Adrienne Erdman
Vice President of Research and Development
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Adrienne Erdman, MDS, LSSGB, is a human factors specialist and applied researcher with extensive experience as a research, design, and strategy consultant. Her contributions to projects and publications focus on process, evidence-based design, and user engagement best practices, with a commitment to incorporating insights and human input into impactful design solutions. Her design philosophy centers on early and often participation, emphasizing the importance of engaging those affected early and often in the process. She believes that truly impactful solutions accommodate people's preferences, behaviors, and goals, rather than expecting people to adapt to the design.
My Story
I currently serve as the VP of Research & Development for the Trauma-informed Design Society and the Director of Design Research at EwingCole, where I lead the integration of evidence-based design, human-centered design, and design thinking into built environment and workflow design. In 2024, I co-authored Trauma-informed Design: A Framework for Designers, Architects, and Other Practitioners with the TiD Society Leadership Team. I also co-authored a chapter on pediatric healthcare design entitled “Beyond the Clinical: How a Holistic Approach to Design Builds a Strong Foundation for Modern Pediatric Healthcare” in A Clinical Lens on Pediatric Engineering: Pioneering Science and Technology for Cutting-Edge Patient Care, due for release in May 2025.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech. My early career focused on human factors for medical device, product, and user interface development. I also hold a Master of Design Studies in Design for Human Health from Boston Architectural College, where I was part of the inaugural graduating class. This educational path allowed me to blend my technical expertise with my passion for creating human-centered environments. As a trauma survivor, I am passionate about giving voice and purpose to those who have been marginalized or silenced, and my personal journey fuels my dedication to creating environments that foster healing and resilience.
Outside of work, I enjoy interior design, shopping, and expressing myself through fashion and my surroundings. I love exploring cities on foot, soaking in the architecture and sampling new foods. I live in Atlanta with my husband and our two young sons, who often engage me in imaginative games with dinosaurs and monster trucks.
I aim to be a respected leader in my field, known for bringing fun, creativity, and credibility to every project. I am excited to be at the forefront of integrating design research and human factors with architecture and interior design, as well as shaping the future of trauma-informed design.