is pleased to announce the release of the long-awaited
Trauma-informed Design: A Framework for Designers, Architects, and Other Practitioners!
This ground-breaking manual will introduce a revolutionary approach to Trauma-informed Design (TiD) that will transform how we conceive, create, and inhabit our built environment. Drawing from the established principles of trauma-informed care, this comprehensive framework will guide practitioners through the essential elements of designing spaces that foster safety, resilience, and healing. Our leadership team combines their unique perspectives to present a holistic approach that encompasses not just physical spaces, but the entire design process.
This essential resource will:
Introduce the three spheres of application: policy, process, and the built environment;
Outline 11 crucial domains for implementing trauma-informed care in design;
Provide practical strategies for anticipating and mitigating environmental stressors;
Demonstrate how to create spaces that support healing and promote safety; and
Offer guidance for practitioners to advocate for meaningful organizational change.
- Evidence-based insights into how trauma affects individuals and communities;
- Survivor stories illustrating hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and triggers, helping practitioners identify and mitigate potential stressors in the built environment;
- Case studies showing how to apply trauma-informed principles and advocate for meaningful changes in architectural projects;
- Cautionary tales highlighting common missteps and trauma-informed responses to ensure learning and accountability in practice; and
- Strategies and tactics for meeting the key components of the 11 domains in the TiD Framework, offering practical tools to guide your work.
About the Authors
Christine Ann Awad Cowart, MA, is a co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of the Trauma-informed Design Society. A dually-certified trauma professional and policy specialist, she brings extensive experience in criminal legal systems, family services policy, and trauma-informed care to the field of design.
Janet E. Roche, MDS, CAPS, is a co-founder and CEO of the Trauma-informed Design Society. A Master of Design for Human Health from the Boston Architectural College (BAC), she brings expertise in health and wellness design as both a faculty member and CEO of Janet Roche Designs.
Adrienne Erdman, MDS, LSSGB, serves as the Society's Vice President of Research and Development. With over 10 years of experience in human factors engineering and consulting, she specializes in evidence-based and human-centered design research.
J. Davis Harte, PhD, is a co-founder and Vice President of Education and Senior Researcher of the Society. As Director of the Design for Human Health Master of Design Studies program at BAC and a WELL Accredited Professional, she brings crucial expertise in health-conscious design.
Praise for Trauma-informed Design!
As a social worker, school counselor, and educator, I highly recommend this book as an invaluable resource that demonstrates how personal trauma responses are connected to and affected by the environments in which we live and work. It clearly and seamlessly explains the importance and benefit of using trauma-informed design in our schools, especially as we see growing numbers of students affected by all levels of trauma. In many cases, the physical environment in which our children learn is the last consideration of our education system. This book explains how the converse is true and cites research showing why the design of the environment should be the first consideration. Using SAMHSA’s key principles, you will learn how to effect positive change through using choice, comfort, movement, and play, as well as other principles, in school and classroom environments. This book should be required reading for every professional working in education.
This book will be a useful, foundational, and important tool for all disciplines who are part of a project from the earliest stages of concept to move in and beyond.
Comments (1)