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From Student to Professor
My relationship with NewSchool of Architecture & Design began in 2005, when I first walked into the
design studios as an undergraduate student. From the very first day, I felt something special. The
studio culture was alive, full of energy, collaboration, late-night creativity, and a sense of belonging
that stayed with me long after graduation. For me, the studio became more than a place to design; it
became a form of meditation, a space where ideas unfolded freely and where I learned to see the
world differently.
During my 5th-year thesis, I grew tremendously as a designer. I focused my thesis on double-skin
façade systems, a project that challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately shaped my architectural
language and my philosophy about the built environment. That year was transformative, and many of
the ideas I explored during my thesis still influence my work and teaching today.
Right after graduating, I joined NewSchool as a Teaching Assistant. Returning to the same studios
where I had grown as a student was incredibly meaningful. Supporting students, offering guidance,
and watching their confidence grow sparked something in me: the realization that teaching was not
just something I enjoyed, it was something I was meant to do. I wanted to give back to the
community and discipline that had shaped my life.
In 2014, I opened DDDVisual Inc., which allowed me to expand my professional practice while
continuing to teach. Building a business from the ground up, I now lead full design services, from
conceptual design and visualization to construction documents, consultant coordination, and
managing the entire permitting process from concept to approval. Serving clients through real
projects helped me bridge academia and professional practice, and I brought everything I learned
back into the classroom to support my students even more.
In 2013, I joined the faculty as a part-time instructor, and in 2019, I became a full-time professor.
These roles have been among the greatest honors of my life. Serving as a faculty member and 5thyear
coordinator has allowed me to contribute to the school’s culture, shape the curriculum, support
student success, and collaborate with outstanding colleagues and partner firms on meaningful design
projects.
One of the greatest joys of my career has been watching my students thrive. Over the years, many of
my former students have gone on to become project managers, designers, architects, and leaders
across San Diego and throughout California. Seeing them succeed, leading teams, shaping cities, and
contributing their talent to major firms is one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Their
achievements remind me every day why I chose to teach.
What has kept me connected to NewSchool all these years, as a student, teaching assistant,
instructor, and professor is the students and the studio culture. NewSchool has always been a place
where creativity thrives and where students feel safe to explore, experiment, fail, learn, and
ultimately discover who they are as designers.
Looking back, I am grateful for every chapter: entering as a student full of dreams, stepping into
teaching right after graduation, launching my own firm, and growing into a full-time professor
dedicated to giving back. NewSchool has shaped my career, my teaching philosophy, and my values.
It remains one of the most meaningful communities I have ever been part of.
I am proud to call NewSchool my home.
Amin Espandiari
Assistant Professor
Assistant Director, Interior Design Program
5th-Year Coordinator
Assessment Coordinator
