Designing for All with Trauma-Informed Design

This session introduces trauma-informed design as a foundation for inclusive, human-centered commercial environments. Participants will learn what trauma is, its forms, its subjective nature, and its widespread prevalence, along with how it affects the brain, body, and nervous system. The session explores how the built environment shapes emotional and physiological responses and how spaces can support healing or contribute to distress. Through imagery and examples, attendees will see how design decisions influence perception, behavior, and well-being. The program highlights the risks of non-trauma-informed design and benefits of designing through a trauma-informed lens. It presents the core principles of trauma-informed design that create safe, dignified, inclusive, empowering, and connecting spaces. Attendees will leave with practical skills to design environments that promote safety, healing, and belonging.