Episode 262: Designing for Hope with Design Psychologist Kylie Sandland

Talking Architecture & Design

In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, we speak with Kylie Sandland, Design Psychologist and Co-Founder of Design for Hope, a social enterprise creating trauma-informed spaces for recovery and well-being.

With three decades of experience in psychology and organisational consulting, Sandland brings a unique, evidence-based approach to the way environments affect our mental health.

From domestic violence shelters to rehabilitation centres, her work focuses on designing spaces that foster safety, dignity, and emotional healing.

Sandland shares the personal story that inspired her career shift into design and introduces her Hope Hierarchy, a framework that translates psychological needs into practical design strategies.

She explains how elements like lighting, layout, and colour can support trauma recovery, and why staff well-being must also be a design priority.

Projects like Erin’s Place and Jarrah House illustrate how thoughtful design choices can change lives, not through luxury, but through care and intention. As Sandland says, “spaces can either trigger trauma or help people heal.”

Listen to learn how trauma-informed design is reshaping not only crisis care environments but also workplaces, schools, and community spaces.