At the heart of this partnership is a shared commitment to student-focused programming. Together with AIGA, we are actively developing meaningful events and activities designed to showcase the incredible work of our design students. These initiatives provide a vital platform for our emerging designers to connect with industry leaders, share their unique perspectives, and elevate their craft.

One of the most exciting early milestones of this collaboration was the San Diego Pride Day Parade float. Working alongside AIGA San Diego Tijuana, we channeled our collective creativity to build an unforgettable experience that celebrated inclusion, community, and the power of design. It was an incredibly proud moment for our students and faculty to see our vibrant float representing NewSchool in front of more than 250,000 spectators along the parade route.

This shared success is just the beginning of what we can achieve together. We are deeply grateful for AIGA’s continued support and collaboration, and we look forward to launching our next joint project to further empower our vibrant, cross-border creative community.

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It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved faculty colleague, Donald Sondys, on August 14, 2026. Don was a treasured member of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design community, and his loss will be deeply felt by his colleagues, students, and the broader design world.

Don dedicated over 40 years to the design profession, establishing himself as a master of digital modeling and product visualization. His extensive industry experience and visionary approach left an indelible mark on both the products he helped create, and the aspiring designers he mentored.

A Legacy of Design Excellence Before bringing his talents to the classroom, Don spent an extraordinary 29 years at Nissan Design America. During his distinguished tenure, he played a pivotal role in advanced visualization projects, most notably contributing to the innovative Infiniti HMI concept vision. His ability to seamlessly blend technical precision with forward-thinking design made him a highly respected figure in the automotive design industry.

Dedication to Education A proud 1982 graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design, Don’s passion for his craft naturally evolved into a passion for teaching. He became an active design instructor in the San Diego academic community in 2020. At NewSchool, Don taught Advanced Visualization, where he was known not just for his unparalleled technical expertise, but for his patience, kindness, and genuine investment in student success. He translated his decades of high-level industry experience into accessible, inspiring lessons that prepared our students for the realities of the professional design world.

Don’s presence in our studios and his commitment to our students’ growth embodied the very best of our institution’s values. He will be remembered for his warmth, his generous spirit, and the lasting impact he made on the next generation of designers.

Our deepest condolences go out to Don’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him and learning from him.

(Please note: We will share further information regarding memorial services or arrangements as it becomes available and in accordance with the family’s wishes. If you or your students need support during this difficult time, please reach out to campus counseling resources.)

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A native of Tijuana, Baja California, García studied architecture at Southwestern College and earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Woodbury University, receiving the WSD Thesis Award. He is currently pursuing a Master of Construction Management.

In 2012, García co-founded Prismática Architects, a bi-national architecture and design practice recognized for innovative work exploring the intersection of design, culture, and craft. The firm has received notable honors, including the AIA San Diego Merit Award for Edie’s Tire Shop (2023) and the AIA San Diego ADU Honor Award for Chula Vista Garage (2019). Prismática’s work has been featured in publications such as ArchDaily, Designboom, Habitat, and Código.

Before founding Prismática, García collaborated on projects with Research Facilities Design, Foster + Partners, Dodd & Associates, and Estudio Teddy Cruz. A licensed California contractor since 2021, he integrates design and construction to deliver impactful, community-centered projects. Outside of architecture, he enjoys spending time with his family and  music played by his twins.

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Rethinking the Social Impact of Design

Dario will lead a provocative and timely discussion during the Professional and Education Symposium, challenging the current trajectory of the design industry. His session will dive deep into the following theme:

As Design grows and stretches to encompass more and more activities and disciplines, the social impact of Design becomes more and more confused, and often overlooked. The world needs another wave of Radical Design; the current idea of good design being ‘invisible’ is sneaky and dangerous.

During his presentation, Dario will explore how iconic designs of the past fueled lively cultural discourse—often by being polarizing or provocative. In contrast, today’s design discipline frequently pushes towards flatness and compliance, leading to social results that are not always positive. When designers rely on a “don’t make me think” mentality, automatisms win, causing awareness and mindfulness to decline. Dario will challenge attendees to rethink this approach and ask whether it is time to correct the course and bring radical mindfulness back to the forefront.

�������� Dario Miticocchio

Originally trained as an architect, Dario refers to himself as a “Design Nomad,” continuously exploring new facets of the discipline. With a vibrant career that includes collaborating with masters like Makio Hasuike and Stefano Giovannoni, Dario brings decades of expertise in delivering iconic and award-winning designs across architecture, products, and user experiences. At NewSchool, his restless curiosity helps foster a stimulating academic environment as he continues to shape our cutting-edge design programs.  

