Future100 Interior Design Undergraduate Winners

Bergen Baucom | Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

NOMINATOR: Behrouz Seghatoleslamy, Professor, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

“Bergen is extremely dedicated to her degree and has become highly efficient in managing her time. She consistently works hard to exceed expectations, and her projects reflect this commitment.”

Blaine Brennan | University of Oregon

NOMINATOR: Kyu-Ho Ahn, Associate Professor, University of Oregon

“Her work consistently reflects creativity, technical rigor, and a commitment to addressing societal challenges through design. Her portfolio demonstrates remarkable growth—from furniture prototypes to collaborative projects.”

Emmalyn Burns | University of Arkansas

NOMINATOR: Rachel Tucci, Teaching Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas

“Her portfolio, maturity, and dedication to human-centered design distinguish her as an outstanding representative of the next generation of interior designers, and her leadership and service are clearly demonstrated through her meaningful involvement across campus.”

Wyatt Carlton | University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

NOMINATOR: Jill Janasiewicz, Part-Time Lecturer, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

“Wyatt’s projects show a clear design process grounded in strong ideas and careful consideration of user experience. He approaches studio work with seriousness and follow-through, and his portfolio reflects his commitment to refining both concept and craft.”

Brianna Cartagena | The University of Texas at Austin

NOMINATOR: Ria Bravo, Assistant Professor of Interior Design, The University of Texas at Austin

“She approaches design with a level of clarity and discipline that is rare at the undergraduate level. Her work is deeply tectonic—she’s attentive to structure, material behavior, and the mechanics of how things come together.”

Isabelle Clark | University of Oregon

NOMINATOR: Solmaz Kive, Assistant Professor, University of Oregon

“Isabelle demonstrates a remarkable combination of professionalism, intellectual independence, creativity, technical proficiency, and a strong grasp of design principles.”

Lily Corbin | Virginia Commonwealth University

NOMINATOR: Laura Battaglia, Assistant Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University

“Lily understands that design is not an act of self-interest, but one of generosity—something that can be shared and offered as a gift. She has embraced community-centered design as a catalyst for positive change.”

Sophia Coulopoulos | Drexel University

NOMINATOR: William Mangold, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism, Drexel University

“She combines strong conceptual thinking with technical proficiency and approaches design with seriousness, inventiveness, and confidence.”

Janiya Daniels | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

NOMINATOR: Alp Tural, Assistant Professor of Interior Design, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

“Her portfolio demonstrates how she uses immersive visualization and advanced modeling to translate complex programmatic requirements into compelling, user-centered interior environments.”

Reese Judd | Colorado State University

NOMINATOR: Dr. Laura Cole, Associate Professor, Colorado State University

“Reese inspires me with her passion for design, intellectual depth, and drive for excellence. Along with her design talent, her interpersonal and professional skills are impeccable. She is the kind of emerging designer I would have dreamed of mentoring.”

Dakota Kalkstein | University of Arkansas

NOMINATOR: Jake Tucci, Assistant Professor of Interior Architecture and Design, Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, University of Arkansas

“Across all learning environments, Dakota demonstrates a rare combination of curiosity, discipline, and creative maturity. He learns quickly, approaches new challenges with calm dedication, and executes his ideas with thoughtfulness and exceptional craftsmanship.”

Lily LaGrassa | Wentworth Institute of Technology

NOMINATOR: Dr. Sedef Doganer, Dean and Professor, School of Architecture and Design; Kelly Hutzell, Associate Dean of Architecture and Interior Design, Wentworth Institute of Technology

“Lily’s work reflects a deep understanding of user needs, resulting in human-centric environments that support comfort, efficiency, and well-being. She skillfully balances aesthetics with functional effectiveness, ensuring that every design decision is purposeful.”

Ellison Lechtenberger | University of Nebraska–Lincoln

NOMINATOR: Lindsey Bahe, Interior Design Program Director and Associate Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

“Ellison embodies professionalism, rigor, creativity, generosity, critical thinking, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to design excellence. She is deeply attuned to how people move, feel, and behave within space.”

Jessica Liang | Fashion Institute of Technology

NOMINATOR: Joseph Goldstein, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Fashion Institute of Technology

“Jessica is diligent and hardworking, and a talented risk-taker. She has high standards for herself, is fully self-motivated, and has an innate discipline that serves her well in interior design and its iterative design processes.”

Veronica Mendoza | Kent State University

NOMINATOR: Andrea Sosa Fontaine, Assistant Professor of Interior Design, Kent State University

“Through her design work, Veronica carefully crafts layered, thoughtful spaces that honor community and resonate deeply with individuals. She demonstrates genuine care, curiosity, and respect for the people that she designs for.”

Bailey Mettenbrink | University of Nebraska–Lincoln

NOMINATOR: Lindsey Bahe, Interior Design Program Director & Associate Professor, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

“Bailey’s design motivation is rooted in emotion, impact, and the power of the built environment. Her work demonstrates an ability to weave concept, detail, emotion, and function into experiences that resonate deeply with users.”

Gabriela Mierkalne | California College of the Arts

NOMINATOR: Margaux Schindler, Assistant Professor and Chair of Interior Design, California College of the Arts

“She has an inspiring presence in the studio, delivers excellence in both digital and physical craft, has a strong design process, and presents consistently outstanding final projects.”

