Our Approach
At Designed to Play, we create spaces that support movement, regulation, and connection. We combine clinical insight with modern design to make play and wellness feel natural at home. Our spaces are beautiful, functional, and accessible for children, teens, and adults, including those with sensory or developmental needs. Our mission is to bring sensory play home through thoughtful design rooted in occupational therapy.
About Ariella
Ariella Neuman, MS, OTR/L
Owner & Lead Designer
Ariella is a Columbia University–trained occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families navigating sensory processing differences, autism, learning challenges, and social-emotional needs. She is known for a practical, holistic approach that combines body-based strategies with a deep understanding of how environment, routine, and nervous system regulation impact daily life at home.
Through Designed to Play, Ariella bridges therapeutic insight and design to create play spaces, sensory gyms, and movement zones that are purposeful, safe, and beautifully integrated into the home. Her goal is to help families move from overwhelm to clarity by translating OT-informed recommendations into real, usable setups that support regulation, confidence, and participation in everyday routines.
Ariella continues ongoing postgraduate training so every plan
reflects current best practices and thoughtful, individualized care.
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