Dia Hunter is an entrepreneur, leader, and educator. Professor Hunter has taught in NewSchool of Architecture’s Construction Management Master’s Program since its inception. He was the subject matter expert in the development of the two courses that he presently teaches. He has also developed several construction management and leadership courses for other graduate programs. Professor Hunter owns several businesses, including a residential remodeling firm based out of the Greater Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Professor Hunter is a Planning Commissioner in his local community overseeing planning and zoning affairs. He also has industry experience with a large commercial construction firm, working as a Superintendent and Engineer on several multimillion-dollar projects.
In addition to his professional experiences, Professor Hunter’s personal interests are varied. He has experience as an elite-level public speaker in the Toastmasters organization, serving in roles such as Club President and Area Governor. Professor Hunter also volunteers at his local church where he serves as a Coordinator.
Steve Matley has over 25 years of experience in leadership and management in multiple industries. His business management and project management experience was cultivated in real estate, land development, and construction, involving commercial, institutional, residential and public works projects. He has held positions as a General Building Contractor, a Senior Project Manager for an ENR top 50 rated agency construction management firm and Vice-President of Land Acquisition and Forward Planning for a production homebuilder. In these positions, Steve successfully planned and executed numerous projects including educational complexes, high-rises, master planned communities, production homes, custom homes, public works and infrastructure projects. He has been designated as an expert witness in real estate, development, and construction-related litigation cases.
As a business owner, Steve managed multiple companies of his own, including DCM Group Inc., a development and construction management consulting firm, which managed land acquisition, entitlement, and planning for projects valued at over a half billion dollars within an eight-year period. During this time, Steve personally managed dozens of projects, consistently performing above projected ROI expectations. He later was Owner and Principal of Building Solid Foundations, LLC, a leadership and business management advising and consulting firm. Currently, he serves as President of Coast 2 Coast Equities, Inc., a real estate investment, acquisition and development firm.
Steve is a member of the Construction Management faculty at NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, acting as Program Chair for the undergraduate and graduate degree CM programs and Associate Professor. He previously served as a professor for the Gordon and Jill Bournes School of Engineering at California Baptist University. Steve led the creation, curriculum development and WSCUC accreditation process for the Associates of Science Degree program in Construction Management at San Joaquin Valley College where he held various positions including Program Director, Division Manager and Student Dean.
Steve participates as a facilitator and speaker for educational seminars and workshops in both the construction / building industry and the general business environment. Notable presentations include expert panel facilitation for the CMAA (Construction Management Association of America), seminar and workshop presentations for the NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders) International Builders Show, and IVBCF’s Educational Speaker Series. The City of Temecula retained Steve to present the opening keynote for their inaugural Start-Up Week. In addition, he is the designated expert panel facilitator for the Business Leaders Summits, produced by BuildLeaders.org and FIRE Up Live Events produced by Finest Women in Real Estate. Steve is a certified trainer for the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and presents as an expert for audiences in the education, real estate and construction industries, speaking for business workshops, seminars, conferences and symposiums.
Certificate of Recognition, California State Assembly, Melissa Melendez, 67th District Certificate of Recognition, Optimist International District 41, Outstanding Judging, Oratorical Contest Finals Certificate of Recognition, California State Assembly, Marie Waldron, 75th District District Champion, Toastmasters District 12 Speech Evaluation Contest Most Outstanding Employee Award, Gafcon, Inc. Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) – Toastmasters International Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) – NAHB/HBI University of Housing Certified Green Professional (CGP) – NAHB/HBI University of Housing\ Certified Trainer – NAHB/HBI University of Housing Advanced Leader Bronze (ALB) – Toastmasters International Licensed General Contractor (B-inactive), State of California, CSLB
Professional Member, National Speakers Association Member, NSA-GLAC (National Speakers Association – Greater Los Angeles Chapter) Gold Level Member, Fire-Up Connect Professional Resources Member, CMAA (Construction Management Association of America), San Diego Chapter, San Diego, CA Officer/Member, Rock Toastmasters Club, San Diego, CA Member, BNI Temecula 1 Chapter, Temecula, CA Officer/Charter Member, Toastmasters Professional Speakers, Advanced Club, Murrieta, CA Bootstrappers, Entrepreneurs Mastermind & Networking Group, San Diego, CA President, IVBCF (Inland Valley Business and Community Foundation), Temecula, CA Board Member, BIA (Building Industry Association) – Baldy View Chapter, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino County, CA Member, BIA-SC (Building Industry Association of Southern California), Irvine, CA Member, NAHB (National Association of Homebuilders), Washington DC Affiliate Member, SRCAR (South Riverside County Association of Realtors), Murrieta, CA Club Advisor, Helper/Speaker, Student Venture, Vista Murrieta HS, Murrieta President / VP Membership, Toastmasters #7917, Temecula (Toast of the Valley) Area Committee Member, Young Life, Temecula Founding Board Member, Anza Valley Building Association, Anza, CA Leadership Council/Moderator, CBMC Forums, San Diego, CA Founding Member, Building Foundations, San Diego, CA Founding Member / Facilitator, Leadership Forums Professional Mastermind Professional Member, ICBO (International Conference of Building Officials – now ICC), Whittier, CA
Vice Chair of the National Association of Home Builders Student Advisory Board
1st Place Outstanding NAHB Student Chapter of the Year
2021 National Housing Endowment HELP Grant Winner
What year did you start teaching at NewSchool?