Anna Myasnikova | California College of the Arts

NOMINATOR: Negar Kalantar, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Architecture Division and Codirector Digital Craft Lab, California College of the Arts

“Anna consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to integrate cultural, technical, and spatial thinking into her design work. She has a rare capacity to see design not only as form-making, but as a layered, meaningful practice that shapes future environments.”

Hannah Oakley | University of North Carolina at Greensboro

NOMINATOR: Amanda Gale, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Director, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

“Hannah stands out as a catalyst. Her intellectual curiosity and phenomenal work ethic inspire those around her. She consistently pushes beyond expectations, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.”

Shayla Pankey | Florida State University

NOMINATOR: Jae Hwa Lee, Associate Professor, Florida State University

“What makes Shayla’s work stand out is her meticulous attention to materiality and the human experience—every choice she makes is intentional, ensuring that her designs are not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful for those who inhabit the space.”

Katherine Rudini | Purdue University, West Lafayette

NOMINATOR: Yong In, Assistant Professor of Practice, Interior Design, Purdue University

“Katherine’s design voice is clear and confident, rooted in a strong conceptual foundation and carried forward through thorough execution. She consistently pushes boundaries, embraces complex challenges, and brings forward design solutions that are both innovative and deeply human-centered.”

Bella Sandison | British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

NOMINATOR: Tiia Manson, Program Head, Bachelor of Interior Design, BCIT

“Bella consistently exceeds assignment criteria and delivers well-researched solutions. She delivers thoroughly considered, creative, and well-executed projects.”

Berna Sevgi | Boston Architectural College

NOMINATOR: Denise Rush, Dean of Interior Architecture, Boston Architectural College

“Berna’s work demonstrates a rare combination of technical rigor, conceptual depth, and an intuitive understanding of human-centered design. She consistently transforms challenges into opportunities for innovation, and her design voice is both sophisticated and deeply empathetic.”

Lindsey Shoucair | Savannah College of Art and Design

NOMINATOR: Ernest Abuin, Professor, Savannah College of Art and Design

“Her creativity shows up not just in concept sketches, but in the way she solves problems with unexpected, thoughtful solutions. She loves experimenting with materials, light, and spatial flow to create designs that feel both intentional and full of personality.”

Sammie Skinner | Kansas State University

NOMINATOR: Michael Dudek, Emeritus Associate Professor, Kansas State University

“Due to Sammie’s quiet perseverance, curiosity, intellect, and dedication to the design process, I could tell that she is one of those shining stars. She is willing to dedicate the time and effort to find solutions that push aesthetic boundaries while being mindful of technical and environmental metrics.”

Hanyan Sun | Parsons School of Design, The New School

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

“Hanyan’s design is defined by a compelling commitment to creating spatial experiences that challenge convention and shift perception. She uses narrative, sensory nuance, and intentional materiality to craft environments that feel unconventional yet deeply purposeful.”

Jodie Sun | British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

NOMINATOR: Tiia Manson, Program Head, Bachelor of Interior Design, BCIT

“Jodie has consistently produced well-developed concepts and executed projects for a wide variety of typologies. She demonstrates a strong work ethic and diligence, routinely putting forth additional effort on her assignments to deliver innovative and thoroughly researched solutions.”

Isabella Vaca | Savannah College of Art and Design

NOMINATOR: Christina Kirkpatrick, Professor of Interior Design, SCAD

“Isabella brings a combination of creativity, discipline, and intellectual curiosity to every project. She is intentional in her process, articulate in her communication, and deeply committed to developing meaningful, human-centered spaces.”

Ashmita Vijayanand | Kent State University

NOMINATOR: Tina Patel, Associate Professor of Interior Design, Kent State University

“Ashmita is a take-charge individual who not only develops thoughtful design strategies but also implements them with a high level of rigor and maturity. She demonstrates clarity of purpose, strong conceptual grounding, and a sophisticated understanding of spatial and social context.”

Emilie Warner | University of Louisiana at Lafayette

NOMINATOR: Collette Cosminski, Assistant Professor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

“Emilie’s work reflects a rare combination of graphic sophistication, conceptual clarity, and technical precision, demonstrating a deeply attuned design sensibility that consistently elevates every project she undertakes.”

Elena Waters | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)

NOMINATOR: Alp Tural, Assistant Professor, Interior Design Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

“Elena is a deeply thoughtful designer. She grounds each project in real users and place, then carries the concept through clear diagrams, carefully considered materials and color, and immersive three-dimensional interiors.”

Fanyu Wu | School of Visual Arts

NOMINATOR: Carol Bentel, Chair of the BFA Interior Design Department, School of Visual Arts

“Fanyu is an extremely capable interior designer with a concern for people whose environment can make a difference. He has great ability in the design of interior spaces, millwork, and furniture.”

Minxuan Zhong | School of Visual Arts

NOMINATOR: Carol Bentel, Chair of the BFA Interior Design Department, School of Visual Arts

“Minxuan is a facile designer with a very wide range of abilities. She digs into the heart of the project with intense focus and brings out the unexpected. All of her projects are transformative.”