Pamela Scholten
Founder, Principal Interior Designer, & Trauma-Informed Design Specialist
Scholten Designs L.L.C.
Pamela Scholten is the founder and Principal Interior Designer of Scholten Designs L.L.C., based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she specializes in humanâcentered, traumaâinformed design for commercial environments. With a background in social work, lived experience with trauma, and more than a decade of study in the psychology and neurobiology of trauma, she brings a rare interdisciplinary lens to the built environment, where her work spans corporate workplace, healthcare, worship, community, and institutional spaces. Pamela holds the Trauma Research Foundationâs Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies and will be featured as a Spotlight Professional in the forthcoming scholarly book, Building TraumaâInformed Workplaces, highlighting her leadership in this emerging field.
With a deep understanding of the high prevalence of trauma and the power of the built environment on individual and community wellâbeing, Pamela approaches design from a place of social responsibility. She translates research and humanâbehavior insights into dignified, psychologically supportive environments, ensuring spaces promote safety, regulation, empowerment, and belonging for all.
As a speaker, trainer, and consultant, she equips teams with the knowledge and tools to rethink how design influences human experience. Pamela is a natural advocate for trauma healing and actively seeks opportunities to shift perspectives and advance a more empathetic, inclusive world.
For NeoCon, Pamela will present Designing for All with TraumaâInformed Design, offering researchâgrounded insights on trauma and practical, actionable strategies for creating more inclusive, supportive, and humanâcentered environments.