Lily Riefkohl Ortiz
Lily Riefkohl (She/Her) is the Founder of Sensory Interiors, a design studio dedicated to creating autism-focused and sensory-supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals. With extensive training in architecture and interior design, coupled with her lived experience as a neurodivergent individual, Lily brings a unique perspective to every project. She understands firsthand how environmental factors such as lighting, acoustics, textures, and spatial flow can either support the nervous system or contribute to overstimulation. Her work blends design psychology with practical interior design to create spaces that enhance comfort, regulation, attention, and overall wellbeing.
Throughout her career, Lily has demonstrated a deep commitment to social impact and meaningful design. She has designed more than thirty-five ABA therapy clinics across the United States, collaborating closely with Clinical Directors, BCBAs, RBTs, and families to develop environments that are both functional and nurturing. She provides free sensory consultations and seasonal DIY guides four times a year, and she plans to expand these initiatives into a grant-supported program that will supply sensory tools for families in need. Lily’s goal is to grow Sensory Interiors beyond Florida and ultimately serve families and organizations nationwide, making sensory-informed design accessible and actionable for all.
Lily leads her practice with a mission rooted in compassion, understanding, and dignity, aiming to help families feel supported, seen, and understood. Her work emphasizes the importance of recognizing environmental triggers in managing behaviors and promoting engagement, particularly in autism and therapeutic settings. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lily enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading, and boxing, activities that provide balance and inspiration. Through Sensory Interiors, she continues to champion spaces that are thoughtfully designed, emotionally supportive, and aligned with the unique needs of every nervous system.
• Savannah College of Art and Design - MA
• Savannah College of Art and Design - MArch
• University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras - B.EnvD
• ASPCA
• Compassion International
What do you attribute your success to?
Lily attributes her success to her late mother’s example of hard work and resilience, her faith in God, and her commitment to creating meaningful environments that genuinely support neurodivergent children and their families.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
To follow the inner voice that pulls you toward meaningful work even if it leads you into a niche or a path less traveled because purpose should guide your professional direction.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Trust your instincts, carve out your own niche, and don’t be afraid to focus on impact over competition. Interior design is a crowded field, but there is always room for women who create with purpose, listen deeply, and build solutions that change people’s lives.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The design industry is highly competitive and many firms are struggling in the current economy, but there is a major opportunity in underserved markets especially autism-focused, behavioral-supportive interiors. As awareness grows, so does the demand for specialized environments that support functional life skills and sensory regulation.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Compassion, purpose-driven service, faith, and designing with empathy. She believes deeply in listening to families, understanding root behavioral triggers, and using design as a tool for dignity, calm, and connection.