Future100 Interior Design Undergraduate Winners

Irina Alturmessova | Yorkville University

NOMINATOR: Reem Habib, Program Chair, Bachelor of Interior Design, Yorkville University

“Irina has demonstrated strong academic and ethical performance throughout her educational journey in the Bachelor of Interior Design program. Her continuous dedication, engagement, and volunteering services make her a great asset to the program.”

Chloe Bartek | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

NOMINATOR: Lindsey Bahe, Interior Design Program Director, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

“Chloe’s motto, ‘Think gardening, not architecture,’ inspired by Brian Eno, motivates her learning and design decisions. She emphasizes planting ideas and allowing them to grow naturally, prioritizing sustainability, adaptability, and creating spaces that foster community growth and meaningful connections.”

Betty Christianson | Colorado State University

NOMINATOR: Dr. Jain Kwon, Assistant Professor, Colorado State University

“Betty’s designs transform spaces into immersive stories that invite people to explore and connect. Her commitment to inclusivity ensures that her work evokes a strong sense of connection and belonging for diverse populations. Betty continually pushes boundaries, seeking a balance between aesthetics and practicality in her creative and innovative design solutions.”

Ewura Esi Eghan | Virginia Commonwealth University

NOMINATOR: Jessie Gemmer, Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Acme Architecture

“Ewura Esi is a powerful creative and critical thinker. She has brought the power of her work as a sculptor to her studies in interior design, beautifully blending together the best parts of art and design to create spaces that break the boundaries of expectation and create a more magical world.”

Lené Fourie | University of Houston

NOMINATOR: Marta Rodriguez Fernandez, Associate Professor, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, University of Houston

“Lené is one of the best students I have had the pleasure to teach for the last nine years. She is bright, hardworking, eager to learn, and an individual with great leadership potential. I was instantly impressed with her ambition to learn, her enthusiasm, and her capacity as a designer as well as a thinker.”

Olivia Grote | Columbia College Chicago

NOMINATOR: Rene King, Assistant Professor in BFA Interior Architecture Program, Columbia College Chicago

“I have consistently been impressed by Olivia’s exceptional creativity, technical skills, and passion for innovative design. What truly sets her apart is her ability to blend an empathic approach with her artistic vision to create designs to support, engage, and challenge the status quo.”

Louisa Gutenberger | School of Visual Arts

NOMINATOR: Dr. Carol Bentel, Chair, BFA Interior Design, School of Visual Arts, NYC; Partner, Bentel & Bentel Architects, School of Visual Arts, NYC; Bentel & Bentel Architects

“Louisa is on a mission to advocate for unheard communities through design. She cherishes the richness of one’s cultural heritage; she knows the value of a caring community and the importance of context, both current and past—which informs all of her designs.”

Daria Hall | University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

NOMINATOR: Torrey Tracy, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas

“Daria Hall exemplifies hard work, exceptional talent, curiosity, craftsmanship, and a determination to creatively solve problems in the field of interior architecture and design. Daria’s well-rounded approach, technical skills, and diverse interests will make her an extremely attractive candidate and a future leader.”

Elly Hallack | Columbia College Chicago

NOMINATOR: Rene King, Assistant Professor, Columbia College Chicago

“Elly is an exceptional talent with a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to innovative design. She consistently approaches design challenges with a fresh perspective, balancing imaginative ideas with practical solutions. Her ability to think critically and push boundaries, while focusing on functionality and user experience, is truly impressive.”

Keeleigh Johnson | University of Central Oklahoma

NOMINATOR: SeonMi Choi, Professor, University of Central Oklahoma

“Keeleigh consistently displays a remarkable ability to combine creativity with practical design solutions. She approaches each project with great thoughtfulness, and her creative thinking is perfectly complemented by her technical skills. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are apparent in every project she undertakes, and she consistently produces high-quality, refined work.”

Morgan Jourdin | School of Visual Arts

NOMINATOR: Dr. Carol Bentel, Chair of BFA Interior Design: Built Environments, School of Visual Arts

“Morgan is that rare student with extraordinary talent, committed to innovating at a highly creative level to serve the underserved in society. She is truly gifted and gives back through her design work, creating positive behavioral change for others.”

Jin Liao | Pratt Institute

NOMINATOR: Brad Leibin, Visiting Associate Professor, Pratt Institute

“Jin is an exceptional student and a very talented, young designer. Jin’s work goes beyond course requirements because she is committed to excellence and has a passion for design. She is enjoyable to work with and is well liked by her peers.”

Emilie Luce | University of Arkansas

NOMINATOR: Jennifer Webb, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean, University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design

“Emilie is present in a subtle, confident manner and with a determination to achieve excellence. She consistently seeks out feedback to make her work stronger during the design process and also seeks feedback following completion to understand how she can improve future works. Emilie has sought out leadership opportunities through her sorority and with the ASID student chapter.”

Anna Maris | Columbia College Chicago

NOMINATOR: Rebecca Midden, Assistant Professor, Interior Architecture, Columbia College Chicago

“Anna has consistently demonstrated excellence, an innate design sensibility, and a maturity that sets her apart as the top student in her cohort. Her work exemplifies a level of sophistication and creativity that is rare among students. Her ability to translate narrative into space is truly remarkable.”

Tomis Phuong Nguyen | University of Central Arkansas

NOMINATOR: Toni Gocke Wyre, Director of Interior Design, University of Central Arkansas

“Tomis Nguyen is that rare student. His work reflects an ability beyond his schooling and his aesthetic is bold, conveying a strong sense of self and confidence. I’m a big believer in being brilliant in your own backyard, but my hope for Tomis is that he will expand his work experience and knowledge wherever his passions and talents lead him.”

