Interior Architecture Students Make Metropolis' Future100 List, Win Portfolio Competition

The entry for Flor Designs, a retail and studio space, by Isabel Provisor Lemery.

The reception area for NEXT Office, a research and development hub, by Isabel Provisor Lemery.

An outdoor learning space for Fayetteville’s Library of Tools, by Isabel Provisor Lemery.

The central opening space for Fayetteville’s Library of Tools, by Isabel Provisor Lemery.

A large gallery space in Celestial Gallery, an adaptive reuse art gallery, by Isabel Provisor Lemery.

The butterfly conservatory at the Library of Things, by Lacey Oxford.

The auditorium at the Library of Things, by Lacey Oxford.

The primary public space at the Ataraxy Office for NEXT robotics company, by Lacey Oxford.

An artist residency space at Studio Okimoto, an exhibition, work and living space in New York City for 3D artists, by Lacey Oxford.

A materials palette for Studio Okimoto, by Lacey Oxford.

Photos Submitted

Lacey Oxford, left, and Isabel Provisor Lemery, both graduating fourth-year students in interior architecture and design, are among 100 design students across the United States and Canada selected by Metropolis magazine for this year's Future100 list. Provisor also was selected as a winner in the 2024 ASID Student Portfolio Competition.

From video games to artistic endeavors, an interest in design can come from a variety of places. This is certainly the case for two fourth-year interior architecture and design students in the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design who recently received national recognition.

Isabel Provisor Lemery was selected as a winner in the 2024 Student Portfolio Competition hosted by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She was among three students selected from nine finalists across the country as winners in this year's ASID Student Portfolio Competition. 

Provisor, along with Lacey Oxford, was also among 100 design students selected by Metropolis magazine for this year's Future100 list.

With the Future100 program, Metropolis has set out to designate the top graduating architecture and interior design students in the United States and Canada each year. Nominated by their instructors and mentors, 50 interior design and 50 architecture students from undergraduate and graduate programs were chosen by the Metropolis team for the 2024 list. These students are featured on the Metropolis website.

"The 100 students featured here represent some of the most extraordinary young designers from the class of 2024," according to a statement on the Metropolis website. "Their portfolios are awash with beautiful spaces and buildings, but beyond their visual prowess, they demonstrate a deep understanding of their responsibility to make an impact through design. With empathy and maturity, they address community, culture, inclusivity and sustainability through detailed research, fresh methodologies and innovative materiality — establishing their rising-star status and proving their merit as they embark on their careers.

Michelle Boyoung Huh, assistant professor of interior architecture and design, nominated Oxford. Marjan Miri, assistant professor of interior architecture and design, nominated Provisor.

Their portfolios each contain a range of work they've completed within the last three years. View Provisor's portfolio here. View Oxford's portfolio here.

"This is the second year in a row that two interior architecture and design students from the Fay Jones School have been selected for the Metropolis Future100 recognition," said Carl Matthews, department head and professor of interior architecture and design. "It speaks to the quality and commitment of the students and their faculty across the curriculum. For Isabel to also win the ASID national portfolio design competition is astounding. Our students continue to compete and win against the top in the nation."

FINDING DESIGN

From a young age, Provisor and Oxford have been drawn to design. Provisor said whether through painting, drawing, dancing or photography, she has always been drawn to art.

"This passion has grown into a love for interior architecture," said Provisor, who's from Austin, Texas. "From then to now, I have loved walking around neighborhoods and cities, with a fascination for the built environment."

Provisor has always known that she wanted to go into a field that would allow her to be creative and make a positive impact on people's lives.

While drawn to design from a young age, Oxford found design through video games like Minecraft, Animal Crossing and The Sims.

"From a very early age, I recognized my fascination with various artistic pursuits, including painting, sketching, photography and music. However, before I was exposed to or understood the nuances and typologies of architecture and design, I found enjoyment in building structures in video games," said Oxford, who grew up in Greenwood.

Through this interest in creating spatial qualities, along with time spent in hotel rooms when traveling with her family, discussing how to make a space more accommodating, Oxford realized her interest in interior architecture and design. 

DESIGN APPROACH

When approaching design, Provisor places a strong emphasis on the users of the space. Recognizing that people spend a significant portion of their lives indoors, she said it becomes crucial to design with their comfort, feelings and needs in mind.

"This user-centric approach involves a deep understanding of how spaces are experienced day-to-day and how they can impact mood, productivity and well-being," Provisor said. "To truly cater to the users, I consider various factors such as the ergonomics of the space, the quality of light, acoustics and even the flow from one area to another, ensuring that the environment is both functional and harmonious."

Provisor chooses colors, textures and materials for their ability to evoke certain feelings and create specific atmospheres. Accessibility and inclusivity also play key roles in her design approach.

"A space isn't truly successful unless it can be used comfortably by everyone — regardless of age, ability or mobility," Provisor said.

By keeping the users at the forefront of every design decision, the spaces Provisor creates are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply functional and enriching to those who inhabit them.

Oxford said when embarking on a new architectural project, her initial step is to delve into researching the local culture and surroundings.

"I aim to understand how to integrate these unique aspects into the design of the building," Oxford said. "I analyze not only the needs of the clients but also the impression they wish to make with the project."

She actively strives to be sustainable with her work, utilizing a site's local resources to reduce carbon emissions and innovatively create unique structures through ecologically focused materials.

Above all, Oxford said that inclusivity and advocacy are paramount considerations in her approach to design. She aims to create spaces that embrace diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of comfort and acceptance where individuals can authentically express themselves.

PERSPECTIVE SHIFT

Both Provisor and Oxford said their perspective has shifted since starting design school.

"I have learned that design is made up of so many layers that may not be apparent at first glance," Provisor said. "There are so many details that make up the entirety of a project, and there is a reason behind every choice and every one of those details."

Interior architecture is more than aesthetics; it's fundamentally about considering the users of the space and its intended purpose.  Provisor said the designer's role is to shape these spaces thoughtfully and creatively, with the users in mind.

Going into design school, Oxford said she's learned a lot in her time at the Fay Jones School.

"I believed interior architecture and design was exclusively about aesthetics and creating beautiful spaces," Oxford said. "I can confidently affirm that my initial lack of knowledge about this profession has transformed into a profound appreciation for the intricacies involved in designing a space, including considerations such as adaptability, functionality and more."

AFTER GRADUATION

After graduation, Provisor plans to return to Austin, where she will be working at Corgan in their workplace interiors sector. Provisor interned at Corgan last summer, and she said she is excited to return and grow as a designer in her professional career. 

Oxford said she intends to join the workforce in hopes of further developing her design skills at a professional level. She is currently applying for positions within commercial-focused firms that prioritize sustainability and diversity in design while promoting a welcoming, inclusive environment.