Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Riley designs for performance in NYC. Riley received her B.F.A in Set Design from Missouri State University and is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in Set Design at Brooklyn College. She has been awarded in 2022 with the USITT Bernard R. Works Mastercrafts Award in Scenic Painting and is the 2025 Schubert Scholar at Brooklyn College. She continues her love of education as an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College. There she teaches Scenic Painting and Properties Design.

Her approach to design is collaboration forward and to lead with whimsical ambition. Kindness and compassion are what drives her in her creative endeavors. She strives to bring joy to the spaces she inhabits. Riley is drawn to sculptural art and emphasizes that in her work. When not designing she loves to be a tourist in her own city and dive deep into viewing the art that surrounds New York City.