The recognition places Shanna among nearly 60 emerging designers who gathered at THE MART in Chicago from November 2-4, 2025, for a three-day immersive experience that has become one of the design industry’s most significant platforms for emerging talent. Interior Design’s 30/30 program doesn’t simply celebrate youth, it identifies designers whose leadership and innovation are actively pushing the profession forward. 

The NEXT Awards, hosted by Interior Design Editor-in-Chief Cindy Allen, capped the conference, honouring Shanna and a select group of her peers for exactly this kind of transformative impact. 

Throughout the conference, attendees engaged with thought-provoking sessions that challenged them to think expansively while leaning into the personal — themes that resonate deeply with Woods Bagot’s commitment to designing for worlds ahead. AJ Paron, SANDOW Design Group EVP and design futurist, explored design empathy and the life-changing impact of intentional design. Brant Menswar examined decision drivers like core values and authenticity, while ThinkLab founder Amanda Schneider led workshops on building design careers and reaching the next generation of designers. 

Shanna’s selection for this honour reflects not only her individual talent but also Woods Bagot’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of design leaders. As our New York studio continues to tackle complex projects through a blend of local insight and global expertise, recognitions like this affirm that our investment in emerging designers is shaping both individual careers and the broader trajectory of the profession. 

The NEXT award represents more than recognition of past achievements—it’s an investment in future possibilities. For Shanna Chan and her cohort, the conference offered not just celebration but challenge: to continue pushing boundaries, to design with empathy and intention, and to build the future of design one thoughtful decision at a time.