Two undergraduate students in the College of Architecture Interior Design Program were selected for the Metropolis Future 100, a list naming the top 50 interior design and top 50 architecture students graduating in North America this spring.

Jiang Chen and Lauren Shaul, nominated by Lindsey Bahe, director of the interior design program, were named to this exclusive list through a competitive process.

Out of 300 applications and 47 schools from across the United States and Canada, Chen and Shaul were selected by a jury of Metropolis magazine design experts. Those selected are recognized for their potential in defining and reimagining the practice of architecture and interior design.

Chen

“I feel so honored to be selected to the Metropolis Future 100. This is wonderful affirmation of my academic and design skills that were developed in my four years as an interior design student,” Chen said.

After graduation Chen plans to enroll in University of Nebraska-Lincoln Master of Architecture Program where he will continue to focus on creating design solutions that are functional, sustainable and resilient that blur the boundary between the built environment and nature.

Shaul

“I am so excited to be on the Metropolis 100 List,” Shaul said. “Being nominated was already such an honor, but being named to the Future 100 was thrilling because I know there are so many talented designers both at UNL and around the nation. As I get ready to graduate and enter the workforce, I feel this was a good confidence boost and a great way to end my college career.”

Shaul was first exposed to interior design as a child when her dad worked on beautiful new homes and was inspired by the whole process. Post-graduation, Shaul is still exploring which career path option she plans to pursue.

“To have the excellence of our students’ work recognized from such a prestigious international design publication and by a jury of design influencers, speaks volumes to the caliber of work that our students are achieving after engaging in our four-year program,” Bahe said. “It’s evidence to our students’ creativity and rigor, our dedicated faculty, and the quality of our distinctive curriculum that aims to educate future interior designers who are driven to seek authentic and informed interior design solutions that are deeply connected to our societal fabric and strive to positively impact our culture.”