Join the Conversation in Pasadena

We encourage all our students, alumni, and design enthusiasts to attend the 2026 IDC & Education Symposium to support Dario and engage in these vital conversations shaping the future of our field.

For more information about the symposium, the full agenda, and registration details, please visit the .

This panel video showcases Dario’s extensive background and design philosophy, offering excellent background context before you attend his upcoming session.

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After high school, I had the privilege of experiencing what it was like to live on my own in San Francisco. After that experience, I came back to San Diego and started my architecture school journey.

My interest in architecture actually started when I was younger. Growing up, I had the opportunity to go on missionary trips to Baja California. During one of those trips, I saw how nonprofit organizations were helping families build homes using recycled glass bottles. That really caught my attention. I remember thinking about how something as simple as recycled materials and pieces of the earth could be used to create a home for a family. It made me realize that architecture could be more than just designing a building. It could actually help people.

I continued my architecture education at San Diego Mesa College, where I started with hand drawing and free sketching. One of my favorite parts was being able to start with an idea in my head and slowly turn it into a building through sketches and plans. I enjoyed thinking about how a building would work from the inside and outside, what materials could be used, and even how the colors would come together. I think it’s amazing that architecture students can create something functional just by putting their ideas on paper and imagining what is possible.

Architecture can also be very competitive. Sometimes, the person you are competing with the most is yourself. I always wanted to push myself to do better and learn more, which is one of the reasons I chose to continue my education at NewSchool of Architecture & Design.

Coming to NewSchool as a transfer student was honestly scary. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was worried that I was already behind, especially because I was learning new software like Rhino and experiencing things like 3D printing for the first time. But I also realized that everyone was starting something new in their own way. We didn’t always know where to start, and that was okay.

I met some amazing classmates who came from different backgrounds and had different experiences. We were all willing to help each other, and somehow we ended up spending almost every day together, going through the same exhaustion, stress, and excitement. There was definitely a little bit of competition between us, but we also pushed each other to keep going. Having that support from my classmates made me feel more comfortable and helped me continue growing, not only as an architecture student but also as a person.

Because of that experience, I wanted to become more involved in the school. I applied for work-study and started working with the Outreach Department. I’ve had the opportunity to meet an amazing staff, including some of the same people who helped me find my way to NewSchool in the first place.

Now, I want to be able to do that for someone else.

I know what it feels like to be scared of taking on a new challenge or wondering if you’re ready for the next step. But sometimes, choosing the experience even when you’re scared is what helps you grow. My journey to NewSchool has taught me that it’s okay not to know everything, as long as you’re willing to learn, try new things, and keep moving forward.

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Tommy’s journey to NewSchool began by chance while delivering a catering order to a campus open house. Inspired by the architectural models and student work on display, he knew he had found the place where he would pursue his childhood dream of becoming an architect.

After graduating as Valedictorian from NewSchool of Architecture & Design with a Bachelor of Architecture and minors in Construction Management and Neuroscience for Architecture, Tommy immediately joined the faculty, teaching Environmental Systems I & II while launching his career with De Bartolo & Rimanic Design Studies (DBRDS). At DBRDS, Tommy has contributed to multifamily residential, hospitality, mixed-use, and religious projects as a Design Coordinator.

As he balanced teaching with professional practice, Tommy gained valuable field experience while preparing for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Architectural Registration Examinations (ARE). This combination allowed him to bring current industry practices and real-world project experience directly into the classroom, helping prepare students not only for academic success but also for practice and licensure.

Reflecting on his time at NewSchool, Tommy credits mentors Alan Rosenblum and Daniela Deutsch with shaping his approach to design through curiosity, critical thinking, and purposeful problem-solving. He also credits his involvement with NewSchool’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter with helping shape his professional network and leadership skills. During his tenure as AIAS Chapter President, he received both the Chapter Honor Award and the Chapter President Honor Award in 2019, while forging lasting connections that continue to shape his career.

Outside of practice and teaching, Tommy has remained active in the profession through leadership roles with the Balboa Park Committee of 100, the NewSchool Foundation, and the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), where he served as Membership Committee Chair and co-chair of the Orchids & Onions program. He currently serves as Faculty Advisor for NewSchool’s AIAS chapter, continuing his commitment to mentoring future architects.

Beyond architecture, Tommy also enjoys graphic design and currently creates designs for ThaRiches, a Los Angeles-based clothing designer whose line was featured during Bad Bunny’s 2026 halftime performance.

Tommy became a licensed architect in the State of California in July 2026, achieving a goal he had pursued since childhood.

