Andrew Kirby, who earned his master’s degree in construction management from NewSchool of Architecture & Design, was recently named vice president of the Northern California region for C.W. Driver, a premier builder in the Western United States that is based out of San Jose. According to C.W. Driver, Kirby will oversee the office, client relations, and all the firm’s projects within the region.

As faculty chair of the MCM program, I am very pleased by Andy’s success. He was one of our first students to complete their course of study in MCM while deployed in the service of our country. Andy’s efforts, resiliency and leadership really show through.

In a company news release, C.W. Driver CEO Dana Roberts said, “Andy’s leadership capabilities have continued to grow throughout his time with C.W. Driver. With Andy leading our Northern California office, we will continue to seek out unique projects that will showcase C.W. Driver’s expertise in education, commercial/office, technology, retail, multifamily, mixed-use, assisted living, civic, entertainment and hospitality as the economy strengthens.”

Kirby is also an active member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), and a certified Designated Design-Build Professional™ (DBIA™).

NewSchool Students Drive the Success of Spain’s Leading Casino Comparison Platform
At NewSchool of Architecture & Design, we are committed to fostering innovative design solutions that address real-world challenges. One of our recent collaborations showcases this dedication, as our students played a pivotal role in the development of Spain’s leading casino comparison page casasdeapuestas.com. This project not only enhanced the page’s user experience but also significantly boosted its conversion rates.

Project Overview

The client approached NewSchool to help redesign their casino comparison page, aiming to improve user engagement and optimize performance. This initiative was integrated into our curriculum, allowing students to apply their design expertise to a high-stakes, real-world project under the guidance of experienced faculty.

Design Process

The student-led team began by conducting in-depth research to understand the needs and behaviors of the target audience. Using these insights, they created a user-friendly interface with an intuitive structure, clear information flow, and compelling visuals. The redesign also prioritized responsive design to ensure seamless functionality across all devices, meeting modern usability standards.

Outcome

The redesigned page launched to outstanding results, with a marked increase in both user interaction and conversion rates. The success of this project highlights the effectiveness of NewSchool’s experiential learning model, which equips students with the skills to deliver impactful solutions in professional settings.

Student Experience

For our students, this collaboration was an invaluable opportunity to work with a real-world client, address practical design challenges, and see their work make a tangible impact. It reflects our commitment to blending academic learning with industry-relevant experiences, ensuring that graduates are prepared to excel in their careers.

This project exemplifies the kind of innovation and collaboration that defines NewSchool. By empowering our students to tackle complex design challenges, we continue to shape the next generation of professionals who will lead with creativity, strategy, and a user-first mindset.

NewSchool’s Expertise Powers the Success of Superdeporte’s Sports Betting Platform

At NewSchool of Architecture & Design, we take pride in equipping our students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic fields of architecture, design, and construction management. A recent collaboration with Superdeporte, a leading sports news outlet in Spain, exemplifies the real-world impact of our educational approach.

Superdeporte sought to enhance user engagement and conversion rates on their sports betting page, aiming to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for their audience. To achieve this, they partnered with a team of our talented students and faculty from the School of Design.

The collaborative effort focused on several key areas:

· User-Centered Design: Conducting comprehensive user research to understand the preferences and behaviors of Superdeporte’s audience, ensuring the interface met their needs.
· Responsive Interface Development: Creating a design adaptable to various devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones, to cater to a diverse user base.
· Visual Appeal and Branding: Aligning the page’s aesthetics with Superdeporte’s brand identity while incorporating modern design elements to enhance visual engagement.
· Performance Optimization: Implementing design strategies that contribute to faster load times and smoother navigation, improving overall user satisfaction.

The redesigned sports betting page has garnered positive feedback from users, noting its improved usability and visual appeal. Superdeporte has reported a significant increase in user engagement and conversion rates since the launch of the new design.

This project underscores NewSchool’s commitment to providing students with hands-on experiences that bridge academic learning with industry practice. By engaging in real-world projects, our students not only apply their classroom knowledge but also contribute meaningfully to the success of our industry partners.

We extend our gratitude to Superdeporte for entrusting our team with this initiative and commend our students and faculty for their exemplary work. This collaboration stands as a testament to the innovative spirit and professional excellence that NewSchool strives to instill in its community.