Fatema and her family moved to the United States when she was three years old. Growing up, she was always a creative person who loved making things with her hands. Whether painting, making pottery, crocheting, baking, or finding a new creative hobby to try, creating has always been something that comes naturally to her.

When she first started college, however, Fatema was on a very different path as a pre-med and physics major. After her first semester, she realized it wasn’t where her heart was and began exploring the things she was naturally drawn to. That process eventually led her to architecture.

She fell in love with the idea of taking creativity and ideas and turning them into something people can actually experience and interact with. Architecture gave her a way to bring together her creativity, curiosity, and love for making things.

Fatema discovered NewSchool while searching for architecture programs. After applying and being accepted, she came to campus for her first day and immediately connected with the environment and creative energy of the school. She quickly knew she had found the place where she wanted to grow as a designer and pursue architecture.

Today, as a third-year Architecture student with a minor in Interior Design, Fatema especially enjoys learning how the two disciplines can come together to create spaces that feel thoughtful, personal, and meaningful.

Her involvement at NewSchool extends well beyond the classroom. Fatema serves as President of AIAS and President of Student Council, and she also works on campus as a student worker and Social Media Assistant. Through these roles, she connects with fellow students, helps organize events and initiatives, and contributes to making campus feel more connected and engaging. Being involved in the NewSchool community is important to her, especially when it means creating opportunities for other students to feel involved and heard.

Looking ahead, Fatema’s biggest goal is to become a licensed architect. She hopes to work on meaningful projects that have a positive impact on the communities they serve and to be involved in community-focused work that creates spaces where people feel comfortable, welcomed, and connected.

Ultimately, Fatema hopes to build a career that allows her to keep creating, keep learning, and use architecture to make a positive difference in the world.

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Growing up on both coasts shaped her appreciation for regional character and place. After moving to San Diego, she developed a deep connection to the city and has remained committed to building a long-term practice and teaching presence there, with the goal of contributing meaningfully to the local architecture community.

Her professional work emphasizes thoughtful design, historic reverence, and an iterative process grounded in both craft and playfulness. As an educator, she supports students in developing strong design foundations, clear communication skills, and an understanding of architecture through critical thinking.

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1. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as full-time undergraduate students in an accredited four-year or two-year institution in the U.S. or U.S. territories
2. Applicants must demonstrate a verifiable need for financial support
3. Non-U.S. Citizens are eligible to apply
4. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students for the Fall 27- Spring 28 academic year. This includes high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors up to age 25.
5. Scholarship award: Students will receive a one-time, non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.

Scholarship Requirements

Essay Questions

(Must complete both background & leadership essays)

Tell us about your background – In 500-1,000 words, submit a self-description including your family history (parents/guardian, siblings), life, and/or work experiences that have influenced you. Finally, describe your most significant achievement. Did you overcome any obstacles or challenges? If so, how

Leadership Essay – Submit a 500-1,000 word essay on your view of the future of America, the kind of leadership needed, and any role you hope to play in providing such leadership. How will this benefit your community? What can USHLI do to help you achieve your goals?

Optional Essay: What else would you like to share with us that is relevant to your application being selected for this scholarship?

Required Documents

Portrait Picture – Applicants must submit a recent photograph (high-resolution, color, size: 2.5 x 3.5 ratio, PNG, JPG, or GIF). The picture should be suitable (headshot) for use in any printed literature announcing the recipients. Selfies are not accepted.

Resume—Applicants must submit a one-page resume in PDF format detailing their work experience, academic accomplishments, and other relevant information.

Unofficial Transcript – Applicants must submit the most updated transcript (College freshmen, please submit your high school transcript). All transcripts must be uploaded as a PDF document in the application

References

Letters of Recommendation – Applicants must submit two (2) letters of recommendation that meet the following requirements:

Letters should focus on the applicant’s leadership abilities and past academic performance, while also indicating an ability or desire to effectively serve their community.

The application will require you to submit your references’ contact information.

Once your application is submitted, an email will be sent to your references with instructions on how to submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

We require one (1) reference from an academic source and one (1) reference from a professional or community service setting. Examples may include, but are not limited to, teacher, advisor, supervisor, employer, coach, etc. All letters of recommendation are due December 30, 2026.

Application Deadline: December 30, 2026 at 11:00 PM CT

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Over his Architectural career, Raúl has led and contributed to notable and award-winning projects throughout the Southern California and New York City:

• The historic reconstruction of the Balboa Park Botanical Building, Pergola, and Grounds
• The County of San Diego’s Borrego Springs Library
• Sage Creek High School for Carlsbad Unified School District
• The new Humanities Building and Student Services Building at Fullerton College

Currently, Raúl is serving as Principal-in-Charge on the new Oak Park Library for the City of San Diego (under construction), The new Palm Desert Library (in Design) and the campus modernization, including 4 new buildings at Gompers Preparatory Academy for San Diego Unified School District, which completed construction this year.

In addition to his roles in practice and academia, Raúl also served as a member on the City of Carlsbad Historic Preservation Committee, whose initiatives have helped accomplish Carlsbad Village and Village Barrio Design Guidelines.

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That curiosity led Neshaaw to begin his architectural education at San Diego Mesa College, where his professors helped him see not only a future in architecture, but the impact he could have through it. He especially credits Professor Jose Parral with showing him how he could use architecture to positively influence the community he grew up in. That mentorship helped shape Neshaaw’s vision of one day starting his own firm, developing a practice focused on single family residential homes, and eventually expanding his design philosophies to other parts of the United States.

Community was the driving force in how he was raised. He grew up in a culture where respecting elders was a priority. At community gatherings, when it was time to eat, elders were served first. That principle shaped the way he now thinks about architecture and urban space. The buildings and environments a designer creates have an impact on the people who inhabit them. For Neshaaw, serving the people he designs for is not simply a choice that comes with becoming an architect. It is something that has been ingrained in his identity from day one.

Choosing architecture also meant embracing uncertainty. Neshaaw describes the transition as changing his life to orient himself toward the role of an architect, from his routines and hobbies to his role within his community and becoming comfortable talking to new people. Through networking, branching outside of his familiar crowd, and making new connections, he eventually found himself at NewSchool of Architecture & Design.

At NewSchool, Neshaaw has continued to grow his curiosity, strengthen his craft, and surround himself with others who share his passion. The confidence he gained through classmates, mentors, and his community also pushed him toward another challenge: becoming more involved in student life.

After recognizing a need for greater student engagement and representation on campus, Neshaaw wanted to help create change. Today, he serves as Vice President of Student Council, where he strives to be a true voice for his fellow students while also carrying a strong voice for his own Indigenous identity.

As Neshaaw continues his journey in architecture, community remains at the heart of what he hopes to accomplish. His goal is not simply to design buildings, but to understand the people who will experience them, honor the community that shaped him, and use architecture as a way to create a positive impact for those he serves.

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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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