Future100 Architecture Graduate Winners

These are the top architecture graduate students in the United States and Canada as selected by the METROPOLIS team. View the full 2025 Future100 cohort here.

Michael Bell | Tulane University

NOMINATOR: Ammar Eloueini, Director of Graduate Architecture, Professor of Architecture, Tulane University

“Michael’s work on memory in Architecture is remarkable. He was able to respond to complex site and programmatic issues while working on the memory of the place, weaving this theme throughout his design projects.””

Ebbi Boehm | University of Pennsylvania

NOMINATOR: Andrew Saunders, Director, Master of Architecture Professional Degree Program; Associate Professor of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, Department of Architecture

“Ebbi Boehm’s portfolio blends architectural experimentation, material exploration, and cultural critique. With a strong conceptual foundation, it engages urban and historical contexts while transforming overlooked spaces and materials into interactive, meaningful sites.”

Michael Boldt | SCI-Arc

NOMINATOR: Elena Manferdini, Graduate Program Chair, SCI-Arc

“Michael Boldt’s work blends AI, graphic design, material experimentation, music production, and political research, pushing the boundaries of architecture, systems design, and sustainable innovation.”

Michael Boongaling | University of Memphis

NOMINATOR: Michael Hagge, Professor, Chair, Department of Architecture, University of Memphis

“Michael has been a leader since his first year, demonstrating passion for architecture, commitment to education, and desire to help other students. Through AIAS [American Institute of Architecture Students] and as student manager of the Department of Architecture Imaging Center, he has shown exceptional leadership and innovation.”

Shane Bugni | University of Pennsylvania

NOMINATOR: Andrew Saunders, Director, Master of Architecture Professional Degree Program, Associate Professor of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, Department of Architecture

“Shane Bugni’s portfolio explores design aesthetics, procedural modeling, and fabrication to challenge conventional sustainability. Projects explore the boundaries between the natural and artificial, fostering durability, ecological integration, and long-term value in architecture.”

Adam Cardenas | UCLA

NOMINATOR: Mohamed Sharif, Associate Adjunct Professor and Director, Undergraduate Program, UCLA

“Adam Cardenas is a gifted, intelligent designer with a knack for producing intriguing, enigmatic projects that prompt new relationships between citizens and their environments. He charges his projects with subtle, novel approaches to building assembly and materials, their life cycles, and shared experiences that confound easy readings of old and new and now and then.”

Jose Carrasco-Corral | The University of Texas at San Antonio

NOMINATOR: Farzad Hashemi, Assistant Professor of Architecture, Coordinator of High Performance Design and Sustainability, Graduate Certificate, School of Architecture and Planning, The University of Texas at San Antonio

“Jose Carrasco-Corral is a talented and visionary designer with a deep passion for sustainability. His innovative approach to architectural design and dedication to environmentally responsible solutions distinguish him as a promising emerging architect.”

Camille Castillo | UCLA

NOMINATOR: Mohamed Sharif, Partner, Sharif, Lynch; Professor, Architecture Director, Undergraduate Program in Architectural Studies and Graduate Program Design Faculty, UCLA

“Camille’s design work is distinguished by striking graphic and chromatic dimensions and arresting formal qualities. Her progressive and deft approach to adaptive reuse signifies her role as a remarkable transformer of existing buildings.”

Jared Cook | Clemson University

NOMINATOR: Andreea Mihalache, Associate Professor and Codirector of Graduate Architecture Programs, Clemson School of Architecture

“Jared Cook distinguishes himself from his peers through his genuine interest in and care for bringing together people, places, and stories. His project ‘Alamihi Village’ won the prestigious COTE Top Ten student competition, showcasing innovations in sustainability for rebuilding Lahaina after the Maui 2023 fire.”

