Two Interior Design Students Named to the Metropolis Future 100

Two undergraduate students in the College of Architecture’s 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 Interior Design Program Director Lindsey Bahe, 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.

Chen and Shaul join an impressive group of rising leaders who have been recognized for their potential in defining and reimagining the practice of architecture and interior design.

Metropolis Future 100 Honoree Jiang Chen

“We were blown away by the quality of Jiang Chen’s work, and we feel that Jiang represents a bright future for our industry—one of beautiful, thoughtful, innovative, sustainable and inclusive design,” - Metropolis Magazine.

“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,” said Chen.

After graduation Chen plans to enroll in UNL’s 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.

Metropolis Future 100 Honoree Lauren Shaul

“Shaul’s sophisticated, urbane designs are infused with natural materials, biophilic principles and a keen sense of the natural world outside.” - Metropolis Magazine.

“I am so excited to be on the Metropolis 100 List,” said Shaul. “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.

Interior Design Program Director Lindsey Bahe, was delighted when she found out not only one but two students were selected from the program. “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. 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.”