2011
What led you to pursue a career in the construction industry?
My father! He was my first hero and role model! I was introduced to residential construction at birth. My dad was a brick mason then later became a general contractor. I spent every summer going to work with him. In my family, the first-born male becomes a general contractor. I am my dad’s only child, so I was destined to have a career in construction.
Why did you start teaching at NewSchool?
My mentor Dr. Linda Thomas Mobley always spoke to me about teaching. I was a teaching assistant when I was attending graduate school and I quickly realized I had a gift with it.
In your opinion, what makes NewSchool special?
It’s a safe place where faculty and students can be themselves while obtaining a great education.
What are the challenges, if any, faced by women in a male-dominated field?
The biggest challenge is not getting a chance to prove yourself in the field. Some females would like to be superintendents and not sales associates!
Throughout your time in the construction industry, what are some ways you feel it has changed?
There is definitely more diversity in the field! There is also more mainstream interest in the craft.
What’s something interesting you’re currently working on? Personal or professional.
I am working on research exploring women in the construction industry. I want to research the experiences of women in the industry and how we can promote and introduce more women in the industry.
What is your favorite part about educating the next generation of construction managers?
My favorite part about educating the next generation is being a part of their journey and seeing how far they go. Many of my students have made me very proud.
If you could provide advice to a young female interested in a career in construction, what would it be?
I would tell young females in the industry to JUST DO IT! Don’t be afraid of what might happen. Our industry is more open to women than ever before and I truly believe this is the time to be a woman in the industry.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?
The most important lesson I learned is to believe in my abilities and knowledge. I earned my spot in the industry and I should not think differently.
What has you most excited about the future?
I am most excited about new technologies that are being introduced. The industry has not changed much in its processes, and I think the new generation is going to provide more innovative ways to accomplish many tasks in the industry.
Teaching the next generation of leaders in the Construction Management field is our mission. My simple approach is in combining teaching Construction Management strategies with over 30 years of experience as a West Yost Associates Client Manager for the San Diego basin. Besides engineering duties various business development elements were applied and mastered. City’s GIS system maps updates using most recent GIS information and information from O&M field personnel; the information processing using most recent edition of Infrastructure system modeling software. Preparing students with the acquired knowledge, concepts and processes would require work with a tools that have yet to be publicized is a principle mantra of our program. My passion for education and the professional development of young leaders has allowed me to mentor and guide several entrepreneurs and businesses throughout my career through student outreach program of the CMAA San Diego Chapter. This experience allows me to combine academic acumen and vast practical experience to bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Rabi Sidawi, AIA, ASID
B.ARCH, M.ARCH, MA
Since 1988, Rabi Sidawi practiced architecture and AEC consulting in Berkeley, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Atlanta.
With over 37+ years of industry experience, Mr. Sidawi specializes in AEC project mentoring and consulting, serving Owners, Architects, Engineers and Construction Managers. Rabi Sidawi utilizes best-in-class BIM software including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks Manage, Forma Construction Cloud, BIM 360 Design, Dynamo, Generative Design, Infraworks, Autodesk Sustainable Design and Cloud Solutions.
Autodesk recognized Rabi Sidawi as having received the highest ratings from students for instructor performance. He was named ATC Instructor of the Year for 2007. In 2009 Mr. Sidawi received the North America award for distinguished performance in Revit Architecture. In 2017, Rabi Sidawi became an Autodesk Certified Software Professional.
Currently Mr. Sidawi is a registered architect in the State of Georgia. He holds Adjunct Professor positions in the Graduate Construction Management Program at the New School of Architecture & Design (San Diego, CA) and at Gwinnett Technical College (Lawrenceville, GA).
Ron has been building corporate, healthcare, industrial, and educational buildings for 40 years, totaling more than $1 billion and representing more than 20 million square feet.
Education
Masters in Building Construction, Georgia Institute of Technology
BBA in Marketing, Augusta State University – College of Business Administration
About Andre
With a wealth of experience spanning various roles and industries, Andre Tejeda is a seasoned professional in industrial development, construction, and academia. Currently serving as Sr. Principal for Industrial Development & Construction at Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center, he oversees strategic initiatives and project execution. Additionally, as an Adjunct Professor at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Andre imparts his knowledge and expertise to future construction professionals. Prior to his current roles, he held leadership positions at CBRE and HD Supply, where he managed complex construction projects and programs. With a strong foundation in project management and construction services, Andre brings valuable insights and skills to every endeavor.
George Welch has played a number of integral roles at NewSchool, including serving as an initial member of NewSchool of Architecture & Design, LLC, as well as previously serving as the Chair of the Construction Management Program, during which he contributed to the development and expansion of the program.
Welch, who worked in the design construction business for more than 35 years before relocating to San Diego, has significant experience in all phases of real estate development, including design, code compliance, construction, ownership, management and sales, and state agency work.
619-684-8800
