Why Soft Interview Rooms Matter
Before I became an interior designer, I was a police officer. I spent hours in interview rooms speaking with survivors of various types of trauma, and I saw firsthand how the environment was cold and intimidating. Instead of making someone feel safe — the sterile, often cold and downright intimidating interview rooms (which looked exactly like the ones you see in tv shows) could easily make them shut down entirely. Traditional interview spaces, with their harsh lighting, sterile furniture, and cold atmosphere, often heightened anxiety instead of reducing it.
The solution? Soft interview rooms — carefully designed spaces that prioritize psychological safety, comfort, and trust. These rooms, used in law enforcement, social services, therapy, and even in corporate HR settings, are rooted in trauma-informed design principles. By understanding the neuroscience behind stress and safety, we can create interview spaces that foster openness, healing, and positive outcomes.
The Science Behind Soft Interview Rooms
Our environments have a profound effect on our nervous system. When we feel unsafe — whether due to physical discomfort, harsh lighting, or intimidating surroundings — our brain activates the fight-or-flight response. This increases cortisol levels, heightens alertness, and can make it difficult for people to process information or communicate effectively.
Having been the officer conducting interviews and now as a designer specializing in trauma-informed spaces — I know just how much the physical environment impacts trust, comfort, and communication. Soft interview rooms aim to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps individuals feel calmer and more in control, leading to better memory recall, more effective communication, and stronger investigative outcomes.
Key Elements of Trauma-Informed Design for Soft Interview Rooms
1. Color Psychology: Creating a Calming Environment
- Soft, muted tones like blues, greens, and warm neutrals help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety.
- Avoid harsh contrasts, bright whites, and aggressive colors (like red), which can elevate stress levels.
- These same soft muted tones can also provide a sense of grounding and comfort.
2. Comfortable, Approachable Furnishings
- Seating should be plush and inviting, rather than stiff or institutional.
- Rounded edges and soft materials create a sense of warmth and safety.
- Flexible seating arrangements allow interviewees to choose a position that makes them feel most comfortable.
3. Thoughtful Lighting Design
- Natural light or warm, soft lighting creates a sense of openness and ease.
- Avoid overhead fluorescent lighting, which can feel clinical and increase stress.
- Adjustable lighting options (such as dimmable lamps) allow customization based on individual comfort levels.
4. Acoustic Considerations: Reducing Stress-Inducing Noise
- Soft materials like carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains help absorb sound and create a quieter, more private environment.
- White noise machines or soft background music can help mask outside distractions and promote relaxation.
- Soundproofing walls ensures confidentiality, an essential aspect of trust-building.
5. Sensory Design: Engaging Multiple Senses for Comfort
- Textures: Incorporating soft fabrics, like throws or cushions, can provide a sense of security and physical comfort.
- Aromatherapy: Subtle, calming scents (lavender, vanilla, or chamomile) can help ease nerves.
- Biophilic elements: Plants, nature-inspired artwork, and natural materials evoke a sense of peace and connection to the environment.
6. Spatial Layout: Reducing Power Imbalances
- Traditional interview setups (such as a large desk separating the interviewer from the interviewee) create an imbalance of power.
- Soft interview rooms should use side-by-side or angled seating, which encourages a more collaborative conversation.
- Allowing interviewees the option to face a window or a visually calming focal point can reduce feelings of being trapped. Windows aren’t always an option so you can consider nature scenes or similar calming artwork as well.
The Impact of Soft Interview Rooms on Survivors and Sensitive Conversations
Research has shown that trauma survivors are more likely to recall important details and feel safer in low-stress environments. Soft interview rooms create conditions that:
- Encourage honesty and openness during interviews.
- Improve memory recall, crucial for law enforcement cases and medical consultations.
- Reduce re-traumatization, ensuring individuals feel heard, respected, and safe.
Real-World Applications: Who Uses Soft Interview Rooms?
Law Enforcement & Social Services
- Used for victim and witness interviews, especially for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
- Programs like Project Beloved have helped law enforcement agencies integrate trauma-informed soft interview rooms.
Healthcare & Mental Health Facilities
- Medical professionals use soft interview rooms for difficult diagnoses and therapy sessions.
- Trauma-informed therapy offices use similar design principles to help clients feel secure and empowered.
Corporate & HR Settings
- Soft interview rooms are being implemented in workplaces for sensitive HR discussions, exit interviews, and employee well-being programs.
- A well-designed space can help employees feel supported rather than intimidated.
Educational Institutions
- Schools are using trauma-informed design to create safe spaces for student counseling and conflict resolution.
- These rooms help students feel less anxious and more willing to engage with counselors.
Let’s Make a Difference
If you work in law enforcement, social services, healthcare, or any field that requires sensitive conversations, take a look at your interview spaces.
Does the environment promote trust and open communication? Or does it feel cold, intimidating, and uninviting?
I know from experience that small changes can make a huge impact. If you’re in law enforcement, bring this up with your chain of command—these rooms aren’t just nice to have; they can improve case outcomes and survivor experiences.
If you’re a social worker, HR professional, or therapist, advocating for trauma-informed spaces can help create safer environments for the people you serve.
As both a former police officer and a designer, I’m passionate about bridging the gap between law enforcement, mental health, and interior design. If you want to explore how we can implement trauma-informed design in your organization, let’s talk! We donate as many hours as we can to initiatives such as soft interview rooms each year.
Further Reading & Certification Opportunities
- Project Beloved: An organization dedicated to creating soft interview rooms for survivors (projectbeloved.org)
- Trauma-Informed Design Society: Research and case studies on stress-reducing environments (traumainformeddesign.org)
- Trauma-Informed Care Certification: Offered by various institutions to train professionals in trauma-sensitive practices (traumainformedcaretraining.com)
The Power of Thoughtful Design
Soft interview rooms are more than just aesthetically pleasing spaces—they are environments designed to empower, comfort, and protect individuals navigating highly sensitive, emotional, or traumatic experiences.
By integrating trauma-informed design, we can redefine how organizations support survivors, witnesses, employees, and vulnerable individuals. Let’s create spaces that change lives.
