A highlight of the month was our annual Career Fair, where students connected with professionals from across the architecture, design, and construction industries. What stood out most was seeing our alumni come full circle, representing firms and engaging with students who are just beginning to imagine their own paths.

This year, we welcomed a dynamic group of firms including , , and along with organizations like AIA San Diego and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Each conversation, introduction, and shared moment helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

We were proud to host more than 40 firms in total, reflecting the strength and reach of the NewSchool network. View the full list of participating firms here.

March also marked our first Open House of 2026, where families, friends, prospective students, and incoming Fall 2026 students spent time experiencing campus life. There was a natural curiosity in the air as visitors explored studio spaces, met faculty, and connected with current students. It was less about presentation and more about presence—getting a real sense of what it feels like to be here.

That sense of community was made even stronger thanks to our partners at , , and . Their support helped create an environment that felt welcoming and connected beyond campus itself.

We also had the pleasure of hosting students from Patrick Henry High School and the Fresno City College Architecture Club. They spent time with our faculty, learned about our programs, and experienced the rhythm of a typical day in our studios. It gave them a chance to picture themselves here, not someday in theory, but in a way that felt real and immediate.

What made March special was not just the number of events, but the feeling behind them. There was openness, curiosity, and a genuine sense that people wanted to be here and be part of something. That is what continues to shape the NewSchool experience.

If you were not able to join us on campus, there are still ways to stay connected. You can follow us on for updates on virtual information sessions or reach out to connect with our program chairs. We look forward to welcoming you into the NewSchool community soon!

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Among those celebrating this milestone was , a proud alumna of NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Her presence reflects the meaningful role NewSchool graduates continue to play in shaping communities beyond the classroom.

A New Retail Destination for a Growing Community

Located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Oak Valley Parkway, Oak Valley Village is positioned to become a central gathering place for the Inland Empire.

The development will be anchored by and . These well-known retailers will bring everyday essentials, wellness-focused options, and convenient shopping closer to home. Together with additional retail and dining spaces, the center is designed to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population.

With more than 96,000 residents living within a five-mile radius, the project responds to a clear need for accessible services and community-centered spaces.

A Shared Effort to Support Beaumont’s Growth

Projects like Oak Valley Village come to life through collaboration. Leaders from the City of Beaumont, including Mayor Mike Lara, Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Voigt, and City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs, worked alongside Regency Centers to help move this vision forward.

The groundbreaking ceremony reflected the community’s excitement and pride. A performance by the Beaumont High School Marching Band brought people together and marked the beginning of something meaningful for the city.

Looking Ahead

Construction is now underway, with the opening of anchor tenants anticipated in the second half of 2027. Once complete, Oak Valley Village will include:

• A 148,000-square-foot Target
• A 23,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market
• More than 34,000 square feet of retail and dining space

The center is expected to become a welcoming place where residents can gather, run daily errands, and spend time together.

From Education to Impact

For NewSchool, moments like this speak to something larger. They reflect how students grow into professionals who contribute thoughtfully to the communities around them. Projects like Oak Valley Village show how design and development can support not just economic growth, but also everyday connection and quality of life.

For more updates on this project and other retail developments, follow on LinkedIn.

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We are thrilled to share a landmark achievement for the  community.

In spring 2025, the and the released the much-anticipated 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This updated framework introduced a groundbreaking new metric: the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

We are incredibly proud to announce that as part of this release, NewSchool of Architecture & Design has been officially classified in the top tier of this new system: Higher Access, Higher Earnings—a designation officially known as an Opportunity College and University.

What Does This Classification Mean?

For decades, the Carnegie Classifications have been the leading framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States. The new Student Access and Earnings Classification was designed to recognize institutions that are true engines of social and economic mobility.

To earn the “Opportunity College” designation, an institution must excel in two key areas:

• Higher Access: Enrolling a student population that is representative of and reflects the diverse communities the institution serves.
• Higher Earnings: Ensuring that after students leave the institution, they go on to earn competitive, wealth-generating wages compared to peers in their job market.

Being named an Opportunity College is a powerful affirmation of our core mission. It proves by the numbers what we see every day in our studios and classrooms: NewSchool is not just an accessible place to learn; it is a springboard for thriving, lucrative careers in architecture, design, and beyond.

To commemorate this milestone, the Carnegie Foundation has provided recognized institutions with official branding to celebrate their impact.

Today, we are incredibly proud to share the newly designed official seal for our Opportunity College and University classification.

Whenever you see this seal on our website, campus materials, or alumni network, let it serve as a reminder of our collective commitment to student success, equity, and post-graduation prosperity. This recognition belongs to our dedicated faculty, our hardworking staff, and most importantly, our brilliant students and alumni who go out and shape the world.

Thank you for being a part of the NewSchool journey. Here is to continuing to build a brighter, more accessible future together!

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In a recent article from , student writer and photographer Santiago Girault reflects on the intensity of studying architecture and design—long studio hours, demanding projects, and the constant pursuit of creative excellence. Through conversations with fellow students, the article highlights how taking time to step away from the studio and spend time outdoors can help students recharge, think more clearly, and approach their work with renewed creativity.

Students featured in the story share how activities like surfing, golf, and archery help them manage stress and maintain focus throughout their academic journey. Their reflections remind us that success in design education is not only about meeting deadlines, but also about caring for one’s well-being and maintaining balance.

The piece offers a thoughtful look at how NewSchool students support their own creativity and resilience—both inside and outside the studio.

Read the full student feature from �մdzܳ���é here:

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Tickets are still available on , including few discounted student tickets.

What is the Service Jam?

A weekend of doing: listening to real people share their challenges, exploring solutions that meet real needs, and prototyping to develop a solution in 48 hours.

