METROPOLIS Future100 Class of 2026 Includes 3 UB Architecture Students

Berkan Sari (MArch ’26)

"Berkan is vigorously passionate about architecture, and honestly ambitious in his learning goals,” said Miguel Guitart, associate professor in the Department of Architecture. “His capacities for architectural design, graphic skills, and leadership are exceptional."

Originally from Türkiye, Berkan’s experiences in Istanbul — especially support and early encouragement from his mother — shaped his interest in architecture. His time at UB has emphasized the importance of learning through making, which contrasts his more theoretical undergraduate education in Türkiye. “Receiving the Future100 award was unexpected and motivating, especially after facing administrative challenges,” he said. “Working with faculty like Dennis Maher and Gregory Serweta has shown me the power of challenging known things.” 

Berkan’s portfolio highlights a project focused on an art museum in Buffalo, reimagining a downtown parking lot into a culturally significant space inspired by historic architecture. The project simulated expectations of working at an architectural practice — partnering with multiple collaborators and stakeholders to solve real-world challenges. Berkan shared his revelation that “Architects are facing increasing complexities with regulations and materials while still striving for unique designs. I hope to advocate for designs that connect more closely with the inhabitants rather than imposing top-down decisions.”

Berkan hopes to gain experience working in the field, bridging the gap between education and practice, and dreams of opening his own firm someday. When asked what advice he would give to students hoping to be recognized in programs like this one, he said travel is a priority. “Have different experiences in different countries! Travel to see how other countries work and how they approach architecture. That’s what I’m trying to do.” 

Yosi Hoffman (MArch ’26)

“My first exposure to architecture was through the blueprints of our house,” said Yosi. “As a kid I always loved looking at them, walking through different rooms and comparing them to the plans.” After graduating from UB with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and a Minor in Architecture, Yosi enrolled in the Master of Architecture program. His portfolio emphasizes community engagement initiatives, sustainability, and adaptive reuse.

At this stage of his educational journey, Yosi says being named to the Future100 list is incredibly meaningful. “It reflects the importance of my work at UB over the past five years, emphasizes the value of resilient design, and inspires me to continue designing with environmental consciousness.” Mentors like Beth Tauke, associate professor of Architecture, and Kenneth MacKay, clinical associate professor of Architecture, have significantly influenced Yosi’s interdisciplinary approach, research, and interest in photography. Ken serves on Yosi’s thesis committee, which explores collage as a method for constructing ‘photo-interventions’ within existing structures. “Ken has shaped how I approach architecture, photography, and their overlap. His guidance has been instrumental in helping me develop my own creative process.” Yosi credits UB’s involved and accessible faculty as a primary reason he chose to pursue his graduate degree here. “Whatever you are working on or struggling with, there is a faculty member who is interested in the same area of study, open to discussing your work with you, and eager to pursue its next steps together.”

His project “approaching careful (re)development,” designed in partnership with Allison Lavis, aimed to turn an abandoned factory building in Buffalo into a community center. Yosi explained that they rooted their response in the local community, proposing to establish a Community Land Trust — where a non-profit organization, governed by community members, holds the land to prioritize affordable community needs — on the site. “Social, environmental, and economic issues are pushing us to rethink how we practice architecture today. It is my belief that the discipline does not need to shrink, it needs to expand,” he said.

After graduation, Yosi hopes to join a firm focused on adaptive reuse projects, hone his architectural photography skills, and pursue ongoing research with BEVL (the School’s Building Environment Visualization Lab). 

Mason Montgomery (MArch ’27)

Mason is a creative and critical thinker in our Master of Science in Architecture program, under the new Design for Manufacturing and Construction concentration. Recognition on the Future100 list stems from his unique design perspective and approach that’s focused on real-world needs. Inspired by his grandfather, Mason chooses to focus on lessons he can learn through questioning established ideas. He shared that UB provides a supportive yet flexible environment that allows him to take creative risks and set personal standards.

“Mason is an incredibly promising designer,” said Miguel Guitart. “He has demonstrated an unusual capacity for abstract thinking and the understanding of complex solutions. Far from conventional, his work always offers more than a simple solution."

Mason’s portfolio focuses on real-people and not just artistic goals — he’s designed a community center that addressed the needs of people experiencing homelessness, an auditorium that engaged the working class, and a housing project that supported individual creativity. 

Being named to the Future100 is meaningful validation — “This recognition has helped me see that my perspective has value. It’s reinforced that approaching design differently isn’t a weakness, but something that can make my work stronger and more distinct.”

To view all winners’ portfolios, you can visit the  METROPOLIS website.