Our Story
PlayHaus Design Co. is an experiential design studio proudly serving the Bay Area by creating immersive environments for brands, families, schools and communities with heart. We design experiences that bring people together. We believe the most memorable experiences don't begin with décor, they begin with emotion. Every project starts by asking one simple question: How do you want your guests to feel?
Then we thoughtfully design the environment, guest journey, interactive moments and keepsakes, to curate experiences that inspire connection, curiosity and long lasting memories. Whether transforming a theater lobby, activating at a community event, celebrating a school milestone, or designing a one-of-a-kind family gathering, our work is rooted in intentional storytelling, playful creativity, and human centered design.
Our Approach
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Every project begins with people—not products. We design experiences around how guests feel, interact, and connect.
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Beautiful ideas deserve thoughtful execution. PlayHaus combines strategic creative direction with meticulous production to bring every experience to life, consistently.
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No templates. No cookie-cutter celebrations. Every experience is custom designed to reflect your story, audience, and goals.
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PlayHaus is proudly woman-owned and mother-made. Every project is created with the same care, curiosity, and attention to detail that inspired the very first PlayHaus experience.
Meet the Founder
PlayHaus Design Co. was founded by Dena Helling, a multidisciplinary designer with more than 20 years of experience spanning creative direction, environmental design, technology operations, photography, fabrication, and experiential production.
Before launching PlayHaus, Dena built her career at companies including Apple and Pinterest, where she developed a deep appreciation for the intersection of design, operations, and human experience. Her background leading workshops, designing visual experiences, and managing complex creative initiatives continues to shape PlayHaus's thoughtful, detail-driven approach.
As a mother, she discovered that some of the most meaningful moments weren't found in elaborate celebrations—they were created through intentional experiences that encouraged imagination, exploration, and genuine connection. That philosophy became the foundation of PlayHaus.
Today, she partners with brands, schools, nonprofits, and families to create immersive experiences that transform ordinary spaces into unforgettable memories.