Blog Archives

Education

• Ph.D. in Building Science, METU in Turkey
• Master of Architecture
• Bachelor of Architecture, METU

About Vuslat

Vuslat is a long-time member of the NewSchool faculty. Raised in Germany, studied, licensed, practiced in Turkey, Vuslat made a shift from practice to academia in her early career years. She earned her Ph.D. from Middle East Technical University and taught architecture at this top-ranking university until she moved to the US. She continues her academic career in the United States at NewSchool since 2003.

Vuslat has been teaching architecture and design for over 30 years in multiple countries and the composition of her experiences span almost every area of design. Throughout her academic career she has developed and taught courses with an emphasis on instructional strategies and methodologies applicable to design studies, ranging from product and furniture design to regional planning including interior, building, neighborhood, urban, and city scale. Over the last 16 years at NewSchool, Vuslat taught courses in the areas of communication (graphic, oral, written), research methodology, building construction technology, construction history, professional practice, and thesis studio in graduate and undergraduate Architecture Program.

In her mid-career years, architectural pedagogy appeared as another major interest for Vuslat and as a subject matter expert in this area she has been assigned the ambassador by Architectural Schools in Turkey and participated in national and international professional organizations and commissions. She has presented several papers on pedagogy at conferences, symposia, and panels at European Association on Architectural Education EAAE, and ENHSA. These include the 2nd Workshop on Construction Teaching Methods, France in 2003, 19th International Conference on Re-integrating Theory & Design in Architectural Education, and 2nd International Conference on Changing Cities, Greece in 2015. She has been an active member of the Chamber of Architects in the development of curriculum basics towards the architectural registration process in Turkey.

The wide range of courses she teaches and her international/multicultural life and work experience bridging the two completely different parts of the world has shaped her personality for a life-long commitment as an avid learner. She is passionate to spread her inspiration to her students, whether those in their early years or those who are late in their journey, looking for new paths for themselves.

Vuslat has supervised around 150 graduate thesis studies in the past 16 years, both in teaching thesis seminar and design studio. Some of the graduates continue their thesis topics in doctoral programs, several thesis studies have been awarded by AIA- American Institute of Architects, San Diego Chapter and by other organizations, and others work in related fields. Her pedagogy prioritizes a trans-disciplinary approach and thorough analysis of a complex problem in its minor components and provides a learning experience by new ways of creative and critical thinking towards appropriate solutions through experimentation and developing an intellectual and innovative world vision.

Her scholarship includes journal publications, public lectures, conference presentations, edited books, book reviews, and contributions as a reviewer to peer-reviewed journals and international conferences. Vuslat was an invited juror, guest speaker, and keynote speaker at several schools in Turkey and in the US.

Vuslat was recognized with the prestigious President’s Award for her exceptional work in organizing and participating in the first ever Laureate Global Architecture and Design Summit.

Another path in her career -since 2011- is managing at a larger scale. In the past several years she served in many different capacities, among these were the positions of Acting Chair of Graduate Architecture Program, Chair of NCAP-Faculty Governance Council, Assessment Leader, Thesis Coordinator for Graduate Architecture Program, and Area Coordinator of Research for Undergraduate and Graduate Architecture. This exposure allowed her to investigate the intricacies of various programs.

She worked as a project designer and technical consultant in Turkey on national and international projects. Among those were the German Embassy Campus historic preservation project, German School, Goethe Library renovation project, residential, office, retail projects in Turkey, and residential remodeling projects in the US.

Vuslat speaks Turkish, German, and English fluently.

Awards

• NewSchool President’s Award

Jesús Fernando Limón is an architect and educator based in Southern California. Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, he studied architecture at the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC) and earned a second bachelor’s degree from Woodbury University in 2005, a binational academic path that reflects his interest in cross-border urbanism. 

In 2012, Limón founded Prismatica, an award-winning architectural practice known for its innovative, bold, and contextually sensitive solutions that engage with the unique complexities of the binational San Diego-Tijuana region. His work focuses on creating dynamic, socially responsible spaces that bridge cultural, political, and geographical divides. 

Olivia Mandel is an architectural designer, educator, and multidisciplinary artist. She graduated from NSA&D in 2015 and spent seven years working at Domestic Architecture under Roy McMakin, where she gained extensive experience in art-forward intention, craftsmanship, furniture/object design, and detail-driven project development. She later established an independent practice and continues to collaborate with other local architects on a range of projects.

