The Psychology of Trauma-Informed Design

Author Biography

Dak Kopec is an internationally recognized architectural psychologist and professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, specializing in the intersection of design and human behavior. A two-time prize-winning author, he has published several influential books, including Environmental Psychology for Design and Person-Centered Health Care Design, as well as thought-provoking fiction such as Broken Boys: Beyond Friendships, Logan’s Legacy: Beyond Blood, and Possessing Parker: Beyond Truth. His current research examines the role of storytelling and contemporary fiction in enhancing our understanding of human needs within the design process. Throughout his career, Dak has held prestigious academic and advisory roles, including a visiting professorship at the University of Hawaii, with joint appointments in the Schools of Architecture and Medicine. A Fulbright Specialist and two-term Fulbright Reviewer, he has also provided expert testimony on accessible design to the Baltic States. Candie R. Wilcken is an educator, interior architect, and industry professional with over 27 years of hands-on experience in interior design and construction. As a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she combines design expertise with a doctorate in psychology to explore the intersection of space, story, and the human spirit. Her teaching and research focus on biophilic and trauma-informed design, where environmental psychology, sustainability, and well-being meet. Wilcken is the founder of a design practice that integrates emotional health, ecological responsibility, and cultural narrative into both residential and commercial environments. Her real-world experience and academic work are grounded in the belief that spaces should be not only beautiful and functional but also healing and meaningful. Residing in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, she draws daily inspiration from nature, enriching her biophilic research and creative process. Her work is influenced by a lifetime of nurturing, both as a mother of four and as a mentor to the next generation of designers.