-use destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Her design approach begins with understanding each client's vision and culture, then translating that insight into meaningful spatial experiences. She combines creativity with a structured process, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver work defined by local identity, thoughtful detail, sustainability, and quality craftsmanship.
I believe design sits at the intersection of creativity and human experience. It has the power to influence emotions, behaviours, and memories.
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Diane's Posts
Qualifications and Recognition
Bachelor of Arts Honours, Interior Architecture, University of Johannesburg
Business Management and Marketing Studies, Wits Business School
LEED Accredited Professional, Interior Design and Construction WELL Accredited Professional
Member, Registered Interior Designer, International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
LEED Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council
WELL Accredited Professional, International WELL Building Institute
identity ID50, 2026
Surge for Water “Design, Dine, Make a Difference Challenge,” Most Impactful and Competition Winner, 2020
Commercial Interior Design Power List, No. 1, 2016, 2017, and 2018
Commercial Interior Design Awards, Designer of the Year, 2014
Featured Speaker, The Design Pod, 2026
Guest Speaker, Beyond These Spaces by INDEX, 2026
Panelist, identity Design Dialogues, Dubai Design Week, 2025
Advisory Board Member, American University in Dubai