Looking back on his own journey, Tommy offers this advice to current students:

“Architecture school is not just about learning how to design buildings—it’s about learning how to observe, think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems.”

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The Power of Visual Communication

For Uyen, graphic design is about much more than just aesthetics—it is about deep, resonant communication. “I am always curious about the meaning behind the visuals,” she explains. Her ultimate goal is to craft visual systems that deliver powerful messages, helping audiences grasp complex ideas “faster than a thousand words.”

The NewSchool Advantage

When asked what makes earning her degree special, Uyen points to the clarity and career-readiness built into the curriculum. The structured program gives her a clear understanding of her educational path and how each step directly benefits her future career.

A major highlight of her time on campus has been the faculty. Uyen values the variety of instructors who bring real-world industry experience directly into the classroom. By demonstrating industry standards, expectations, and diverse workflows, these instructors are preparing students for the professional world. Furthermore, the regular inclusion of guest experts helps students experience professional critique, understand how graphic design intersects with other disciplines, and build their professional networks.

Real-World Studio Experience

Uyen’s favorite—and most challenging—assignment so far has been the IKO project in Comprehensive Studio I, taught by Mrs. Deny Ehrlich.

“The goal of the class is to give students real-world studio experience, where creatives work on their individuals’ projects but also help their peers whenever they get stuck in the process,” Uyen shares.

Under Mrs. Ehrlich’s motivation and guidance, Uyen learned how to seamlessly combine visuals and branding for highly effective presentations. While the design work was a major component, Uyen notes that the collaborative, supportive experience of the class itself is what makes it her most memorable moment so far.

Looking Ahead: Future Creative Director

After graduation, Uyen has her sights set on leadership. She aims to become a Creative Director, bringing amazing projects to life and ensuring that her clients’ most meaningful messages are perfectly expressed to their target audiences.

Words of Wisdom for Incoming Students

For new students just beginning their creative journeys, Uyen offers four excellent pieces of advice:

1. Seek guidance: Help is always available when you ask the right person.
2. Keep growing: Your skills shouldn’t stop developing just because an assignment ends.
3. Build your body of work: A strong portfolio starts with good, finished projects.
4. Master the message: Good designers are good communicators.

We are incredibly proud to have Uyen in our creative community and cannot wait to see the amazing projects she will undoubtedly bring to life in the future!

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Written by Mohamed Bassie Kamara and Noah Ragas 

Photography by Katherine Hayler-Jones 

Talking to Allan Manzano did not feel like a regular interview; it felt like a real conversation with someone who has been through adversity in life and came out wanting to give back. Allan is from southeast San Diego. He is a graphic designer by trade, but he is also a creative person who mentors others and someone who remains humble and never forgets where he came from. 

Growing up in southeast San Diego in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Allan saw a lot of street life including gang activity and just about everything in between. But he also saw art. And he learned early on how to bring street life and art together. Yet art wasn’t just something that Allan liked— it was how he came to understand the world around him. His cousin first introduced him to drawing by sketching He-Man and Voltron characters, and from there, Allan never stopped creating.  

Yet, he didn’t always feel seen in the design world. As a person of color, Allan felt he had to code-switch for years, dress a certain way and put on the button-down shirt and “talk proper,” just to play the part and fit in. But deep down, he knew that was not really him. “I became numb,” he said, “and I kind of lost my identity.”  

It was not until after many years in the industry and getting laid off that Allan dealt with burnout and decided to start using his voice. “It’s not about what you do, it’s about what you talk about, what your ideas are. Just remember, you’re a designer second. You’re a human first.” 

Currently, Allan runs his own design company in the same area where he grew up. He also teaches and mentors young artists, and he is helping to build the next generation of designers. For him, design is about more than logos or layouts. It is about representation and about giving kids from neighborhoods like his, a reason to believe that they can make it. Allan does this by empowering them to believe that their creativity matters. He shared that his biggest challenge is no longer his design work, but getting parents in the community to see the value of art and design for the next generation of children. 

“There’s a lot of talent out here,” he said. “But some people still don’t take it seriously. They’d rather their kid be a nurse or engineer, not a designer.” This is why stories like this matter. We did not visit Allan’s studio simply to interview him and then write this article to make our professor sound special. Instead, we did the interview to highlight that mentors like Allan exist, designers who are willing to help students like us learn and mature. We hope there are other designers like Allan out there, ones who have made it through all the noise, stayed true to themselves, and who are willing to help others do the same.

