Future100 Interior Design Graduate Winners

Khadeine Ali | The New School, Parsons School of Design

NOMINATOR: Michele Gorman, Director of MFA Interior Design, Parsons School of Design, The New School

“Khadeine brings Indigenous and culturally specific placemaking approaches to interior design, creating radical spaces of belonging. Her design research explores interiority, focusing on embodied experiences and Indigenous feminist design strategies.”

Vibha Belle | Drexel University

NOMINATOR: William Mangold, Assistant Professor, Interior Architecture and Design, Drexel University

“Vibha is an excellent designer who consistently impresses with her design sensibility and technical skill. Her work addresses social and environmental sustainability, creating spaces that support social activity and are holistically integrated with nature, while demonstrating remarkable empathy.”

Asia Chung | Pratt Institute

NOMINATOR: Alison B. Snyder, Professor, Department of Interior Design, School of Design, Pratt Institute

“Asia is industrious. Her insatiable interests in pattern making have led her to research and experiment with crafting processes to produce multiple sustainable and cultural meanings inside her designed interiors.”

Erin Cornella | Drexel University

NOMINATOR: Jihyun Song, Associate Professor, Interior Design, Drexel University

“Erin is a top student. Her projects consistently won ‘best of project’ in design studios, and she was recognized for her creativity and strong visualization skills, winning second place at the HOK Futures 2024 Design Challenge.”

Carolina Gonzalez | Florida International University

NOMINATOR: Brianna Hunter, President-Elect, IIDA South Florida Chapter

“Carolina has consistently impressed me with her diligent communication skills, ambition, and ability to motivate others. Her drive, passion, and leadership qualities will make her an invaluable asset to any team or organization.”

Zahra Hajibabaei | University of Kentucky

NOMINATOR: Lindsey Fay, Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Research, Director of Graduate Studies, University of Kentucky

“Zahra Hajibabaei’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation distinguishes her as a designer and researcher. Her work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of how interior environments can influence well-being and productivity, particularly in high-stress health-care settings.”

Emma Hogan | Thomas Jefferson University

NOMINATOR: Lauren Baumbach, Chair, Department of Interior Design and Interior Architecture, Program Advisor, Thomas Jefferson University

“Emma came into the program with an undergraduate degree in psychology and a love of design. Her passion for good design and her depth of knowledge about both the psychological and physiological needs of people have blended to make her an excellent designer. Her design process includes evidence-based design research and a thorough analysis of context and user needs.”

Maia Hoonan | Marymount University

NOMINATOR: Doug Seidler, Director, School of Design and Art, Marymount University

“Maia has seamlessly integrated her background in graphic design, her passion for sustainability, and her love of storytelling to forge a path in interior architecture that is both inspiring and mission driven. Her early discovery of art as a calling has evolved into a career where creativity serves a greater purpose.”

Yerim Jang | Rhode Island School of Design

NOMINATOR: Elizabeth Debs, Professor, Studio Critic, Rhode Island School of Design

“Yerim consistently exceeds expectations. She is a committed and talented student with a great capacity to assimilate complex information, experiment successfully, and evolve sophisticated solutions. Her work ethic and preparation are outstanding.”

Ivan Kuo | Savannah College of Art and Design

NOMINATOR: Christine Van Duyn, Chair, Interior Design; Chair, Preservation Design, Savannah College of Art and Design

“Ivan is a designer who brings a remarkable blend of creative vision and research to every project he undertakes. His refined approach shines through in his work, where innovative thinking meets thoughtful investigation to create spaces that push creative boundaries.”

Winnie Lin | The University of Texas

NOMINATOR: Nerea Feliz, Associate Professor, The University of Texas

“Winnie Lin exemplifies a rare combination of precision, aesthetic sensibility, and technical rigor, all defined by a courageous design spirit. Her thoughtful process is rooted in a willingness to experiment, ensuring that each project is uniquely tailored to its specific needs and context. Her trajectory showcases an extraordinary sensibility, paired with exceptional talent and motivation.”

Yitong (Amaryllis) Lu | Savannah College of Art and Design

NOMINATOR: Christine Van Duyn, Chair, Interior Design, Savannah College of Art and Design

“Yitong (Amaryllis) Lu views design as the pivotal link between conceptualization and realization, intricately weaving together diverse realms and fields. She believes design marks the commencement of an unending process, with each work encapsulating the essence of communication as a true art form.”

Jimena Salaverry | Boston Architectural College

NOMINATOR: Sarah Redmore, Director of Undergraduate Interior Architecture, Boston Architectural College

“Jimena is an outstanding student, and her work exhibits professional-quality visual communication skills and a passion for human-centered design. Her projects are innovative, comprehensive and the material selections are richly detailed.”

Fatima Samman | University of Kentucky

NOMINATOR: Lindsey Fay, Associate Professor, University of Kentucky

“Fatima Samman’s work exemplifies the integration of rigorous research and creative exploration. Her dedication to documenting and preserving historic interiors through innovative yet respectful methodologies highlights her potential to make lasting contributions to both the academic and professional realms of design.”

Maia Smith | Kansas State University

NOMINATOR: Kendra Kirchmer, Assistant Professor, College of Architecture, Planning & Design, Kansas State University

“She is an intensely empathetic and creative student who fully engages in an iterative and tangible design process. She maintains an outstanding academic record, earning her a place on the Dean’s List since 2020 and awards for numerous scholarships.”

Alexia Solis | University of Oregon

NOMINATOR: Esther Hagenlocher, Head of Department of Interior Architecture, Associate Professor, Interior Architecture Department, College of Design, University of Oregon

“Alexia’s dedication and creativity set her apart, earning her the reputation of being one of the most intriguing students in this term. Her ability to link theory and application was truly impressive. Her strong work ethic is a testament to her commitment and dedication.”

Zoha Tasneem | The New School, Parsons School of Design

NOMINATOR: Michele Gorman, Director of MFA Interior Design, The New School, Parsons School of Design

“Zoha’s design research explores interiority as it attempts to create spaces for belonging and cultural exchange. Their research focuses on embodied experiences, looking closely at Indigenous and feminist design strategies.”

Lily Turner | Kansas State University

NOMINATOR: Michelle Wempe, Professor of Practice, Kansas State University

“Lily is a talented, motivated student who delves deeply into the initial phases of project research and concept development as she strives to create designs uniquely responsive to each problem, focused on creating thoughtful and fully formed solutions.”

Nandita Warrier | The University of Texas

NOMINATOR: Nerea Feliz Arrizabalaga, Associate Professor, Interior Design Graduate Advisor, University of Texas at Austin

“Nandita’s exceptional versatility as a designer is enriched by her curiosity and eclectic approach, enabling her to seamlessly draw from diverse influences to create spaces that are both original and deeply personal.”