Growing up on both coasts shaped her appreciation for regional character and place. After moving to San Diego, she developed a deep connection to the city and has remained committed to building a long-term practice and teaching presence there, with the goal of contributing meaningfully to the local architecture community.

Her professional work emphasizes thoughtful design, historic reverence, and an iterative process grounded in both craft and playfulness. As an educator, she supports students in developing strong design foundations, clear communication skills, and an understanding of architecture through critical thinking.

I’m an architectural designer whose work lives at the intersection of space, story, and experience. At Basile Studio, my practice centers on translating conceptual ideas into built form—whether through architectural projects, installations, or experimental structures. I’m drawn to processes that balance rigor with intuition, combining technical precision with a deep respect for material, light, and human interaction. 

Alongside studio work, I create large-scale art and immersive environments for Burning Man, where architecture becomes temporary, performative, and communal. These projects allow me to explore architecture as an emotional and social catalyst—structures that invite participation, transformation, and collective meaning. Across all scales, my work is driven by curiosity and collaboration, using architecture as a tool to shape experiences that are both grounded and imaginative. 

Education

• Master of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego
• Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego

About Steve

Steve Merritt is a licensed Structural Engineer and Project Manager at KPFF Consulting Engineers in San Diego. He has 15 years of design experience collaborating with architects, engineers, stakeholders, and builders. Steve attended UCSD for his undergraduate and graduate studies in Structural Engineering and has since been involved in notable high rise, university, industrial, and bridge projects.

Steve’s career has been complemented with an ongoing interest in academic mentoring and lecturing at UCSD, New School of Architecture, Woodbury University, and the ACE high school program. He has also been a guest professor for courses at UCSD and SDSU.

Outside of the United States, Steve has been a leader in post-disaster and development efforts in countries including Haiti and Sierra Leone. He also lived in Melbourne, Australia where he was part of the bridge construction team on a $1 billion Integrated Project Delivery freeway project.

Project Highlights

• Project Manager (2015-Present): San Diego Zoo Bridge – San Diego, California:
  Managing the design and construction of a 300-foot steel pedestrian bridge and elevated walkway ($12 million).
• Project Manager (2013-2016): Marriott Residence Inn – Anaheim, California:
  Managing the design and construction of a 9-story concrete hotel building ($50 million, 240,000 square feet).
• Site Engineer (2010-2011): Western Ring Road Expansion – Melbourne, Australia:
  Performed construction planning, procurement, scheduling, budgeting, and staffing for the construction of an 8-span concrete bridge ($50 million) and a single span steel bridge ($2 million). Entire project budget was $800 million for 10 miles of freeway including 16 bridges.
• Project Manager (2006-2008): Sony Electronics North American Headquarters – San Diego, California:
  Managed the design and construction of an 11-story steel office building with a pedestrian bridge and underground parking ($170 Million, 500,000 square feet). This project was awarded “Best new office building in the United States in 2009” by the leading U.S. construction publication, Engineering News Record.
• Project Manager (2004-2006): Diamond View Tower – San Diego, California:
  Managed the design and construction of a 15-story steel office building with underground parking ($60 million, 325,000 square feet).
• Project Engineer (2003-2004): San Diego State University Arts & Letters Building – San Diego, California:
  Performed design, analysis, and construction administration for a 6-storey steel classroom and office building ($19 million, 110,000 square feet).

Education

• MBA, Seattle University
• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Oregon

About Rich

Rich Mitchell joined Mackenzie as a project architect in 1989. He believes project success is rooted in collaboration and an integrated approach wherein all disciplines work in concert to achieve creative, efficient design solutions. As an early adopter of sustainability rating systems, he is a certified Green Globes Assessor from the Green Building Initiative and has led workshops to educate and mentor professionals towards accreditation. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Green Building Initiative from 2017-2018 and continues his volunteer executive board service as Immediate Past Chair. Rich is also active in community outreach and public speaking on the merits of equitable, diverse, inclusive, and sustainable design at colleges and universities around the country, including several at NewSchool of Architecture and Design. 

