Two Fay Jones School Students Named to 'Metropolis' Design Magazine's 2026 Future100 List

From the smallest towns in the Louisiana Delta to cross-country van treks, a passion for design can begin in vastly different places. That was the case for two Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design students at the U of A who were recognized by Metropolis magazine, affirming them among the top emerging designers in North America.

Emmalyn Burns and Dakota Kalkstein, both interior architecture and design majors, were named to this year's Future100 list due to their exceptional academic records and compelling portfolios, proving their creativity and commitment.

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. Fifty interior design and 50 architecture students from undergraduate and graduate programs were chosen by the Metropolis team for the 2026 list and featured on the Metropolis website.

"The class of 2026 comprises 100 exceptional young designers whose portfolios demonstrate a shared dedication to purposeful design," according to the Metropolis website. "Grounded in research and driven by experimentation, their work addresses community, culture, inclusivity and sustainability with care and conviction, establishing them as rising voices in the profession."

This is the fourth year in a row that Fay Jones School students have been named to the annual Metropolis Future100 list. Previous students were Audrey Pace and Emily Creek in 2023, Isabel Provisor Lemery and Lacey Oxford in 2024 and Daria Hall, Emilie Luce and Sydney Slaughter in 2025.

Emmalyn Burns

Born and raised in Benton, Louisiana, Burns was surrounded by an artistic culture that led to a fascination with design and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

"What started as an interest in craft, music and dance gradually evolved into a deep admiration for the beauty found within architecture," Burns said. "As I grew older, this passion strengthened as I recognized how profoundly the built environment shapes the way people feel, learn and function."

Burns, a fourth-year student, said the desire to help others has driven her academic journey. This led her to study interior architecture and design, through which she tries to create spaces that feel supportive and meaningful.

"What draws me to this field is the opportunity to create thoughtful environments that support, empower and truly enhance people's everyday experiences," Burns said. "I strive to remain curious throughout every step, continuously exploring how design can enhance well-being and respond to the evolving needs of diverse users. It's also important to consider how a space can adapt and grow alongside the people who use it."

Burns' motivations can be seen in her portfolio, which includes Umbra, a teen wellness center inspired by the phases of an eclipse to support focus, energy and belonging; and Sway Senior Living, a 135,000-square-foot adaptive redesign project emphasizing concept, movement and community.

"Through my education at the Fay Jones School, my approach to design has shifted from focusing on aesthetics to considering context, sustainability and materiality," Burns said. "Now, every decision I make is guided by these principles, ensuring that the design is both purposeful and responsive."

Burns was nominated by Rachel Tucci, teaching assistant professor, whom she considers a mentor at the Fay Jones School. Following her graduation in May, Burns plans to begin a career in education design at Corgan in Dallas, Texas.

"I am passionate about creating environments that positively impact students' lives and enhance learning experience," she said. "I previously interned with Corgan and look forward to coming back to start my professional journey with them."

Dakota Kalkstein

A native of Midlothian, Texas, Kalkstein took a less traditional route to design than many other students in the Future100.

"Whether or not I knew, I've always been interested in design," Kalkstein said. "As I advanced through life, I began to realize that most things in the built world were designed."

After graduating with a philosophy degree in 2018, he purchased a van to live in while traveling the country. This gave him the opportunity to explore his lifelong fascination in the natural world, and, eventually, combine that with design.

"The pursuit of my goals has been a constant driver in my life," Kalkstein said. "It has pushed me to explore different paths and take on a range of experiences. Without that sense of direction, I'm not sure where I would be, but it has been key in shaping who I am and how I approach what is next in life."

Kalkstein built and designed all the necessary living modifications for his van, from cabinetry to a solar energy bank.

"It was an opportunity for me to further explore and discover my love of building by hand," he said.

This unique introduction to design eventually led him to the Fay Jones School, which he credits for sharpening his creative abilities and broadening his horizons. He also said that his education has helped him learn how to create more complete, meaningful designs.

"I have less tunnel vision regarding my design outcomes," Kalkstein said. "At this point, I step back and consider the full perimeter, or scope, pulling from surrounding conditions, constraints and opportunities to better guide the design solution toward its goal."

Since gaining a more well-rounded approach to pair with his natural eye for creating, Kalkstein has settled into a design process that allows him to develop comprehensive spaces while maintaining the excitement that drew him to design in the first place.

"I tend to feel as though I take a holistic and pragmatic approach to the way I design," he said. "Though I do believe a degree of playfulness is necessary."

Kalkstein was nominated by Jake Tucci and Jennifer Webb, both assistant professors of interior architecture and design. His portfolio was made up of both conceptual designs and physical constructions from his third and fourth years of design school.

After graduating in December 2025, Kalkstein began an apprenticeship with an Italian furniture designer in Florence, Italy, and is considering furthering his education in Europe.