About Us

Step Change Design was formed in 2014 by Garden Design Colleagues Debbie Carroll and Mark Rendell following their extensive research project to understand what makes care home gardens more actively used, particularly for people living with dementia. The aims then, as now, were to share the findings from this work with both the care sector and their fellow garden designers to support the creation of care gardens that residents can positively engage with.

Debbie and Mark’s backgrounds in creating therapeutic gardens as well as their past careers in training and project management, enabled them to understand and establish strong and effective support to the care sector in engaging with their outdoor spaces effectively, as well as guiding designers working with them in this area.

Since 2022 Debbie has taken on the running of Step Change Design, alongside her domestic garden design business Debbie Carroll Garden Designs and continues to focus on delivering these original aims.

...Answering the question was so important. I’m a huge admirer of what you’ve achieved & the way you’ve been able to share your findings in a way that’s so clear, accessible & meaningful. A tool rather than a report was the perfect way to help others to help themselves.

Care Consultant

Fantastic day @RHSWisley with Mark & Debbie from @stepchgdesign - learned so much about assessing & encouraging use of outside space for [people living with] dementia & carers. An absolute eye opener, challenging perceptions and misconceptions. Thoroughly recommended

Garden Designer, Workshop participant