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Raised within an Indigenous community, Neshaaw Osuna-Sutton is an undergraduate student pursuing his Bachelor of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design. His path to architecture began quietly, through a simple curiosity about design. Looking at the facade of his local library, he began questioning its form and discovered there was an entire field dedicated to understanding and shaping the built environment.

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鈥檚 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.

I was born and raised in San Diego, growing up in a big family where family gatherings were always a big part of my life. I have three sisters and I鈥檓 the middle child, so I was always surrounded by family. I was also lucky enough to grow up near the beach, which is something I鈥檓 very grateful for. San Diego has always felt like home to me.

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鈥檚 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鈥檛 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鈥檛 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鈥檝e 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鈥檙e ready for the next step. But sometimes, choosing the experience even when you鈥檙e scared is what helps you grow. My journey to NewSchool has taught me that it鈥檚 okay not to know everything, as long as you鈥檙e willing to learn, try new things, and keep moving forward.

Here at NewSchool, our students continually inspire us with their drive, creativity, and unique perspectives. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Uyen Le, a Graphic Design student from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, who is mastering the art of visual storytelling.

The Power of Visual Communication

For Uyen, graphic design is about much more than just aesthetics鈥攊t 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鈥檚 favorite鈥攁nd most challenging鈥攁ssignment 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鈥� 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:听Help is always available when you ask the right person.
2. Keep growing:听Your skills shouldn鈥檛 stop developing just because an assignment ends.
3. Build your body of work:听A strong portfolio starts with good, finished projects.
4. Master the message:听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!

Arya Jain is a soon-to-be graduate of NewSchool of Architecture & Design’s Graphic Design & Interactive Media program. Originally from India, Arya moved to San Diego to pursue higher education and was drawn to NewSchool’s creative environment and interdisciplinary approach. He wanted the opportunity to explore multiple interests rather than focus on a single discipline, combining design, technology, storytelling, and creative problem solving throughout his academic experience.

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; M膩y膩 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.

Kayla Midgette discovered her passion for architecture in high school after attending a one day introductory architecture class hosted by NewSchool of Architecture & Design. That experience solidified her desire to study and practice architecture, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

A graduate of Santana High School, she is passionate about designing spaces that are meaningful to people and creating buildings that allow individuals to experience thoughtful, well designed architecture in their everyday lives.

Throughout her academic journey, she has been actively involved in leadership and community engagement. After attending an American Institute of Architecture Students West Quad Conference in Seattle, she became deeply involved with and contributed to numerous events, including the organization鈥檚 signature Napkin Sketch fundraiser. She also participated in the school鈥檚 former diversity club, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and community within the design profession.

Her experiences have shaped her into a thoughtful emerging architect dedicated to creating spaces that positively impact others.

Waldron Adebrah鈥檚 path into construction management began with a strong foundation in architecture, where her passion for design and creating meaningful spaces first took shape. What started as an appreciation for form and concept gradually grew into a deeper curiosity about how those ideas are realized in the built environment. Wanting to strengthen her foundation, stay aligned with emerging industry trends, and discover more efficient ways of working, she found herself drawn toward construction management, where design and execution meet.

Her journey to NewSchool was influenced by both inspiration and intention. Introduced to the program through her boss, an alumn of the Master鈥檚 in Architecture program, she was struck by how highly he spoke of his experience and the role it played in shaping his professional growth. That recommendation, paired with her own desire to expand beyond design, made NewSchool a natural next step. As an international student, she also embraced the opportunity to gain a new perspective, both academically and within the industry.

Throughout her studies, Waldron鈥檚 perspective on projects has evolved in meaningful ways. She has come to understand that successful design extends far beyond aesthetics, requiring careful consideration of feasibility, efficiency, and long-term performance. Her exposure to cost control and project delivery systems has been particularly impactful, while her growing interest in value engineering reflects her ability to think critically and creatively at the same time. For her, it is not just about achieving a vision, but about doing so in a way that is thoughtful, efficient, and grounded in real-world constraints.

