Alumni | NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Alumni Mentorship
Program

The program abides by both Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ NCARB standards. It requires communication between alumni and students — whether via email, on the phone, or via Skype —at least once a month and in-person meetings at least once a quarter. Several organized events and mixers are scheduled throughout the school year specially catered to the program’s participants.

Why should both students and alumni consider investing their time in such a program? Because it will give faculty members, students, and alumni the opportunity to stay connected, expand their network, and connect to the industry in a unique way. To learn more about the Alumni Mentorship Program, including how to volunteer to serve as a mentor, email careerservices@newschoolarch.edu.

Alumni Spotlights

Through these inspiring students, current and prospective students can gain insight into the possibilities and opportunities that await them as graduates of NewSchool.

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We believe Quartyard can serve as a model for cities across the U.S. looking for unique economic development ideas,” said NewSchool alumnus and CEO of RAD Lab, Philip Auchettl. “It is a feasible way to temporarily re-invent empty spaces while improving quality of life for residents. We welcome the opportunity to talk to other cities about how this model can work for them.

Philip Auchettl, David Loewenstein & Jason Grauten

Master of Architecture '13

The NewSchool facility is unique compared to other schools because the classes are more personal. Not only with the instructors but with other students as well. You'll know everyone at the school once you graduate which, in turn, will build a network of great colleagues.

Paul Freitas

Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design '20

Planning and programming for academic science buildings. Currently working on a needs assessment and space plan study for the Plant Science Building at Cornell University.

Kerry Drake

Master of Architecture 4+3 '08

I have very fond memories of when I studied at NewSchool of Architecture & Design and I am very grateful for the education I received,” said Zapata. “My time there as a student consolidated my passion for architecture, a passion which I am continually trying to nurture. I believe the foundation I received at NewSchool, through the teachers and friends I met there, as well as the learning environment that we as students were surrounded with, kept me true to my passion.

Jorge A. Zapata

Bachelor of Architecture '95

From a young age, I was manipulating space and my physical environment, constantly rearranging everything in my childhood home and creating elaborate worlds. In college, I was introduced to the field of Architecture and Design and it was an instant fit. Architecture was the perfect combination of art, beauty, hard science, and psychology, all of which I am passionate about.

Mackenzie Sims

Master of Architecture 4+2 '18 • International Women's Day 2021

It is still early in my career, but I was placed in charge of handling the logistics for a 100 Meg. solar farm due to my drive and attention to detail. With 100s of thousands of pieces of material arriving on the site within 6 months, it is part of my job to ensure all the material is here on site when it is supposed to be.

Larry Elkins

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management '20 • United States Marine Corps

I served on the Alumni Advisory Board as the Mentorship Committee Chair where we started an alumni mentorship program that is still active today. I then served as the Board President of the Alumni Advisory Board. Since then, I have continued to volunteer my time as a resource in different capacities.

Melina Aluwi

Master of Architecture 4+3 '10

Alumni Discounts

Did you know that a NewSchool alumni, you’re eligible for a 25% discount towards your master’s degree? Continuing your education is an excellent way to advance your career or earn your architecture licensure faster. NewSchool offers master’s degrees in Construction Management and Architecture.

Apply now! For more information about our programs and to receive your 25% discount, contact our Enrollment Team at enrollment@newschoolarch.edu or call (619) 684-8800.

Graduate Construction Management

Our Master of Construction Management program is an excellent way to develop your business management skills and enhance your career in either architecture or construction management. The program can be completed in just 12 months and is completely online making it a convenient option for working professionals.

Learn More

Graduate Architecture

We offer a wide range of graduate architecture degrees including our Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL). The four-year graduate architecture program is designed to allow students to complete architectural licensure requirements while earning their graduate architecture degree, significantly reducing the time to launch their careers as licensed architects. We also offer tracks in Neuroscience and Healthy Urbanism.

Learn More

Career Support Sevices

The Career Services Department offers a multitude of career planning and professional development resources for alumni, including:

Job Postings
Career Events: Throughout the year, the Career Services Department hosts a variety of networking events, including career panels, employer information sessions, and on-campus interviews
Job Search Assistance: Alumni can receive assistance in researching career options, writing their resumes and cover letters, and preparing for interviews

VIEW CAREER TIPS

Alumni of the Year

Many of our alumni have gone on to do exceptional work in their field. Every year we recognize a NewSchool graduate who has made significant contributions to the profession, the community, and to the school. Alumni of the Year nominations are submitted throughout the year. For more information on submitting a nomination, click here.

