Future100 Architecture Undergraduate Winners

Isaac Buxton | Thomas Jefferson University

NOMINATOR: John Dwyer, Department Chair, Associate Professor, Thomas Jefferson University

“Isaac embodies the spirit of the METROPOLIS Future100. His accomplishments, while deeply rooted in design excellence, talent and academic performance, extend beyond. He is curious, constantly exploring the range of our discipline and its possibilities.”

Ben Cornett | Tulane University

NOMINATOR: Adam Marcus, Associate Professor of Architecture, Tulane University

“Ben’s work is exceptional for its conceptual ambition, its grounding in sophisticated social and ecological thinking, and its representational rigor. His projects engage in questions of domesticity at multiple scales, critically challenging the status quo to imagine new and alternative models of cohabitation and collective living.”

Eric Diaz | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

NOMINATOR: Matthew Lopez, Lecturer, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“Eric is an exceptionally talented designer whose work stands out for its visual impact, craft, and creative depth. His positive attitude and enthusiasm inspire those around him, reinforcing our collaborative and creative environment. His unique combination of skill and dedication makes him well positioned to excel and make meaningful contributions to the discipline.”

Kendal Eastwood | New York Institute of Technology

NOMINATOR: Evan Shieh, Assistant Professor of Architecture, New York Institute of Technology

“Kendal is the type of student to always push himself to do more, not because it is required of him, but because he has an instinctive ambition to do so himself. His personal story reflects his desire to ‘build community through design,’ something he grew up lacking in his early childhood.”

Reneah Joanna Fedelicio | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

NOMINATOR: Ryosuke Imaeda, Lecturer, School of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“Reneah Fedelicio’s projects unfold a remarkable design breadth with diverse themes such as environmental awareness, cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and the vision for future communities. Reneah is a creative designer and intellectually curious thinker who excels in collaboration to produce the most intricate and beautiful projects.”

Owen Felty | Thomas Jefferson University

NOMINATOR: Eric Bellin, Assistant Professor, Thomas Jefferson University

“What makes Owen such a rare student is his possession of a combination of traits one does not usually find in a single person: He is a talented designer, driven by passion, and quickly integrates lessons in new ways.”

Michael Gerace | Lawrence Technological University

NOMINATOR: Daniel L. Faoro, Associate Professor of Architecture, Lawrence Technological University

“Michael is one of the most dedicated and hardworking students in the class. His studies in architectural design, research and analysis, and quality of the presentations are solid achievements, and he has demonstrated very high-quality outcomes.”

Brandon Gicquel | Tulane University

NOMINATOR: Iñaki Alday, Dean, School of Architecture, Tulane School of Architecture

“Brandon is emerging as one of the top students in his generation, if not just the most remarkable designer. He uses his imagination and spatial capacities to deal with wicked problems and the complexity of the built environment in the era of climate change and social inequality.”

Griffin Hagen | Woodbury University

NOMINATOR: Ciro Dimson, Architect, Woodbury Faculty, Woodbury University

“Griffin Hagen is a young man who performs at the highest level academically and stands out amongst his peers. He is involved in every facet of the architecture school. He is a positive and professional young man who will have a fantastic career in architecture.”

Evelyn Krutoy | City College of New York

NOMINATOR: Marta Gutman, Dean, Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York

“Evelyn Krutoy is an outstanding student. She has been recognized for many projects, including her participation as a construction editor for an AIAS Freedom by Design mobile learning workstation for a local children’s hospital.”

Omar Leon | Cornell University

NOMINATOR: Sydney Maubert, Rowe and Strauch Fellow, Core Design Studio Professor, Cornell University

“Omar was consistently producing the most aesthetically pleasing and contextually appropriate work in the studio. He has a strong sense of identity, creativity, and a command of design principles in the content and organization of his work. He is personable, generous with his peers, and professional.”

Emily Lo | Rhode Island School of Design

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

“Emily Lo possesses the self-confidence and motivation necessary to be a strong designer and student leader. Her demonstrated commitment to design through iteration and innovation, commitment to professional development, and service leadership to her peers distinguish her as a future leader of the profession.”

Angelina Nguyen | Louisiana State University

NOMINATOR: Fabio Capra-Ribeiro, Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University

“Angelina’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and innovative thinking exemplifies the kind of talent that will shape the future of architecture. She has also received the prestigious OJ Baker Portfolio Award, which highlights her ability to communicate her ideas effectively and with artistic clarity—skills crucial for any emerging architect.”

Grace Owens | Mississippi State University

NOMINATOR: Dr. Karen Cordes Spence, Director and F. L. Crane Professor, Mississippi State University

“Grace is recognized as a student who approaches her classes and studios with a high degree of criticality, seeking to understand not only what learning is requested but also what this learning achieves and why.”

Elise Park | New York Institute of Technology

NOMINATOR: Evan Shieh, Assistant Professor of Architecture, New York Institute of Technology

“Elise is undoubtedly one of the most driven, talented, and hardworking students that I have had the pleasure of teaching in my years as an educator. She demonstrates the right combination of innate design talent, leadership skills, and personal drive needed to flourish in this field.”

Shriyam Rai | California College of the Arts

NOMINATOR: Thom Faulders, Professor of Architecture, California College of the Arts

“Shriyam is a student who seeks out new challenges in his design work with a heightened sense of environmental and resource awareness, coupled with meaningful thinking about architecture’s role in fostering social engagement and commonality. Shriyam is committed to the possibility of finding alternative solutions, not problems, in the architectural discipline.”

Jiaxin Ruan | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

NOMINATOR: David Bell, Acting Associate Dean, Associate Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“Jiaxin performed at the highest level individually and distinguished herself in teamwork assignments, receiving the highest grades from her peers. She evidenced an exceptional level of critical thinking, curiosity, and design skill.”

Sean Spencer | Kennesaw State University

NOMINATOR: Arief Setiawan, PhD, Associate Professor, Fifth-Year Undergraduate Thesis Coordinator, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture and Construction Management, Kennesaw State University

“Sean is a very exceptional and talented student. His design portfolio showcases the depth and the breadth of his design thinking and skills that demonstrate intellectual maturity that is well above his peers’. His strong intellectual and community leadership are valuable contributions to our program.”

Ying Wang | SUNY University at Buffalo

NOMINATOR: Elaine Chow, Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Student Professional Development, University at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning

“There is an evocative and innate understanding of the beauty of architecture in Ying’s ability to capture and play with light, engage users with a sense of purpose of movements throughout a space. She is an enthusiastic student with high academic rigor, a responsible collaborator with creative problem-solving abilities and adept organizational skills.”

Jackie Zheng | The Pennsylvania State University

NOMINATOR: Pep Avilés, Associate Professor, The Pennsylvania State University

“Jackie’s capacity for independent, self-driven work, and his ability to overcome the obstacles that the design challenges presented him, are impressive. Jackie is a reliable, resourceful, and diligent individual with high intellectual capacities.”