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 and Interior Design projects are often experimental and go on to win major awards. This year was no exception as three CCA students were named to the 2026 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 and design. This is the sixth consecutive year in which CCA students have been selected for the Metropolis Future 100.

Zi Ching Ooi (BArch Architecture 2026)

Dean of Architecture Keith Krumwiede nominated Zi for her thoughtful, human-centered approach to design.

"Zi’s work shows a commitment that runs far deeper than formal ambition. She thinks carefully about people and the lived realities that shape places and communities. Her projects consistently explore architecture as a system of support, identity, and cultural exchange rather than as isolated objects. What makes this especially compelling is the meticulous craft she brings to every drawing, model, and study," says Krumwiede in his nomination statement. "She works with clarity and intention, synthesizing program, structure, environmental thinking, and human experience into cohesive architectural proposals. The result is work that feels both grounded and generous, driven by a thoughtful balance of technical rigor and empathy."

“Being recognized as one of the 2026 Metropolis Future 100 is such a meaningful milestone in my architecture journey. I owe this recognition to my parents, who sacrificed so much to bring that insecure scared, little girl all the way from Malaysia to the United States, pushing me out of my comfort zone, giving me the opportunity to step onto the global stage and prove that I belong here," says Zi. "This moment is for my younger self, who never thought that any of this could be possible for her—your dreams are coming true. Thank you to the dean, Keith, for nominating me and all of my professors who pushed me precisely because they believed in me.”

Gabriela Mierkalne (BFA Interior Design 2026)

Chair of Interior Design Margaux Schindler recognized Mierkalne for her strong talent and passion for design excellence.

"It is my pleasure to recommend Gabriela Mierkalne for the Metropolis Future 100. As a practicing architect, educator, and Interior Design Program Chair, I have seen Gabriela’s strong talent and passion for design excellence firsthand. I taught her in Materiality & Space 3 at California College of the Arts, where she won the Third Year Materiality & Space Studio Prize Award for her Woven Projections project. She also received the Second Year Studio Prize Award for her Studio 2 work; both prizes were nominated by invited guest reviewers and awarded by our Interior Design faculty," says Schindler in her nomination statement. "Gabriela’s exceptional craft and her ability to generate innovative solutions to complex design challenges consistently impress our CCA community and the design professionals who engage with our program."

“I’m so honored to be part of this year’s Future 100. Craft, community, and sustainability are at the core of how I approach design, and being recognized for that work means more than I can say. I’m so excited to be graduating from CCA and to be stepping into the next stage of my career. This feels like a really beautiful way to close this chapter," says Mierkalne. "Thank you to my instructors and peers who have shaped me along the way. Congratulations to all the winners!”

Anna Myasnikova (BFA Interior Design 2026)

Negar Kalantar, associate professor of the Architecture and Interior Design programs, recommended Myasnikova for her ability to integrate cultural, technical, and spatial thinking into her work.

"I am pleased to recommend Anna Myasnikova for the Metropolis Future 100. I taught her in both Studio 4 and Materiality and Space 4, where she consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to integrate cultural, technical, and spatial thinking into her design work. Anna has a rare capacity to see design not only as form-making, but as a layered, meaningful practice that shapes future environments," says Kalantar in her nomination statement. "Anna is a dedicated emerging designer whose integrity, curiosity, and technical maturity make her an excellent candidate for the Future 100."

“I still can’t believe that I’ve been named a nominee for the Metropolis Future 100! I am deeply grateful to my instructors at CCA for their mentorship, support, and belief in my professional growth. Throughout my studies, I came to understand that interior design carries a profound responsibility. I once viewed it primarily as an aesthetic practice; however, with each semester, my perspective shifted toward a more conscious and purposeful approach. In my work, I strive to create spaces that are meaningful and memorable while minimizing environmental harm," says Myasnikova. "I am particularly interested in strategies that not only reduce impact but also contribute to the restoration of natural systems. I aim to make decisions that do not become a burden for future designers, but instead offer a foundation for adaptability and continued use. I see this nomination as a confirmation that I am moving in the right direction. As an international student—and a former art teacher and artist who chose to transform her path—this recognition is especially meaningful. It encourages me to trust my values, continue growing, and design spaces that support both people and the environment.”

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.