Additional Information

• Immediate Past Chair, Green Building Initiative Board of Directors (2019 – present)
• Chair of the Board, Green Building Initiative Board of Directors (2017 – 2018)
• American Institute of Architects, Portland Chapter Past President (2004 – 2005)
• American Institute of Architects, Northwest Pacific Region Board Member (2003 – 2005)
• American Institute of Architects Idaho Design Awards Judge (2016)
• U.S. Green Building Council Member

About Thomas

Tom Mulica is an award winning licensed architect with diverse experience throughout the country including WA, TX, CA, KY and NM.  He believes the built world can and should provide joy and nurture that which makes us human.  He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington and a BA in Art History from Emory University.  His desire to pursue architecture stems from his Peace Corps service in Zimbabwe where he realized the power of the built world to affect positive change on daily life.  He has been active in both Habitat for Humanity and Architects without Borders- Seattle where he lead an interdisciplinary team to rethink the planning of the Rabour Village Project, Kenya and to design their vocational training center.  As principal and owner of Story Architecture and Design, his design passion lies at the interface between architectural history, contemporary living and the craft of construction.  

Education

Master of Architecture, University of Washington

Bachelor of Arts – Art History，Emory University

Professional Experience: 

Principal/Owner – Story Architecture and Design, Inc.  – 2016-Present 

Licenses/Registration: Licensed Architect, State of California 

Selected Publications and Recent Research: 

 “Craft, Community and Connections” presented at: 

 The Path to Sustainable Development: Sustainable Ocean Education, Management, and Green Energy Cities  National Museum of Marine Science & Technology -  Keelung, Taiwan.  2024 

 “Design Teaching: Project Based Learning in Studio”; part of a week-long seminar presented to Department of Architecture at University of Inner Mongolia, 2023  

• Master of Urban Planning, UCLA
• Bachelor of Architecture, Woodbury University

Education

• Master of Architecture, Montana State University
• Bachelor of Architecture, Montana State University

About Brett

Brett Tullis has been practicing architecture in San Diego since 1992 and is currently a Principal at Sillman Wright Architects https://www.sillmanwright.com/. Brett is a Leader who is focused on creating collaborative dynamic architectural solutions that exceeds the Client’s goals of function, sustainability, value, and schedule.

A long-time collaborator & lecturer with NewSchool, Brett and shares their vision of a collaborative design process focused on design excellence and sustainability partnered with professional business practice. Brett believes in an integrated team approach to design and construction that embraces the collaborative LEAN concepts of reducing waste and maximizing productivity. As a member of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) he was instrumental in establishing a DBIA Student Chapter at NewSchool and is an Advisor to the DBIA Young Professionals Group. Brett received the DBIA Distinguished Leadership Award for his contributions to further the goals of Collaborative Design.

As an Advisor to the Integrated Path to Architecture Licensure (IPAL) Advisory Board, Brett supports the integrated approach to Education and Practice at New School providing professional guidance and insight as well as intern and job shadow opportunities. Brett is a LEED AP BD+C who is committed to designing Healthy Buildings that respect the Environment, Conserve Water and Reduce Energy Use with the goal of Net Zero Energy use. Design Excellence is a critical component of all projects and he has received Multiple Design Awards to recognize this vision.

Additional Information

• Principal Architect at Sillman Wright Architects since 2009
• California Licensed Architect
• NCARB
• American Institute of Architects (AIA) Member
• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Member
• DBIA Distinguished Leadership Award
• Juror DBIA WPR Awards Competition Design
• LEED AP BD+C
• US Green Building Council Member
• San Diego Regional Partnership Member
• Lean Construction Institute
• Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) Member

David White is Associate Professor in Architecture and the First-Year Level Coordinator at the Newschool of Architecture and Design. He holds am MFA from the University of California, San Diego with emphasis on Multi-Media and Public Culture and BFA from The Ohio State University. He was the founder of Agitprop, a community engagement art space in San Diego, California, operated from 2007-2014 with an emphasis on art, architecture and urban issues. He was Curatorial Consultant to San Diego Museum of Art from 2010-2012; Exhibitions include: The 2010 California Biennial, Orange County, CA; “Individuation” at the Berliner Kunstverien, Berlin, Germany; MIFF Exhibition, Crealab, Medellin, Colombia, Being Here With You” at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, among others. Work has been included in publications such as Art Forum, Wired.com, Visual Art Source, PBS’s Art21 Blog, The San Diego Union Tribune, among others. He has also taught as a Lecturer in architecture at the University of San Diego in the department of Art, Architecture and Art History.