In a world where architecture often competes for skyline dominance, some of the most impactful designs are happening at a much smaller scale—closer to the ground and closer to the heart. A recent feature in Architect Magazine, titled: The Architecture of Dignity: How Six New Microhomes Are Expanding Austin’s Community First! Village, shines a spotlight on this shift, and we are proud to see NewSchool of Architecture and Design alumnus Mark Odom at the center of it.

Designing for “Neighborhoods of Knowingness”

Mark Odom, founder of the award-winning Mark Odom Studio, has partnered with the nonprofit Mobile Loaves & Fishes to expand Austin’s Community First! Village—a 178-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness.

The article details how Odom’s firm didn’t just shrink traditional homes; they reimagined the typology of housing to prioritize mental well-being and community connection. The studio developed six distinct microhome designs, ranging from 144 to 200 square feet. These homes are categorized into two families: those designed for extroverts who crave social interaction (featuring open porches and clear sightlines) and those for introverts needing a personal refuge (prioritizing privacy and sheltering overhangs).

More Than a Shelter

What makes this project standout is the concept of “Neighborhoods of Knowingness.” As the article explains, Odom’s design moves beyond the individual unit to shape the layout of the broader site. Instead of rigid grids, the homes are clustered around shared common spaces and meandering paths. This intentional choreography encourages daily contact and strengthens social ties—crucial factors in preventing a return to homelessness.

“It was an incredible experience and honor to develop the new microhomes for Community First!,” Odom noted in the piece. His work proves that constraints on budget and size often lead to the most empathetic and innovative design solutions.

A Legacy of Service

At NewSchool of Architecture and Design, we encourage our students to use their skills to address real-world challenges. Mark Odom’s work at the Community First! Village is a shining example of that mission in action. By balancing efficient construction with deep architectural empathy, he is helping to prove that design can be a powerful infrastructure for social change.

We invite you to read the full article in Architect Magazine to learn more about this groundbreaking model for supportive housing.

Read the full article here

All images by Andrea Calo, Architectmagazing.com

NSAD Product Design Alumn

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’s words, he “knew right away this is what he was meant to do.”

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.

 

Read Full Interview

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