Columbia Interior Architecture Students Selected for Metropolis Future100

PhotoLeft to right: Elly Hallack, Anna Maris, and Olivia Grote
Three interior architecture students were honored in “Metropolis” magazine’s 2025 Future100 list for their innovation and design excellence.

Olivia Grote, Elly Hallack, and Anna Maris—all Columbia College Chicago interior architecture students—have been named to the 2025 Metropolis Future100, a national honor recognizing the top 100 graduating architecture and interior design students across North America. 

Presented by “Metropolis” magazine, the Future100 list highlights emerging talent that’s poised to shape the future of design. Students are nominated by faculty and selected by a panel of industry experts based on the strength of their work, academic excellence, and commitment to pushing boundaries in the built environment. The program, now in its fifth year, also connects honorees with top architecture and design firms, helping them launch meaningful careers in the industry. 

For Columbia, this recognition underscores the strength of its Interior Architecture program and its emphasis on cultivating socially conscious, forward-thinking designers who approach space-making with both rigor and imagination. 

Each of the three students honored brings a distinct voice and perspective to their practice—but they all share a drive to challenge conventions and use design as a tool for storytelling, impact, and innovation. 

Olivia Grote is known for her empathic and visionary approach. Her work often explores how thoughtful design can not only serve users but also provoke reflection, dialogue, and change. “At Columbia, I learned that we’re not just designing for ourselves or making things because they look good—we're designing for people, and that makes all the difference,” Grote says. “This has always been emphasized throughout my education: putting our own needs aside and empathizing with the people around us leads to stronger design and deeper storytelling.” 

Elly Hallack is celebrated for her ability to balance creativity with functionality. Her process begins with expansive, experimental ideas—often inspired by art and sculpture—and then gradually hones them into highly intentional designs grounded in human experience. “Through all my studio classes, I found the best way to start a project is huge—start so far outside of the box that you don’t see the box anymore,” Hallack says. “Once I reach that level of maximum creativity, I can scale down and think about human experience and the built environment.” 

Anna Maris stood out for her maturity and refined design sensibility. Her portfolio showcases a keen understanding of material, space, and narrative—qualities that set her apart even among top peers. “I always try to design from a place that feels personal and honest,” Maris says. “I want to create spaces that have meaning beyond function and reflect real people, real memories, and real purpose.” 

While each student’s path and portfolio is unique, they’ve all benefitted from Columbia’s hands-on, idea-driven approach to design education. Studio courses challenge students to take risks and articulate a point of view. Faculty mentors push them to dig deeper and stay curious. And a culture of collaboration prepares them to work across disciplines and industries. 

The Future100 recognition opens doors for these students as they prepare to graduate and begin their professional journeys. Honorees will be featured in “Metropolis” magazine’s digital edition and promoted to a national network of hiring managers and design firms. 

"We are proud to see Elly, Anna, and Olivia recognized by 'Metropolis' as part of the Future100," says Rene King, assistant professor of Interior Architecture. "Their achievements reflect not only their individual talent and dedication but also the strength of our program in cultivating emerging leaders. At Columbia, we empower students to challenge the status quo of the built environment and imagine more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative futures. We are excited to see the impact they will have on the profession." 

 Learn more about the program at metropolismag.com/programs/future100. 

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