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Alumni Spotlight: Mehdi Taghavi

Alumni Spotlight: Mehdi Taghavi

Black and white photo of Mehdi Taghavi

Founder of Taghavi Design Studio

Mehdi Taghavi is the Founder of Taghavi Design Studio, an architectural design practice based in Arizona; focused on thoughtful, client-centered residential architecture, interior renovations, and both small, and large-scale commercial projects.

Taghavi’s background spans over two decades of international and U.S. experience, with work across the Middle East, North America, Central America, and the United States. His approach emphasizes design integrity, human experience, and contextual sensitivity—balancing strong architectural ideas with buildability and real-world constraints.

When asked why he chose NewSchool, he shared that “the strong emphasis on design excellence, critical thinking, and hands-on engagement with real architectural challenges stood out to him. The academic rigor, paired with a culture that encouraged exploration and responsibility, played a key role in shaping how I approach architecture today—both creatively and professionally.”

Through his perspective and experience, Taghavi provided meaningful insight for prospective and current students alike, helping them better envision their path saying “to treat school as more than a place to earn a degree. Use it as a laboratory; test ideas, make mistakes, build relationships, and develop your design voice. Focus on learning how to think like an architect, not just how to produce drawings. Most importantly, stay curious and resilient; architecture rewards those who continue to learn and adapt”.

TAGHAVI DESIGN STUDIO

Alumni Spotlight: Shawn Sistrunk

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’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.

 

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vagrentlifestyle.com/

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