CASE STUDY
A Place To Thrive
Turning a reception area into a next level play space
Start My Sensory SpaceStart My Sensory Space
The Background
My Team ABA is a therapy center serving children across the greater Philadelphia area. With help from Fun and Function’s new interior design service, DesignUp, they transformed their shared therapy space into a beautiful, engaging environment for children to learn and play
The Vision
To create a bright, multifunctional space for therapy-based play.
The Challenge
The area needs to support multiple clinicians and their clients simultaneously. It would need to include a variety of therapeutic stations—without compromising the space's visual appeal or flow.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The Process
The Design Process
As the main therapy space in the center, the team wanted it to feel memorable and inviting. A playful palette of pastels and vibrant orange set a joyful tone, while also calming nerves.
Get Climbing!
The custom climbing wall and sourced Tarzan-style swing encourage kids to get moving, with bells at the top that chime in to celebrate their success.
Get Climbing!
The custom climbing wall and sourced Tarzan-style swing encourage kids to get moving, with bells at the top that chime in to celebrate their success.
Creative Wall Play
Nearby, a Magna-Tile wall serves as a creative backsplash for a cozy calming corner. Rounded paint accents break up the wall into distinct sections, adding visual appeal while giving kids space to engage independently.
Creative Wall Play
Nearby, a Magna-Tile wall serves as a creative backsplash for a cozy calming corner. Rounded paint accents break up the wall into distinct sections, adding visual appeal while giving kids space to engage independently.
Loads of Sensory Fun
In the center of the room, the foam pit bursts with blue and orange foam cubes. The generous clearance around the pit ensures kids can play freely without interrupting others.
Loads of Sensory Fun
In the center of the room, the foam pit bursts with blue and orange foam cubes. The generous clearance around the pit ensures kids can play freely without interrupting others.
A Place to Plan & Prep
For the rear, our designer sourced a clean-lined workstation with retro bar stools, offering space for therapists to plan sessions or write notes. Overhead storage keeps the area tidy while maintaining the room’s sleek, modern feel.
A Place to Plan & Prep
For the rear, our designer sourced a clean-lined workstation with retro bar stools, offering space for therapists to plan sessions or write notes. Overhead storage keeps the area tidy while maintaining the room’s sleek, modern feel.
Vibrant, Nature-inspired Touches
With nature-inspired touches woven throughout, the space feels vibrant and imaginative. It’s a thoughtful design that encourages exploration while supporting therapeutic goals.
Vibrant, Nature-inspired Touches
With nature-inspired touches woven throughout, the space feels vibrant and imaginative. It’s a thoughtful design that encourages exploration while supporting therapeutic goals.
Step 2: Design & Layout
The room was arranged with distinct zones to ensure the space is open and easy to navigate.
Movement-based tools, like the Gel Floor Tiles, were placed along a pathway to encourage active play, while seating areas were positioned along the walls to provide quieter spaces for relaxation. Sensory wall elements add interest without cluttering the room, and the open layout allows staff to easily monitor the kids using the space.
The combination of calming colors, soft textures and interactive features creates an atmosphere that feels both soothing and engaging.
The End Result
“The color scheme is fantastic and every family has commented on how lovely and fun it looks in this space!”
- Rita Schwartz, Director, My Team ABA
My Team ABA was thrilled with the transformation. The fluid, flexible layout allows therapists to move easily between stations, keeping the space open, welcoming, and responsive to each child’s needs.
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