Gustavo Corsini | Florida International University

NOMINATOR: Moises Torres, Adjunct Lecturer, Florida International University

“Gustavo Corsini possesses a remarkable talent for creating atmospheric renders that go beyond visual representation; they capture the essence and aura of the projects he undertakes. His ability to combine technical proficiency with spatial and emotional dynamics sets him apart.”

Alexandra Croft | Rhode Island School of Design

NOMINATOR: Jacqueline Shaw, Department Head, Assistant Professor, Rhode Island School of Design

“Alex is an exceptional student who brings rigor and professionalism to her creative pursuits. She is a thoughtful and skilled maker with an intuitive design intellect, demonstrated in her portfolio’s range and thoroughness. She is an excellent designer and sought-after collaborator by students and faculty who will undoubtedly make an immediate impact in any professional setting.”

Gabriella Dashiell | University of Cincinnati

NOMINATOR: Edward Mitchell, Director, School of Architecture and Interior Design

“Gabby has consistently shown her inventive approach to design, combining an engineer’s understanding of systems with an adventurous design sensibility. Her work in graduate studios has been consistently at the highest level and her confidence and knowledge of materials and structure has enabled her to take intelligent risks in her design.”

Kelly Dix Van | SCI-Arc

NOMINATOR: Elena Manferdini, Chair, Graduate Programs, Southern California Institute of Architecture

“Kelly Van Dix’s architectural work is grounded in the belief that design generates an impact on the ways in which people inhabit space. Her work explores the complexities of contemporary building practices and considers varying cultural practices, material ecologies, and craft technologies.”

Brennan Flory | University of Pennsylvania

NOMINATOR: Andrew Saunders, Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania

“Brennan Flory’s work bridges the theoretical and practical aspects of material manipulation, situating them within the context of their manifestation. By leveraging computational tools, physical imagery, and digital imaging techniques, he aims to push the boundaries of how materials are perceived and engaged with in architectural design.”

Kimia Ghaderian | University at Buffalo

NOMINATOR: Joyce Hwang, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Architecture, University at Buffalo

“Kimia Ghaderian stood out among her peers due to the high degree of curiosity, intensity, and rigor that she demonstrated through her work. Through her studio work, she demonstrated a deep commitment to exploring the creative potential of material reuse, with a focus on reducing embodied carbon while enhancing dynamic spatial conditions through design.”

Marianna Godfrey | University of Michigan

NOMINATOR: Meredith Miller, Director of the Master of Architecture Program, Associate Professor, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, founding member of T+E+A+M

“Marianna has proven to be a very talented student and stood out among the rest of her colleagues by demonstrating her capacity to be critical about design, while at the same time being precise, rigorous, and showing an accomplished level of technical competency.”

Susanna Greiner | Clemson University

NOMINATOR: David Allison, Alumni Distinguished Professor and Director, Graduate Studies in Architecture + Health, Clemson School of Architecture

“Susanna has consistently demonstrated a passion for the study of architecture, the design of health care and health supporting environments, and the role the built environment plays in impacting human health and well-being.”

Melanie Guyer | University of Oregon

NOMINATOR: Stephen Duff, Associate Dean, Student Affairs, University of Oregon

“Melanie Guyer is a remarkable, truly outstanding graduate student on a steep upwards trajectory toward what I expect will be a brilliant career, deeply invested in people, community service, and sustainable design.”

Muntasir Hakim | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

NOMINATOR: Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Suárez, Director, School of Architecture, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Muntasir arrived at our Graduate Program from Bangladesh with significant experience and a successful undergraduate education in Dhaka. At Illinois, he has been one of the most visible students in the Graduate Program, collaborating with esteemed faculty members.”

Kyra Johnston | UC Berkeley

NOMINATOR: Liz Gálvez, Assistant Professor of Architecture, UC Berkeley

“Kyra has continued to impress me with her strong design sensibility, organizational skills, and ability to effectively communicate. She is an intuitive designer with excellent time-management skills, always hitting her deadlines with remarkable outputs.”