Kate O’Neil | University of Tennessee

NOMINATOR: Hojung Kim, Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

“Katherine is the 2024 Gensler Brinkmann Scholarship Recipient, awarded for her third-year fall studio project, Salutogenic Sanctuary. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom. Her work in this area demonstrates a deep understanding of emerging societal needs and her ability to propose thoughtful design solutions. Her education has also been enriched by diverse global experiences.”

Isabela Rasmussen | The George Washington University

NOMINATOR: Melina Misri, Visiting Assistant Professor, George Washington University, Corcoran School of Art and Design

“Throughout her studies, Isabela has consistently demonstrated an exceptional blend of creativity, technical skill, and a deep understanding of design principles. Her curiosity, attention to detail, participation in class discussions, diligence, and positive attitude in her studio environment make her an exceptional student and peer.”

Kiera Rupp | University of Tennessee

NOMINATOR: Milagros Zingoni Phielipp, Associate Professor and Director of School of Interior Architecture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

“Kiera’s work is at the intersection of creativity and empathy. Her curiosity, learning attitude, her ability to take every feedback in the most positive way, and her collaborative and adaptable attitude are complementary assets to her technical skills.”

Monica Samaniego | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

NOMINATOR: Lindsey Bahe, Interior Design Program Director, University Nebraska Lincoln

“Monica’s ideas are often full of wonder and challenge assumptions in their programming and spatial considerations. She is a fully engaged student and pursues opportunities to expand her understanding of the profession and role as a community member.”

Juliana Sanchez Duran | Savannah College of Art and Design

NOMINATOR: Challie Schafer Rea, Professor of Interior Design, Savannah College of Art and Design

“Juliana possesses a rare combination of natural talent and a willingness to take creative risks. Her dedication to inclusive design is particularly notable, as she continuously strives to create spaces that are accessible and welcoming to all.”

Elina Singh | Savannah College of Art and Design

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

“Elina combines technical excellence with creative vision in everything she touches. Her thoughtful approach shines through in her work, where precise execution meets innovative thinking to create spaces that are both beautifully crafted and genuinely inspiring.”

Sydney Slaughter | University of Arkansas

NOMINATOR: Jinoh Park, Assistant Professor, Coordinator of Master Programs, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design

“Sydney has a keen eye for aesthetics and a remarkable ability to absorb and apply new knowledge effectively. Her dedication to growth and willingness to refine her skills beyond her natural talent set her apart.”

Jesse-James Smith | Purdue University

NOMINATOR: Barbara Young, Assistant Professor, Interior Design Professional Program, Purdue University

“Jesse’s commitment to interior design was immediately evident in his unrelenting quest for high quality craftsmanship and the long hours he spent attempting to best solve the design problem at hand. He is a joy to work with due to his dedication and drive for the highest quality in his work.”

Ashley Sparks | The University of Texas

NOMINATOR: Allison Gaskins, Assistant Professor of Practice, School of Architecture, The University of Texas; Partner, 3-Fold Design Studio

“She has a natural finesse with the development of her designs, flowing seamlessly between digital and analog techniques, highlighting her versatility and mastery of both traditional and contemporary design practices.”

Martina Terry | Virginia Tech

NOMINATOR: Melahat “Mel” Kucukarslan Emiroglu, Visiting Associate Professor of Interior Design, Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design

“Martina’s portfolio stands out for its masterful use of color, clear and impactful diagrams that simplify complex ideas for diverse audiences, and a consistent narrative that ties together all aspects of projects: guiding the viewer through every stage of the design process.”

Cecilia Torres-Panzera | University of Tennessee

NOMINATOR: Rana Abudayyeh, Associate Professor, University of Tennessee School of Interior Architecture

“Cecilia’s academic rigor and creative vision consistently set her apart. She possesses a rare ability to synthesize complex ideas, using them as a foundation to craft innovative and critical design solutions. Her work reflects a thoughtful, research-driven approach that seamlessly merges technical skill with poetic narratives.”

Kiara Villa | The New School, Parsons School of Design

NOMINATOR: Carly Cannell, Director of Interior Design BFA Program, Parsons School of Design, The New School

“Kiara’s design philosophy exemplifies a deeply empathetic and forward-thinking approach rooted in listening, learning, and cocreating. Her ability to foster meaningful connections between people and places through design, while thoughtfully integrating cultural narratives and sustainable practices, highlights her as a true visionary.”

Troa Vimahi | Rochester Institute of Technology

NOMINATOR: Mary Golden, Program Director, Associate Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology Interior Design Program

“Troa loves design and immerses himself in the culture, community, and dialogue of current events. He is currently in my senior Interior Design Capstone studio. Now, almost at the halfway point, he is demonstrating capability for a subject matter that stretches his experience and knowledge base for the interior environment.”

Lufan Yang | California College of the Arts

NOMINATOR: Margaux Schindler, Interior Design Program Chair, California College of the Arts

“Lufan’s careful attention to every layer within interior architecture and remarkable ability to create innovative solutions to complex design challenges have inspired admiration from guest jurors, faculty, and her peers.”

Jiuyu Zhou | University of Oregon

NOMINATOR: Solmaz Kive, Assistant Professor, Interior Architecture, University of Oregon

“Jiuyu’s work is marked by thoughtful, carefully considered design solutions, and he always demonstrates a keen eye for detail. His ability to present his ideas clearly and confidently further enhances the impact of his work, making him an effective collaborator.”

Zining Zhu | Colorado State University

NOMINATOR: Dr. Jain Kwon, Assistant Professor, Interior Architecture and Design, Colorado State University

“Zining is a highly self-motivated student who upholds exceptional standards of ethics and performance. As an international student, she presents unique perspectives in her work, integrating cultural philosophies and aesthetics into innovative design solutions.”