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NewSchool students are passionate about what they do – inside and outside of the classroom. Joining one of our vibrant student organizations is a great way to get to meet friends who share those passions, get involved, and start building your design network. We offer social and career-focused organizations to explore your interests. Students are also encouraged to form a new club.
Ready to join? Contact studentlife@newschoolarch.edu.
The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter at NewSchool is a dynamic, student-led organization dedicated to enhancing the architectural education and experience on campus. Working closely with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) of San Diego and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the chapter creates unique opportunities for NewSchool students to network, learn, and grow as designers. Whether you’re sketching your vision, planning your career path, or looking to be part of a close-knit creative community, AIAS-NewSchool offers a vibrant, impactful way to bridge academics and design in action.
AIAS-NewSchool organizes an engaging lineup of events throughout the year, specifically designed to bring architecture and design students into meaningful contact with the professional architecture world. These experiences give students the chance to network with industry professionals, build relationships with faculty and peers, and deepen their understanding of real-world practice. Events include:
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The Napkin Sketch Auction is AIAS-NewSchool’s flagship event – a celebration of spontaneous creativity and design culture. Each year, the chapter invites world-renowned architects and designers – such as Steven Holl, Kengo Kuma, and Frank Gehry – to submit original napkin sketches, turning what might be a casual doodle into a miniature work of art. Students and attendees – including local professionals and design aficionados – bid to own these unique artworks in support of the profession’s future leaders. With previous sketches received by Billie Tsien, and Snohetta, and the late Zaha Hadid, the event is a high-energy evening where art meets ambition, community meets craft, and fun drives real impact.
Stay tuned for updates and head on over to NewSchool’s Student Events Calendar for more details as they become available.
Alpha Rho Chi is a professional co-educational college fraternity for students studying architecture and related professions. The fraternity’s name is derived from the first three letters of the Greek word for “architecture” — alpha (A), rho (P) and chi (X). Alpha Rho Chi was founded on April 11, 1914, when students at the University of Michigan and the University of Illinois joined to form a national organization for Architecture and the allied arts.
In the Summer of 2012, a petition was submitted to start a chapter of Alpha Rho Chi at NewSchool. While in Colony status, the group was required to complete a philanthropic event, a professional event, draft by-laws and incorporate with the state of California. The Numisius chapter of Alpha Rho Chi at NewSchool was installed on May 3, 2014.
Alpha Rho Chi participates in campus events and volunteers in the community with organizations such as Art San Diego, Maker’s Quarter and Boy Scouts of America Badge Clinics. You can also identify members on campus by their Azure and Sanguine pyramid pins.
The Construction Management Student Association (CMSA) at NewSchool creates opportunities for students interested in Construction Management to become more involved with the Construction Management professional community and develop their professional leadership skills.
CMSA organizes several events during the year that allows students to interact with local professionals as well as enhance their education outside of the classroom. Events include:
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) at NewSchool gives Architecture and Construction Management students an opportunity to expand what they are learning in the classroom. The goal of CSI is to provide extracurricular activities that complement the existing curriculum.
The objectives of CSI include:
Student Council members are the official student representatives of NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Student Council aims to promote social, cultural, and educational programs, advocate for student interest, provide leadership opportunities, and participate in shared governance.
Student Council is actively seeking students interested in serving as official student representatives of NewSchool. If you’re interested in learning more about the Student Council, email studentcouncil.newschool@gmail.com.
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