Behind every building, space, and design is a human story. In San Diego, Black designers have shaped the city through creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. Their contributions span architecture, interior design, fashion, and visual storytelling, creating spaces that reflect culture, identity, and belonging.

At NewSchool, we believe human-centered design begins with empathy, representation, and intention. In our studios and classrooms, students are encouraged to design from lived experience, cultural identity, and social impact. By honoring the legacy of Black creatives in San Diego, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive creativity and to preparing designers who shape not just spaces, but opportunity.

References

Roderick N. Shade – Biography and notable works. Architectural Digest. Retrieved from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/shade-article-102005

San Diego Black Arts and Culture District – City of San Diego. Retrieved from https://www.sandiego.gov/arts-culture/black-arts-district

Blacks in San Diego: Historical Perspectives – San Diego Historical Society, The Journal of San Diego History, 27(2). Retrieved from https://sandiegohistory.org/journal/1981/april/blacks

NSAD Diversity and Human-Centered Design Initiatives – NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Retrieved from NewSchool Core Values

Design with Impact and Purpose

At the intersection of community, culture, and the built environment, Goyo Ortiz-Muñoz’s work asks a fundamental question: how can cities be designed to serve the people who shape them? His teaching and practice are rooted in community-driven design and collaborative urbanism, emphasizing thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable approaches to the complexities of contemporary cities.

With extensive professional experience spanning independent practice and leading architectural firms, Goyo specializes in urban design at the convergence of policy, place, and people. Most recently, he served as Community Development Choreographer at Casa Familiar, a community-based organization in San Ysidro along the U.S.–Mexico border. There, he worked closely with local governments and community stakeholders to advance affordable housing initiatives, environmental strategies, cultural spaces, and public infrastructure projects grounded in community priorities.

A self-described border citizen, Goyo was born in Tijuana and raised between Los Angeles and San Diego. This transborder perspective informs his scholarship and design work, which focuses on the broader LA–SD–TJ region and examines themes of temporality, transformation, and adaptation within the built environment. His professional portfolio includes architectural design and development projects across California and the Northeastern United States.

In addition to his professional practice, Goyo has taught as an adjunct professor at several universities throughout the San Diego–Tijuana region and currently serves on the boards of multiple community organizations dedicated to art, culture, and affordable housing advocacy. Together, these experiences shape the depth, rigor, and real-world relevance he brings into the classroom and design studio—offering students not only technical knowledge, but a passionate, place-based understanding of how design can operate as a catalyst for social impact.

Goyo Ortiz-Muñoz
Associate Professor | Assistant Director, Architecture Programs

Education
M.U.P., UCLA | B.Arch, Woodbury University