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Bruce Matthes

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Bruce Matthes

Education

  • Master of Arts in English: Comparative Literature, California State University, Chico
  • Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Chico

Awards

  • NewSchool Faculty Member of the Year – 2012

Additional Information

  • Co-author of two books, including a recent text, Evidence Based Design: A Process for Research and Writing
  • Conference Presenter (Topic: The Evolution of Surfing: An Interdisciplinary Approach to General Education Course Design) at 52nd Annual Conference of the Association for General and Liberal Studies
  • Member, High Tech High Graduate School Taskforce

Biography

Bruce Matthes is an Associate Professor and Head of Integrative Studies at NewSchool of Architecture and design where he has been teaching and designing interdisciplinary courses since 2009. He holds a M.A. English from California State University, Chico where he taught literature courses from 2003-2005. He also completed his CA single subject teaching credential at National University in 1999. He is the co-author of two texts, including Evidence Based Design, published by Pearson/Prentice Hall in 2011. In 2012, he was awarded Faculty of the Year.

Matthes has presented at numerous academic conferences including WASC ARC 2018 where he spoke about his pedagogical approach: Integrative Studies: Establishing Realms of Study and Lenses of Understanding across Disciplines and at the 55th Annual Conference for the Association for General Education and Liberal Studies (AGLS) where he shared his expertise on how to engage international students in Myth of the City: A Diversity-Oriented Pedagogical Approach to uniting International Students and Faculty. Most recently, Matthes was invited on honorarium to read a chapter of his debut novel, Sanctuary, at the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) event Around the Campfire: A Spoken Word Gathering of Scribes and Storytellers held on February 4th, 2022.

Pedagogical Statement: Matthes believes that education is a concerted effort of both student and instructor to commit to lifelong learning. This is evident in the integrative model that he co-designed and continues to evolve at NewSchool of Architecture and Design. It is a pedagogical focus that stems from the belief that while the world may be getting smaller (metaphorically) its interconnectedness of regions, of peoples and cultures, is expanding. Therefore, the response to such change must be larger and it should move beyond an investigation into commerce (a model representative of many traditional curriculums) and instead, turn toward a rediscovery of the foundational human qualities that either link or divide us. Matthes uses the Integrative Studies diagram as a model to demonstrate how we may connect the disciplines of scientific and humanistic inquiry. It is an approach that he believes will lead to more innovative design solutions and one that was originally modeled in the text Evidence Based Design.

Stephen Matley

Education

  • Master of Business Administration, Chapman University
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of LaVerne

About Steve

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.

Current Projects

  • NAVFAC Projects: NAWS China Lake – 180 buildings: fire/life safety retrofits and upgrades, Fire Alarm reporting and mass notification systems NSA Monterey Naval Post Graduate School – 3 buildings (educational research labs and offices), fire/life safety retrofits and upgrades
  • Land Development: Multiple land acquisition, forward planning, entitlement and development projects under Coast 2 Coast Equities, Inc.

Awards

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

Memberships

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

Additional Information

  • Community Service & Affiliations: Steve has served as a Board Member for the Building Industry Association (BIA-SC, Baldy View Chapter), a Member of CMAA (San Diego Chapter), an Area Committee member for Young Life (Temecula Valley), a member of NAHB, an Affiliate Member of SRCAR (South Riverside County Association of Realtors), a member of ASC (Associated Schools of Construction), and is President of the Inland Valley Business and Community Foundation, a non-profit 501c3 organization.

Allen Mutchler

Allen Mutchler, registrar at NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Education 

MBA, University of Arizona Global Campus 

Master of Arts, Teaching and Learning with Technology, University of Arizona Global Campus 

Bachelor of General Studies, Liberal Studies, Georgia College & State University 

About

Allen brings almost 20 years of experience working in higher education, mostly in the Registrar’s Office. He began working as an enrollment advisor in 2016 for Ashford University and transferred to the Registrar’s Office in 2007. In 2011, he took on the role of managing the Registrar’s Office for online students at the University of the Rockies and has been the registrar at NewSchool since 2015. He was awarded a Global Product Services Award for Contribution to Student Success in 2017.   

Tom Mulica

Thomas Mulica

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  

Victor Nacif

A passion for Design and Creativity, Victor Nacif attended the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan USA.

His education continued through two summer internships at Ford Design, Ford Motor Company. He has also engaged in Executive programs at Stanford University in Business Leadership, Stanford, California, USA, as well as HEC Creative Leadership in Jouy-en-Josas, France.

Victor has lived and worked in 8 Countries and speaks fluent English, Spanish and French. His career spans 38 years in Automotive Design for Nissan Motor Company, PSA Peugeot Citroën (now Stellantis), Ford Motor Company and Zimmer Automotive Corporation.

Victor and the NewSchool Design instructors apply the true meaning of Design, by instilling Human centered practices through interactions, systems and products to better our world. His continued dedication to helping a new generation of creatives in all the Design disciplines and cultures is what he considers his greatest achievement.

  • Design Chair at New School of Architecture and Design, San Diego, California, USA. vnacif@newschoolarch.edu
  • Partner, Industrial Design Tribe consultancy, with former graduates of NewSchool of Architecture and Design. theidtribe.co
  • Chief Creative Officer at brojure.com, and Partner at reiimagine.com and newhotelguide.com
  • Design Mentor at Intersection/The Design Academy, San Diego, California, USA

Charner Rodgers, Ph.D.

Charner Rodgers, Ph.D.

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.

Mary Sasso

Program Specializations: BSGDIM, BAPD, BSCM, BIAD

Mary Sasso serves as an Outreach and Recruitment Specialist at NewSchool of Architecture and Design. She holds a Communications degree from the University of California, San Diego. Prior to joining NewSchool, Mary worked at the Basic Needs Center, where she provided crucial support to students by ensuring they had access to essential necessities such as food and housing throughout their academic careers. Mary brings a deep passion for student support and advocacy to her role. She is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students as they pursue higher education. Her dedication to ensuring that students feel comfortable and empowered in their academic journey is reflected in her approach to outreach and recruitment initiatives at NewSchool.

Rabi Sidawi

Rabi Sidawi

Education

M.A. Arch, Design Theory & Methodology, University of California (UCLA)

  1. Arch, Architecture, Tulane University
  2. Arch, Architecture, American University of Beirut

About Rabi

Rabi Sidawi AIA has practiced architecture since 1986, with experience in Berkeley, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and Atlanta. Currently an Adjunct Professor at NSAD and Gwinnett Technical College, he brings expertise in construction management and interior design. Formerly, as a Senior AEC Solutions Consultant, he provided mentoring and consulting on AEC projects utilizing industry-leading BIM software. Rabi has also been a speaker at Autodesk University and other professional events, and holds multiple certifications including Autodesk Building Specialist and BIM 360 Technical Advisor. A member of the American Institute of Architects since 1996, he is a registered architect in Georgia, USA.

Andre Tejeda

Andre Tejeda

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.

Natalia Volodina

About

Experienced Science professional in the area of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry and biomedical writing and communication (conference presentations, publishing books, my research, review articles and lab manuals and course summaries in English, Russian and French) and a Professor of Biology with 15+ years of teaching experience at post-secondary level.  My science research post-Ph.D. interests have been in the area of neurodegeneration and a student-based antibiotic discovery / soil bacteria microbiome project development. Besides science, my professional interests include international business ( I am an active entrepreneur in the education field and I’m teaching Management and International Business at Palomar College as well).

She currently teaches Environmental Biology and Principles of Management.

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