The Jam includes practitioner “flash talks” from notable design thinkers along with tactical coaching and mentorship from practitioners. Tiziana d’Agostino, assistant professor in the school of Design will be giving a Flash Talk on Friday night.

What makes special isn’t just the process: it’s the people, the play, and the practice. Participants don’t sit through talks. They learn by building, testing, and sharing together, supported by local practitioners who believe design should be accessible, human, and joyful.

San Diego Service Jam is part of the , a worldwide movement that brings together designers, educators, technologists, and community members to solve meaningful problems through service design.

Both newbies and experts are welcome. You’ll walk away with new tools for your service design toolkit, share a few scrumptious meals with new friends, and create solid service prototype with a team of fellow designers.

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Her leadership has supported continued program development and reinforced NewSchool’s commitment to rigorous, forward-thinking design education. In her new role, Deutsch will guide the university’s academic strategy, support accreditation preparation, and help lead the continued evolution of NewSchool as a digitally forward, design-driven institution.

As NewSchool continues to grow and prepare students for the future of design and the built environment, this leadership transition marks an exciting step forward. With Deutsch helping shape academic vision and strategy, the institution is well positioned to advance creative, interdisciplinary learning that empowers the next generation of architects and designers.

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The piece observes a world filled with irresistible products that often encourage over-consumption. Many use psychology to spark desire and guide behavior, creating cycles that benefit companies but pressure consumers and the planet.

Yet seductive design also has the potential to do good. When applied thoughtfully, it can make products accessible, sustainable, and meaningful. Examples like the , and the Elli Q AI assistant demonstrate how beautiful, intentional design can solve problems, improve lives, and still delight the senses.

The article is a timely reflection on the impact of design and the role of women shaping a more responsible and inclusive creative industry. It shows that design can inspire, guide, and change behavior when paired with care and intention.

Read the full article by Tiziana D’Agostino .

Reference: Heart and Mind UX.

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This summer, NewSchool of Architecture & Design invites high school students to experience that moment through the Design & Build Summer Intensive—a four-day, hands-on studio experience on campus where creativity, mentorship, and collaboration come together.

Guided by faculty mentors and industry professionals, students will work in our design studios exploring how ideas move from concept to creation. Participants will gain exposure to multiple disciplines, including Architecture, Design, and Construction Management, helping them understand how each field contributes to shaping the built environment.

Throughout the program, students will:

Work in hands-on studio sessions building models and prototypes

Participate in interactive workshops with faculty and industry professionals

Explore architecture, product design, and construction management tracks

Connect with mentors and peers who share an interest in design and building

The program concludes with a final showcase, where students present their work to family and friends, celebrating the ideas and projects they’ve developed over the four-day experience.

Early Registration: April 1 – April 14

To keep the studio experience collaborative and mentorship-focused, space is limited. Families and students are encouraged to submit an inquiry to receive program updates and early access to registration.

Submit the inquiry form to stay informed about the .

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This impact is visible throughout the city, from community-centered projects to the vibrant energy of the . As a hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression, the district celebrates Black voices while strengthening community connection. It reflects the city our students are immersed in, one shaped by diversity, innovation, and shared purpose.

One of the most powerful examples of this legacy is , an internationally recognized interior designer who grew up in San Diego. Raised in a family of trailblazers, Shade learned early the values of leadership, perseverance, and service. His groundbreaking Harlem United Show House, the world’s first Black show house, brought global attention to Black designers and demonstrated how culture and identity can transform spaces into meaningful expressions of belonging.

At NewSchool, we believe human-centered design begins with empathy, representation, and intention. In our studios and classrooms, students are encouraged to design from lived experience, cultural identity, and social impact. By honoring the legacy of Black creatives in San Diego, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive creativity and to preparing designers who shape not just spaces, but opportunity.

References

Roderick N. Shade – Biography and notable works. Architectural Digest. Retrieved from

San Diego Black Arts and Culture District – City of San Diego. Retrieved from https://www.sandiego.gov/arts-culture/black-arts-district

Blacks in San Diego: Historical Perspectives – San Diego Historical Society, The Journal of San Diego History, 27(2). Retrieved from

NSAD Diversity and Human-Centered Design Initiatives – NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Retrieved from NewSchool Core Values

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At the intersection of community, culture, and the built environment, Goyo Ortiz-Muñoz’s work asks a fundamental question: how can cities be designed to serve the people who shape them? His teaching and practice are rooted in community-driven design and collaborative urbanism, emphasizing thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable approaches to the complexities of contemporary cities.

With extensive professional experience spanning independent practice and leading architectural firms, Goyo specializes in urban design at the convergence of policy, place, and people. Most recently, he served as Community Development Choreographer at Casa Familiar, a community-based organization in San Ysidro along the U.S.–Mexico border. There, he worked closely with local governments and community stakeholders to advance affordable housing initiatives, environmental strategies, cultural spaces, and public infrastructure projects grounded in community priorities.

A self-described border citizen, Goyo was born in Tijuana and raised between Los Angeles and San Diego. This transborder perspective informs his scholarship and design work, which focuses on the broader LA–SD–TJ region and examines themes of temporality, transformation, and adaptation within the built environment. His professional portfolio includes architectural design and development projects across California and the Northeastern United States.

In addition to his professional practice, Goyo has taught as an adjunct professor at several universities throughout the San Diego–Tijuana region and currently serves on the boards of multiple community organizations dedicated to art, culture, and affordable housing advocacy. Together, these experiences shape the depth, rigor, and real-world relevance he brings into the classroom and design studio—offering students not only technical knowledge, but a passionate, place-based understanding of how design can operate as a catalyst for social impact.

Goyo Ortiz-Muñoz
Associate Professor | Assistant Director, Architecture Programs

Education
M.U.P., UCLA | B.Arch, Woodbury University

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