Three CCA students named to prestigious Metropolis Future 100

California College of the Arts challenges its students to shatter boundaries, defy norms, and envision a better future for the common good. Interdisciplinary by nature, CCA Architecture projects are often experimental and go on to win major awards. This year was no exception as three CCA architecture students were announced to the coveted 2025 Metropolis Future 100 list, designed to designate the top graduating architecture and interior design students. Nominated by their instructors to compete for this top honor, these students are testing new ideas and exploring the future of architecture. This is the fifth consecutive year in which CCA students have been selected for the Metropolis Future 100.

Graduate student Layla Namak (MArch Architecture 2025) explores architecture’s healing capacity

Layla Namak is one of three CCA Metropolis Future 100 recipients this year, graduating from the Master of Architecture program this spring. Chair of Graduate Architecture Irene Cheng nominated Layla for her clear-sighted commitment to exploring how architecture can help heal.

“Layla’s buildings seek to allow people to connect with their own inner voices as well as to each other and to the natural world. In a fast-paced world, she strives to create architecture that can make us pause, slow down, reflect, and marvel,” said Cheng in her nomination statement. “In a discipline that often gravitates towards the spectacular and superficial, Layla has a distinct design voice, one that is guided by an ethical humanist north star combined with an appreciation for quiet beauty, mystery, and play. As a designer, she exhibits a remarkable sensitivity to atmosphere, light, and spatial experience, crafting spaces that are magical and modest at once.”

“I am truly touched to be among the talented students recognized as Metropolis Future 100 emerging designers. Receiving this recognition reaffirms my devotion to the challenging and rewarding practice of architecture and serves as a meaningful reminder of why I chose this path—to create work that inspires, heals, and makes a difference,” said Namak. “My growth over the past three years is a testament to intentionally stepping outside of my comfort zone, as well as the unwavering support of my family, classmates, and faculty at CCA, whose encouragement and guidance have been invaluable to me. My sincere gratitude goes to them, and congratulations to all!”

Undergraduate Shiryam Rai (BArch Architecture 2025) discovers alternative solutions in architecture

Professor of Architecture Thom Faulders recognized student Shiryam Rai’s unique talents as an architecture student at CCA.

“Shriyam is a student who seeks out new challenges in his design work with a heightened sense of environmental and resource awareness, coupled with meaningful thinking about architecture’s role in fostering social engagement and commonality,” said Faulders in his nomination statement. “Shriyam is committed to the possibility of finding alternative solutions, not problems, in the architectural discipline.”

“Being recognized in the Metropolis Future 100 is an incredibly exciting and rewarding moment in my life,” said Rai. "Reflecting on the past five years, my journey in architecture has been filled with growth, challenges, late nights, and perseverance. Architecture has taught me many valuable lessons, but the most important ones I will carry forward are the significance of resilience during tough times and the necessity of perseverance when things don't go as planned. I would like to thank all my professors, classmates, and friends who have supported and believed in me. I am confident that this recognition is just the first of many goals I hope to accomplish in the future.”

Undergraduate student Lufan Yang’s (BFA Interior Design 2025) innovative ideas shine

CCA’s Lufan Yang is among 31 undergraduate interior design students recognized for the Metropolis Future 100 this year. Interior Design Program Chair Margaux Schindler nominated Yang as a standout student in her class.

“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,” said Schindler in her nomination statement.

“I am truly honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 Metropolis Future 100. Over the years at CCA, I have grown not only as a designer but also as an individual, shaped by every project, challenge, and moment of inspiration,” said Yang. “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of my professors, whose encouragement pushed me to explore and refine my design philosophy. I am also deeply grateful for the friendships that have made this journey even more meaningful. Thank you to everyone who has believed in me—this recognition is as much yours as it is mine. Congratulations to all the winners!”

Congratulations to our Metropolis Future 100 award winners. Celebrating the next generation of designers ensures the success of the industry, as together, we continue to meet the future’s challenges with creativity, innovation, and vision.