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NewSchool of Architecture and Design was honored to be profiled in and named Top Architecture and Design School 2025. Daniela Deutsch, Dean of Architecture, and Victor Nacif, Chair of School of Design, were interviewed for the article, and cited multiple times.

” We are actively shaping the future of architectural education in ways that will prepare our students for the global challenges and opportunities ahead” explained Daniela. “We are creating a process where the power of AI expands creative capacity” Victor adds.

The described the school as “shaping the future of learning” by creating a new type of education that ” blends technology with human-centered values, foster interdisciplinary teamwork, and empowers students to take on real-world challenges.

 

 

Stephen鈥檚 journey wasn鈥檛 like most. Prior to enrolling as a student at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, he worked in public service with San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins, focusing on redevelopment, affordable housing, and community planning. A major focus was City Heights, including the and advocating for accessible transit stations in the community. 

This focus on urban development and transit advocacy sparked a deep interest in Stephen to learn more about how architecture helps shape more equitable cities. 

 鈥淭he case studies we worked on [at NewSchool] were projects that were embedded within the community. That was a perfect fit for me because I felt like I was really pursuing my vision.鈥� 

Stephen credits NewSchool鈥檚 flexible curriculum and supportive faculty as key to his growth as both an architect and advocate. 

鈥淔aculty were open and encouraging to the perspectives I was able to bring here. They were supportive in ways where I was able to ask myself, 鈥榃hat is my vision for myself in this field?鈥欌�� 

Head of Integrative Studies and professor, Bruce Matthes, has found memories of Stephen as a student.  

鈥淚t was the first class I ever taught at NewSchool, Intro to Research, and there鈥檚 Stephen Russell, already dressed like a professional, sitting near the front of the class and asking probing questions about research. I could tell day one he was serious about his studies and about helping others; turns out, he was already on his way.鈥� 

Stephen鈥檚 commitment to research and helping others never stopped after attending NewSchool and his emphasis on sustainability and urban planning aligned perfectly with his interest in community planning, which he believes is inseparable from architecture.鈥� 

鈥疶urning a Passion for Architecture into a Career in Affordable Housing鈥� 

For Stephen, architecture is more than just designing buildings; it鈥檚 a tool for equity and community transformation.鈥�鈥� 

Stephen is currently the President and CEO of the (SDHF) a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing for low-income communities across the San Diego region. The SDHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the affordable housing development sector through lobbying, professional development, and networking.鈥�鈥� 

Through his work at the SDHF, Stephen continues to use the principles of design to not only create affordable housing for people but also to make livable spaces that serve real human needs.  He exemplifies the human-centered and community-focused impact that NewSchool strives to have its alumni 尘补办别鈥攃谤别补迟颈苍驳 lasting change that serves and uplifts others. 

Stephen also currently serves on the board of the NewSchool Foundation and is an active alumnus in the community. 

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 separate architecture and community planning. The community plan is the infrastructure within which we build,鈥� Stephen shares. 

Stephen Russell graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Architecture.