APDesign In the News

Two APDesign Interior Architecture Graduate Students Recognized as 2025 Metropolis Future100 Students

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Maia Smith and Lily Turner, both fifth-year interior architecture graduate students in the Department of Interior Architecture and Industrial Design (IAID) within Kansas State University’s College of Architecture, Planning & Design (APDesign), have been honored as 2025 Metropolis Future100 students.

Launched in 2021 by Metropolis magazine, the Future100 program recognizes the top 100 graduating students in architecture and interior design across the United States and Canada. This competitive program connects emerging talent with leading architecture and design firms throughout North America. Candidates are nominated by faculty mentors and selected by the Metropolis editorial team.

Smith was nominated by Kendra Kirchmer, assistant professor in the IAID department, who shared, “Maia is a great student who approaches design with curiosity, discipline, and humility—drawing inspiration from the people she designs for and using her work to contribute thoughtfully and compassionately to the world around her.”

Turner was nominated by Michelle Wempe, professor of practice in the department, who remarked, “Lily is a wonderfully talented young designer, creating solutions responsive to project drivers through in-depth research, innovative thought, and impactful design.”

“This recognition not only highlights Maia and Lilly’s creativity and promise as future leaders in the design industry but also reflects the excellence of the APDesign program and its dedicated faculty,” said Michael McClure, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning & Design.

APDesign's continued encouragement of student participation in events like these aligns with the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan's initiative to deliver impactful experiences through participation in national competitions.