Seth Moore | Clemson University

NOMINATOR: Ufuk Ersoy, Codirector, Design and the Built Environment PhD Program, Associate Professor, Clemson School of Architecture

“Seth has incrementally added tasks and responsibilities since his first semester as a Clemson University School of Architecture student. Through his years at cNOMAS, he has contributed more to the organization and the School of Architecture than most board members and peers.”

Layla Namak | California College of the Arts

NOMINATOR: Irene Cheng, Chair, Graduate Architecture Program, California College of the Arts

“Layla’s work is characterized by a clear-sighted commitment to exploring how architecture can help heal. In a fast-paced world, she strives to create architecture that can make us pause, slow down, reflect, and marvel. She is a precocious design talent whose attunement to architecture’s healing capacity signals an important direction in our discipline’s values.”

Alborz Nazari | University of Oregon

NOMINATOR: Stephen Duff, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Professor, University of Oregon

“His design work is extraordinary, his media skills are stunning, and he is a gentle and humble man. His work in my winery design studio was remarkable in terms of volume, depth of investigation, sophistication of conception, subtlety of resolution, and quality of presentation.”

Jianghui Qu | University of Southern California

NOMINATOR: Alvin Huang, Director of Graduate and Postprofessional Architecture, University of Southern California, School of Architecture

“Jianghui brings a distinctive, human-centric approach to architecture, prioritizing user experience and crafting spaces that inspire joy—whether in everyday interactions or once-in-a-lifetime moments. Jianghui’s exceptional contributions include First Place in the 2024 USC Architectural Guild Charrette Competition, multiple scholarships, LEED Green Associate certification, and an ACLA 2X8 exhibition nomination.”

Martin Rodriguez Jr | University of Michigan

NOMINATOR: Meredith Miller, Associate Professor, Director of the Master of Architecture Program, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, Principal Architect, T+E+A+M

“Martin is one of the rare students who is ‘all-in’ in all directions of his education. He lives it. He shares it. He champions it. His expertise and attitude will lead the discipline toward more humane and resilient built environments.”

Orli Schwartz | University of Michigan

NOMINATOR: Meredith Miller, Associate Professor, Director of the Master of Architecture Program, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan

“Orli brings a clarity of ideas to studio and works thoughtfully through iterations. She digs into research topics with an analytical mind and synthesizes engaging insights. She designs holistically: materials, systems, engagement with the ground and context, form, light.”

Naseem Soltani | SCI-Arc

NOMINATOR: David Eskenazi, Professor, Design Faculty, SCI-Arc; Principal at d.esk

“Naseem approaches complex topics in architecture with critical thought, compassion, and a brilliant ethos of making beautiful things for the world.”

Jack Somers | University of Southern California

NOMINATOR: Alvin Huang, Associate Professor, Director of the Graduate and Postprofessional Architecture, USC School of Architecture; Principal, Synthesis Design + Architecture

“Jack is a truly curious and intellectually driven individual, constantly seeking to expand his knowledge and take creative risks. He is an exceptionally talented and motivated designer whose creativity, intellect, and vision will undoubtedly make a significant impact in the field of architecture.”

Sherry Aine Te | Columbia University

NOMINATOR: Lola Ben-Alon, Assistant Professor, Director of the Natural Materials Lab, Building Technology Sequence Coordinator, Columbia University GSAPP

“Sherry is a multiscale designer who thinks interchangeably across architecture, urbanism, and material scales. Her work always seeks to negotiate the actors—physical, environmental, and social—in her transcalar approach to design.”

Zirui Wang | UCLA

NOMINATOR: Kutan Ayata, Vice Chair and Associate Professor, UCLA, Architecture and Urban Design

“Zirui is an exemplary curious mind who foregrounds a sense of open-mindedness to expand his growth as a young architecture student in the discipline. His skills are advanced and vast; his conceptual inquiries are ever deepening; the future realities he imagines are provocative, exciting and inspiring.”

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