Looking ahead, Waldron hopes to apply her knowledge to projects that bridge design, construction, and innovation. She is especially interested in working in tropical and developing environments, where well-considered solutions can have a lasting and meaningful impact. Her goal is to contribute to spaces that are not only visually compelling, but also practical, buildable, and sustainable, while integrating modern technology to enhance how projects are delivered and experienced.

Co-Owner of Vagrent Lifestyle

Shawn Sistrunk, an alumnus of the Product Design program at NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, discovered early on that design was where he truly belonged. Driven by his passion for creativity, curation, and problem-solving, he made the bold decision to leave the hospitality industry and pursue a new path at NewSchool. As he progressed through the program, his appreciation for critical thinking and intentional design only grew stronger. In Shawn鈥檚 words, he 鈥渒new right away this is what he was meant to do.鈥�

Now celebrating one year as co-owner of the local lifestyle brand Vagrent, Shawn is designing products that merge innovation with purpose. Vagrent focuses on environmental and social responsibility while staying aligned with modern trends; offering a unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and urban-inspired products. With several products that have the potential to push the industry forward, Shawn continues to build a brand rooted in intentionality and impact.

Looking back on his NewSchool journey, Shawn encourages future designers and prospective students to connect deeply with their passion for art and creativity, and to consider how they can use that passion to solve real-world problems. He also reminds students to stay grounded in the reality of bringing ideas to life. Establishing personal principles and values as a designer, he says, will guide you throughout both your career and your life.

 

Shane Yee 鈥�21 Is Designing Community Through Architecture and Passion

From drafting table to the skatepark, Shane Yee has always followed a passion for building spaces where communities can come together.

Throughout his time at NewSchool, Shane has carved a path that unites architecture, community, and skateboarding into one seamless vision.听

Balancing the Navy, NewSchool, and Student Leadership

 

While working toward his Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Construction Management at NewSchool, Shane was enlisted in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineering Corps. While balancing school and active duty, he stepped into leadership as president of the co-educational college fraternity, Alpha Rho Chi, where he led initiatives to foster community and professional development among students studying architecture and related professions.听听

Shane鈥檚 hard work and dedication didn鈥檛 go unnoticed. In 2019, Shane was awarded a scholarship by the , an organization dedicated to supporting skateboarders in achieving academic and career goals.听听

Thesis on Wheels: Merging Skateboarding and Architecture

 

Growing up, Shane always had a love for skateboarding and skate culture, which became the inspiration for his final thesis: 鈥淪kateable Architecture,鈥� an exploration of how skateparks can be designed as an enriching part of skate culture and urban life.听听

Shane Yee credits his coursework at NewSchool with teaching him the foundation of architecture so that he could apply it toward his passion: 鈥淟earning architecture at NewSchool helped me with the phases of design such as schematic design and design development, while learning construction management helped me with knowing how to build schedules, budgets and safety plans.鈥�听

Beyond Graduation: Designing the Future with Skate Ecosystems

 

His passion for skateboarding didn鈥檛 end with graduation. As co-founder and design leader of 鈥攁 skate Design + Build firm rooted in innovation, technology, and sustainability, Shane now helps shape skateparks that are not only functional, but also fun and visually stunning. 听

鈥淚t鈥檚 super fulfilling to work on municipal projects and the various populations and communities they serve and represent.鈥� 鈥� Shane reflects.听

Their work Del Rio Skate Garden in Texas, a municipal skate garden and the first AI-assisted skatepark, was recently recognized in the in the category of Landscape Design/Historical Landscapes.听

Bruce Matthes, Director of Integrative Studies at NewSchool couldn鈥檛 be prouder of Shane and his accomplishments. “Shane is the perfect example of what can happen when a student from NewSchool applies their education to a passion with purpose. Seeing photographs and videos of young kids and their parents overjoyed that their community of Del Rio opened a new skatepark, one that Shane’s company designed, says it all.鈥�听

Shane currently lives in Austin, Texas serving as the Chief Design Officer for Skate Ecosystems.

Follow him on Instagram @skate_ecosystems or watch his interview on