Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS) is proud to announce that junior Lucas Lugo has been selected for the highly competitive Cooper Hewitt Design Hive Program, a paid, youth-led initiative at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.  

The Design Hive program gives high school juniors and seniors in the New York City area the chance to explore professional design, collaborate on projects and see how ideas become finished products. Lugo, a Scotch Plains resident, is one of only 12 students selected for this prestigious program. 

“Not many people get this opportunity, so I am really proud of myself,” Lugo said. 

Lugo’s interest in design started in sixth grade, inspired by architecture, fashion and creative exploration. He has continued since then to take art classes in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district.  

“I have always been curious and loved exploring artists, designers, movies, music, and creators,” he said. “Design is everywhere, from water bottles to buildings.”  

His parents, both with design backgrounds, encouraged his creativity but never pressured him, allowing him to explore his passion freely. 

The idea for Lugo’s Design Hive application stemmed from a simple source: a planter in the SPFHS library that resembled a speaker, showing how small, everyday inspirations can spark major creative ideas. At SPFHS, Lugo also serves as vice president of the recently reestablished Fashion Club, a space for students to explore collaboration and creativity.  

As part of the Design Hive program, Lugo is thrilled to collaborate with other young designers, grow creatively and professionally, and meet mentors such as designer Devon Turnbull at his upcoming exhibit.  

He hopes to walk away with hands-on industry knowledge, strong communication skills and lasting professional connections. A skill he particularly wants to strengthen is learning to integrate with others’ ideas without clashing, a skill he sees as crucial for his future in college, professional life and any collaborative creative environments.  

Looking ahead, Lugo aims to pursue spatial experience design, a field blending architecture, interior design and human-centered spatial navigation. He plans to continue his education after high school and pursue a design-related path. He hopes to find a university with industry-based faculty and strong networking opportunities that will help him grow.  

When asked what advice he would give to his peers interested in the same field, Lugo encourages curiosity and exploration, “Actually care about and put thought into what you like. Explore different experiences such as movies, design, music, food and live events because inspiration is everywhere. My own project stemmed from a library planter, and it has truly shaped my path and creative growth.”