Two hands reaching each other hand.

May 14, 2026

Words: Annie Block, Helene Oberman, and Nicole Vega

These Rising Stars Earned An Interior Design NEXT Award

In 2022, Interior Design launched its 30/30 program, where we crisscross the country, seeking and celebrating emerging talent—around age 30 or younger—working in commercial and residential design at Giants and regional firms in the north, south, east, and west. So far, we’ve been to 26 cities for 45 events, with 13 more to go in 2026. Each year culminates with our 30/30 National Conference, where 11 candidates receive a prestigious NEXT Award from Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen. Here’s the most recent cohort of ones to watch.

Two hands reaching each other hand.
A woman standing by the water with a city in the background.
Photography by Dhvani Doshi.

Dhvani Doshi

firm: LSM, Washington.
title: Associate, architectural designer.
project: WilmerHale, Washington.
role: Managed FF&E including presentations, specifications, shop drawing reviews, budgeting, scheduling, and installation coordination; supported construction documentation and administration.
fun fact: Enjoys working with her hands and making.

A woman applies colorful adhesive shapes to a dog-shaped sculpture on a cutting mat, with design plans and colored tape nearby on the table.
Photography by Eric Laignel.
A large white marble floor.
Photography by Anthony Iovino.
A man in a shirt looking up at the camera.
Photography by Sergei Sergienko.

Marcus Miller

firm: Workshop/APD, New York.
title: Designer.
project: Whoop, Boston (designed while at Studios Architecture).
role: Design development; construction documentation and administration; furniture design and specification.
fun fact: Practice director of LGBTQ+ soccer league New York Ramblers.

  • A red couch in a modern office with a view of the city.
    Photography by Garrett Rowland.
  • A group of women who are posing for a picture.
    Photography by banynyc_photography.
A woman in a black shirt smiling.
Fotio/courtesy of Studio K Creative.

Danyel Zmudka

firm: Studio K Creative, Chicago.
title: Interior designer.
project: Cordelia, Washington.
role: Space planning; material selection; 3D modeling; documentation.
fun fact: Likes to do pottery, paint, and sketch.

  • A restaurant with a long table and chairs.
    Photography courtesy of Studio K Creative.
  • A col of images of a woman and a cat.
    Photography by Danyel Zmudka.
A woman in a black shirt and white background.
Photography by Courtesy of Studios Architecture.

Miranda Kontner Klimek

firm: Studios Architecture, Washington.
title: Associate principal.
project: Silicon Valley Bank, Denver.
role: Concept development; space planning; material selection; 3D modeling and renderings; product sourcing; client presentations; documentation.
fun fact: Created Randmade, her wearable-art line.

  • A pair of shoes and a hat on the floor.
    Photography courtesy of Randmade.
  • A large blue and white sign.
    Photography courtesy of Ines Leong / L-ines Photo.
A woman in a white shirt and jacket.
Photography by Arsalan Abbasi.

Karina Papazian

firm: Perkins&Will, Charlotte, NC.
title: Interior designer II.
project: Confidential fintech client, Charlotte.
role: Helped shape concept, direct client presentations, and guide from vision through construction.
fun fact: Performs aerial arts and gymnastics.

  • A large open space with a large desk and chairs.
    Photography by Halkin Mason.
  • A woman in a tight suit is doing a trick.
    Photography by Ryan Allen.
A woman standing in front of a colorful wall.
Photography by Spoorthi Satheesh.

Rhea Roy

firm: HLW International, New York.
title: Associate interior designer.
project: Google, NY.
role: Developed spatial strategies across two floors; contributed to overall programmatic layout, material palette, and furniture selection; supported project coordination from concept through completion.
fun fact: Her style layers bright solids, traditional patterns, and the unexpected.

A living room with a large blue door.
Photography by Mike Van Tassell.
A woman standing in front of a torido.
Photography by Kevin Mendez Lopez.

Thao Ngo

firm: SmithGroup, Phoenix.
title: Interior designer II.
project: One North Central amenity center, Phoenix.
role: Helped with initial test fit and space programming; led finish and lighting selection; collaborated on furniture and accessories specification.
fun fact: She loves drawing, painting, and taking photos.

  • A large room with a couch and a chair.
    Photography by Kevin Brost/courtesy of Smithgroup.
  • A drawing of a young man with a shirt on.
    Illustration courtesy of Thao Ngo.
A woman in a hat taking a picture of herself.
Photography by Shanna Chan.

Shanna Chan

firm: Woods Bagot, New York.
title: Associate, design and project lead.
project: Brooklyn Tower lobby and amenity spaces, NY.
role: Guided from concept through delivery, coordinating with clients, consultants, and contractors at every stage.
fun fact: Her vibe is clean, polished, and expressive in detail.

A lobby with a large marble floor.
Photography by Adrian Gaut.
A woman in a black and white dress.
Photography by Rosie Mayne.

Rosie Mayne

firm: Bandura Design, Washington.
title: Interior designer.
project: Gas Worx, Tampa, Florida.
role: FFE specification, including design and curation of a custom art package.
fun fact: Applies special FX makeup for Halloween.

  • A living room with a large chandel and a baby crib.
    Photography by Genesis Studio.
  • Woman with long dark hair wears makeup featuring a gold zipper over her face, revealing gold and rhinestone detailing around her eye and cheek.
    Photography by Rosie Mayne.
A woman sitting on a chair.
Photography by Ryan Zeller.

Noelle Saeger

firm: Siren Betty Design, Chicago.
title: Designer.
project: Brasero, Chicago.
role: Initial concept imagery; floor plans; selected FF&E; drew and issued construction set; construction administration; contributed to finishes and styling.
fun fact: Known for checkerboard patterns, even on sunglasses.

  • Modern restaurant interior with wooden tables, striped upholstered bench seating, wall-mounted light fixtures, and potted plants arranged along the back wall.
    Photography by Wade McElroy.
  • A woman wearing a black and white checkered shirt.
    Photography by Noelle Saeger.
A woman standing in front of a wall.
Photography by Kurt Griesbach © Corgan.

Victoria Reynolds

firm: Corgan, New York.
title: Interior designer.
project: Fanatics, NY.
fun fact: Obsessed with and likes to sketch eggs. —Helene Oberman, Nicole Vega, and Annie Block

  • A long hallway with a red and blue ceiling.
    Photography by Kurt Griesbach © Corgan.
  • A bunch of drawings on a wall.
    Photography by Victoria Reynolds.

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