Metropolis Future 100
Interior design students Brooke Bower (MID), Ani Matzakos (BSID), and Jessica Wilsey (MID) are three of only 50 interior design students selected for Metropolis Magazine’s 2024 Future 100. This is the fourth year in a row that students from the UT Austin School of Architecture's Interior Design Program have been recognized with the prestigious designation, which honors the top 100 graduating architecture and design students in North America.
In addition to being featured in the March/April 2023 issue of Metropolis Magazine, work from the Future100 cohort was shared directly with recruiters across the country. To learn more about this year’s winners, we asked them a few questions about their interests and time at UTSOA.
Get to know Brooke Bower, Ani Matzakos, and Jessica Wilsey.
BROOKE BOWER
Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
What drew you to pursuing interior design?
For the first 21 years of my life, I dedicated myself to the study of dance. Throughout my dance career, I gained a profound understanding of how each environment shaped my movement. Factors like light, materiality, acoustics, and spatial layout became pivotal forces influencing my composition of movement. I have performed on stages all over the world, and yet the most fulfilling moments were those of intimate interiority. Through my extensive training, I've developed a deep understanding of spatial dynamics, human interaction, and the seamless integration of movement within the surrounding environment. Consciously exploring the ways my physicality could interact with both interior and exterior spaces, I embarked on a journey to discover how the built environment could serve as a dance partner, inspiring my choreography. This exploration ultimately propelled me towards a career in interior design. As I have transitioned my skills from the world of dance, I'm increasingly intrigued by how digital and physical interactions shape human connections in the modern era. Being a product of the digital age, I naturally view the world through a technological lens and take great pleasure in utilizing digital tools to create engaging physical spaces that connect bodies with one another through movement.
What were some of your favorite classes or most memorable experiences over the course of your time at the School of Architecture?
Larry Speck’s theory class pushed me out of my comfort zone—especially being the only interior design student—and I learned so much from my peers.
I also took Larry Speck’s Architecture and Society class as an undergrad. It has been so fulfilling to have been a T.A. for the class this past year, giving back to something that shaped me as I was introduced to the field of architecture.
During Core Studio II with Igor Siddiqui, my partner Maggie and I made an exercise sculpture. It was a push-up grip when in use and a sculpture when not. I absolutely loved working with her – our dynamic was working our butts off while still finding space to have fun. We were heavily influenced by 90’s infomercials and ended up making our own infomercial after completing our sculpture and it was awesome!
I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the most incredible souls from my time in this program and we all love a good happy hour at Hole in the Wall!
What are your plans post-graduation?
To travel this summer! And long-term to stay in Austin! I’m still talking to firms/negotiating salary so I haven’t signed anything official yet, but all of them are in Austin and I plan on staying here with my lab Luna 😊
ANASTASIA MATZAKOS
Houston, Texas
What drew you to pursuing interior design?
I think I was drawn to interior design as an opportunity to tap into both my imaginative and STEM interests. Growing up, I always loved activities like dance and art, but I also found math and science fascinating. I wanted to find a career that would allow me to integrate both in a meaningful way. This field provides such a compelling intersection between the two, and I'm excited to start working and continue to harness these passions. Additionally, the prospect of creating spaces for people to enjoy and meet their unique needs really excites me as a way to apply my love for design while helping others.
What were some of your favorite classes or most memorable experiences over the course of your time at the School of Architecture?
My favorite class I have taken here at UTSOA was my Design III Studio, where Professor Gaskins gave us an introduction to interior design through model making, patterns, and lighting studies. That class was challenging but also such a fun way to start our exploration of interiors, which really made me excited for the rest of my studios. One of my most memorable experiences here at the School of Architecture was our studio’s recent trip to New York City. It was very fun getting to experience the city from a design perspective and see different museums/exhibitions that drew on our studio work in a new way.
What are your plans post-graduation?
After graduation, I am hoping to pursue a job in the interior design field in Texas. I would like to continue exploring different areas of design as well as apply my business education to my job. I am also excited for the opportunity to travel and build my appreciation for different cultures and design styles.
JESSICA WILSEY
Hometown: Tampa, FL
What drew you to pursuing interior design?
What initially drew me to become a designer was the realization that design has the profound ability to influence how people perceive and interact with their surroundings. The notion that through thoughtful design, one could not only enhance the aesthetics of a space but also deeply affect the emotional and quality of it was incredibly compelling. I became fascinated with the potential of design to shape everyday experiences, to create environments that are not only functional but also enriching and inspiring. This interest grew as I explored how different elements—light, texture, space, and even scent and sound—can be orchestrated to evoke a specific mood or atmosphere, to tell a story without words. It's about understanding and responding to the needs and aspirations of the people who inhabit them, making their lives better in tangible and intangible ways.
What were some of your favorite classes or most memorable experiences over the course of your time at the School of Architecture?
My most memorable experience has been the late nights in the studio with the people in my cohort. I moved to Austin for this program, not knowing anyone, and I left with some really wonderful (and talented) friends. I am almost certain that my experience in this program would not have been the same without the people I spent so much of my time with these past 3 years. A lot of laughs, a lot of learning curves, and a lot of great memories.
What are your plans post-graduation?
I am planning to stay and work at an Architecture firm here in Austin. I am excited to experience this city in my post-graduate life.