If there is one thing to take away from Allan’s story, it is this: do not quit on your gift. Even when it feels like no one else understands it. Even when the path gets difficult. Stay the course. And once you figure it out— reach back and help someone else do the same. Design can change lives, and Allan Manzano is helping change ours.

from left to right: NewSchool of Architecture & Design students, Katherine Hayler-Jones and Noah Ragas, faculty, Allan Manzano, student, Mahammed Bassie Kamara

Allan Manzano currently teaches design courses at NewSchool of Architecture & Design.

You can find him on Instagram here:

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During his time at NewSchool, Arya developed a passion for graphic design while also expanding his interests into filmmaking, photography, branding, motion graphics, music, storytelling, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. He enjoyed the freedom to work across creative mediums and discovered that some of his strongest ideas emerged when different disciplines intersected.

Among the projects he is most proud of are Koffee Korners, a coffee brand inspired by his love of coffee and the sense of community found in coffee culture; Billionaire, a fashion and lifestyle magazine that allowed him to combine editorial design with luxury branding; Māyā Rasa, a fragrance brand that explored storytelling through visual identity and sensory experience; Cue, a social media application designed to help people build meaningful connections through shared interests; and Pacified, a short film project that brought together his interests in cinematography, storytelling, and visual communication.

Beyond the classroom, Arya served as a Student Ambassador Lead, where he helped represent the NewSchool community and supported prospective students throughout their admissions journey. One of his proudest accomplishments was being selected as a student commencement speaker, an opportunity that allowed him to reflect on his educational journey and share it with his graduating class.

When reflecting on his NewSchool experience, Arya considers one of his greatest takeaways to be the confidence to pursue multiple creative paths. His education taught him that design is not limited to a single medium and that creativity can thrive across disciplines when approached with curiosity and purpose.

Looking ahead, Arya hopes to continue building a career that blends design, filmmaking, photography, and creative direction. Whether through branding, visual storytelling, cinematography, or emerging technologies, he aims to create work that connects with audiences, sparks emotion, and leaves a lasting impact.

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If you’ve ever walked into a traditional classroom and felt like the cinderblock walls and fluorescent lights were actively draining your creativity, you aren’t alone. Education is evolving rapidly, but the physical spaces where students learn have largely remained stuck in the past.

That is, until now.

In a fascinating piece published today in the San Diego Union-Tribune titled , we get a front-row seat to what the next generation of learning environments will look like. And at the center of this architectural revolution are the brilliant, rising minds from San Diego’s own NewSchool of Architecture & Design.

The NewSchool Advantage: More Than Just Blueprints

It’s no surprise that students and alumni from NewSchool are leading the charge on this. Located right in the heart of East Village, NewSchool has long been known as an “idea factory” that pushes its students beyond traditional design. They aren’t just taught to draw blueprints; they are trained to solve complex urban, social, and environmental issues through spatial design.

By focusing heavily on human-centric architecture and urban revitalization, NewSchool equips its future architects to ask the right questions: How does this space make a student feel? How does it interact with the surrounding community? How can it adapt over the next 50 years?

A Glimpse into the “School of the Future”

According to the concepts highlighted in the article, the NewSchool visionaries are throwing out the old playbook. Here is what we can expect from these futuristic learning hubs:

Hyper-Adaptability: Gone are the days of rows of rigid desks. The designs emphasize modular spaces with moveable walls and multi-purpose zones. A room that serves as a quiet reading nook in the morning can easily transition into a collaborative maker-space by the afternoon.

Neuro-Inclusive Design: Recognizing that every brain learns differently, these upcoming architects are prioritizing sensory-friendly zones. This means incorporating natural lighting, acoustic dampening materials, and visually calming palettes to help reduce cognitive overload and support neurodivergent students.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Taking full advantage of San Diego’s climate, the boundary between the classroom and nature is blurred. Outdoor learning terraces and integrated green spaces aren’t just for recess—they are active extensions of the academic environment designed to boost mental health and focus.

Deep Community Integration: Instead of fortress-like campuses closed off from the neighborhood, the designs conceptualize schools as active community hubs. Shared spaces, like auditoriums and community gardens, invite the public in, making the school a vibrant, integral part of the local civic fabric.

Building What Matters

The architectural paradigms of the 20th century were built for industrial efficiency; the designs of the future must be built for human flourishing. The Union-Tribune piece proves that San Diego is fostering the exact kind of talent needed to make this shift. By empowering its students to rethink the very foundation of where we learn, the NewSchool of Architecture & Design isn’t just predicting the future of education—they are actively building it.

Read the full inspiration behind this post at the San Diego Union-Tribune: .

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