Creating Neuroinclusive Spaces for Contemporary Living

Discover thoughtful environments tailored to sensory preferences, emotional regulation, and daily well-being. Highly Sensitive Design creates nurturing, sensory-aware spaces for neurodivergent children and adults. From personalized residential interiors to accessible community facilities, our multidisciplinary team collaborates with health professionals to design spaces where every individual feels supported, accepted, and empowered to thrive.

Calm, sensory-friendly inclusive interior living space with natural lighting and tactile textures

Our Services

Comprehensive sensory-focused design services tailored to support neurodivergent individuals, families, and community Staples.

Sensory Environment Assessment

Comprehensive evaluation of physical spaces to identify sensory triggers, acoustic challenges, and light sensitivity, delivering practical design recommendations for soothing, adaptive environments.

Sensory Interior Design

Human-centered interior design addressing sensory, behavioral, functional, and aesthetic needs through intentional layout planning, soothing acoustics, tactile material selection, and personalized zoning.

Neurodivergent Design Consultation

Tiered consultation packages offering specialized guidance for architects, educators, and families on accessibility, sensory considerations, user transitions, and practical spatial optimization.

Sensory-Aware Architecture

Human-Centered Design for Everyday Sensory Comfort

Environments designed solely around neurotypical norms often miss oppurtunity to address sensory overload and fatigue. We create spaces that celebrate individual differences by balancing sensory stimulation, fine-tuning acoustics, and providing wayfinding. Working alongside developmental and therapy professionals, our multidisciplinary practice ensures each room provides comfort, safety, and personal regulation for neurodivergent and highly sensitive people.

Thoughtfully designed sensory calm room with soft seating and diffused ambient lighting
The Inclusive Advantage

Why Choose Highly Sensitive Design?

We combine architectural rigor with neuroinclusive lived experience to design nurturing, responsive physical spaces.

Multidisciplinary Advisory Support

Informed by specialists in psychology, holistic medicine, toxicology, and special education.

Architectural Foundation

Led by licensed architects providing professional spatial planning, code compliance, and execution.

Sensory-Driven Focus

Every detail addresses light, acoustics, textures, and spatial transitions for regulation.

Tailored Consultation Tiers

Flexible design tiers adapted to specific project goals, timelines, and budgets.

Our Multidisciplinary Design Practice

Passionate designers creating sensory-aware environments for diverse human needs.

Portrait of Shell Li, AIA, Founder and CEO of Highly Sensitive Design

Shell Li, AIA

Founder & CEO

Shell Li is a licensed architect, educator, multidisciplinary designer, and founder & CEO of Highly Sensitive Design. She earned her B.A. in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Kentucky. Shell's academic career includes managing and teaching in the Syracuse University NYC Architecture Program, as well as serving as a guest architecture critic at Parsons School of Design and Pratt Institute. As a neurodivergent parent following her son's autism diagnosis, Shell became a passionate advocate and innovator in neuroinclusive design. She now leads a multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating healthy, nurturing, sensory-aware environments for highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals throughout the New York City area, combining architectural expertise with deep personal commitment to inclusive, human-centered design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is involved in creating inclusive spaces for neurodivergent people?

Creating inclusive spaces involves analyzing directional acoustic reverberation, lighting specification, spatial layout, tactile finishes, air quality and thermal comfort. Our design practice addresses the sensory, cognitive, and functional requirements of neurodivergent users. By offering dedicated zones for rest and focus, spaces help minimize overload, foster autonomy, and support emotional regulation across everyday routines.

How do sensory environment assessments work?

Can inclusive design principles be applied to existing homes?

Do you design public, educational, and commercial facilities?

What role do external health and education experts play in your designs?

What consultation options are available for new projects?

How does inclusive design address sensory overstimulation?

How do we get started with an inclusive design project?

Ready to Design an Inclusive Space?

Connect with our design team to discuss your project's unique sensory requirements.

On-Site Service Reach

Providing dedicated on-site sensory assessments and design consultations for regional clients.

2-Hour Range

Drive Radius

Mobile On-Site

Service Model

Sensory Design

Focus

Located Within Our Service Radius?

Find out if your property qualifies for an on-site sensory assessment.

Professional Standards

Awards and Recognition

AIA professional architect credential emblem

American Institute of Architects

Excellence in design recognized by the most influential network of architects and design professionals.

Academic architectural critic recognition logo

NCARB - National Council Of Architectural Registration Boards

Meeting national standards for licencsure , flexibility for reciprocity across all the 55 U.S.jurisdictions.

Start Creating Your Neuroinclusive Space Today

Share your sensory goals and spatial requirements with our multidisciplinary design team. We look forward to creating an environment that supports calm, regulation, and joy.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at (917) 275-7996. You can also send us a quick email at hi@highlysensitive.design.