1999: Leslie Henegar
2000: Not awarded
2001: Claudia Salazar | Class of 1998
2002: Rick Espana, AIA | Class of 1995
2003: Rene Peralta | Class of 1995
2004: John Hinkel | Class of 1991
2005: Richard Licata, AIA | Class of 2002
2006: Not awarded
2007: David Pfeifer, AIA | Class of 1987
2008: Richard Jennings, FAIA | Class of 2004
2009: Dr. Shari Grant, AIA | Class of 1999

2010: Duane Hagewood | Class of 1996
2011: Bruce T. Fallon, AIA | Class of 2000
2012: Christopher Bittner, AIA | Class of 1997
2013: Ben White
2014: Umber Zazmi
2015: Jorge A. Zapata
2016: Christine Lampert, AIA, NCARB | Class of 2009
2017: Dr. Eve Edelstein | Class of 2006
2018: Stephen Russell | Class of 2010
2019: Kian Manoochehri Farr | Class of 2001
2020: Melina Aluwi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Class of 2010

Get Involved

The next step is for you to become an active participant in what we hope will be a lifelong relationship! We have many ways for you to get involved:

Gain the most from your membership in the NewSchool Alumni Association by becoming actively involved in as many ways as possible. Opportunities include:

Helping us find internships and job opportunities for students and recent grads
Volunteering to be an Alumni Ambassador at Open House, representing your company at one of our career fairs, or assisting with outreach at college fairs or other recruiting events
Sharing your NewSchool experience with our prospective students
Refer a prospective student for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship

Contact Alumni Relations

Contact Information

Richard Hess, Director of Career Services

Office Hours

Monday – Friday | 8 AM – 5 PM

Alumni Advisory Board

The Alumni Advisory Board is comprised of officers and board members. Each of these members chooses to dedicate their most valuable time on a voluntary basis to keep our alumni connected with NewSchool.

25% Discount Exclusive
for Our Alumni

Officers: To be announced.

President:
Vice Presidents:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Media Coordinator:
Delegates:
Board Member:

Contact careerservices@newschoolarch.edu to learn more.

Alumni Projects

View all Work

Stones by Tecture

The installation “Stones” by Tecture, features the work of Master of Architecture alumni Kyle Preish, Slade Fischer, David Michael Ortiz, Sydney Preish, and Ryan Carpenter and Bachelor of Architecture alum Anthony Mull. “Stones” is a visual representation of the multitude of construction methods students are exposed to throughout their education at NewSchool. The project, “The 3 Bears,” is an exploration of fabrication processes. Each of the stones is constructed from the same material, in this instance, plywood, with…

View Project

illume design by Rick Hess

View Project

Alumni of the Year 2021 Call for Nominations

The NewSchool of Architecture & Design Alumni Advisory Board is seeking candidates for the 2021 Alumni of the Year Award. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to a NewSchool graduate who has made significant contributions to the profession, the community, and to the school. All entries, local and nationwide, are encouraged.

To nominate yourself or other alumni from NewSchool, the nominator is responsible for preparing the submission items listed below before the applicable deadline. This package must accompany the nomination and is therefore due to NewSchool by the submission deadline on Friday, September 03. 2021.

You will be asked to submit the following as part of the package:

A one-page nomination statement
A minimum of a five-page CV indicating the activities that are articulated in the nomination statement
At least one letter of support from a NewSchool alum to NewSchool faculty or staff member, different from the nominated candidate

The individual must meet the following qualifications to be considered for the Distinguished Alumni Award:

The candidate must have successfully graduated from an academic program offered at NewSchool
A minimum of ten years must have elapsed since graduation
There must be no record of illegal misconduct

All materials may be submitted through this online process via this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X62YB8T

If you have additional questions or prefer to email the required documentation, please contact the Director of Career & Alumni Services, Lisa Ganem at lganem@newschoolarch.edu.

Meet our Alumni

Alumni Mentorship
Program

Alumni Spotlights