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Blas Herrera

Blog Archives

Blas Herrera

Education

  • Master of Science in Architecture, Landscape and Urbanism, Woodbury University, San Diego
  • Bachelor of Architecture, Woodbury University, San Diego

About Blas

Blas Herrera studied architecture at Woodbury University in San Diego, California. In 2010 he moved to Mexico City to work for COLECTIVO MX, where he has collaborated in projects such as laboratories and offices for Probiomed and L’Oreal. He was teacher assistant for the Master of Washington University, St. Louis, summer program abroad, held in San Diego. He has worked in CROstudio, a collaborative practice that focuses on urban renewal through architecture, in urban studies at the border between Tijuana and San Diego. Blas earned his Master’s in Landscape and Urbanism at Woodbury University, San Diego and is currently collaborating in CROstudio and teaches at NewSchool of Architecture & Design.

Awards

  • Honorable mention, 2012. “Displaced Cartographies”. The Greatest Grid Competition, organized by the Architectural League of New York and the Museum of the City of New York. ‘Displaced Cartographies’ was included in the exhibition The Greatest Grid, on view at the Museum of the City of New York. Proposal developed in collaboration with Zooburbia collective, Mexico City.
  • Honorable mention, 2012. “Go with the flow”. 14th International Arquine Competition. 2012 Published in the: Arquine Magazine 60th edition “Go with the flow”. Proposal developed in collaboration with Zooburbia collective, Mexico City.

Richard Hess

Richard Hess

Education

Master of Architecture, NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Bachelor’s Degree, Architecture and Interior Architecture, Auburn University

About

Richard Hess is an accomplished designer with over 23 years of expertise in architecture, interior, and furniture design. He obtained his bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University before pursuing a Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where he graduated top of his class. Currently, Richard serves as the Director of Career Services at his alma mater, while teaching thesis and portfolio courses, equipping graduates for careers in the ever-evolving field of architecture and design. 

Denise Homme, Ph.D.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Minnesota
  • Master of Arts, University of Minnesota
  • Bachelor of Arts in Design, North Dakota State University

About Denise

I have practiced interior design professionally since 1969, and over the past forty-plus years, have taught a wide range of interior design courses at the university level. Because I value giving back to the design community, I have spoken and lectured on the subject of the design of the interior environment at many universities, community colleges, professional conferences, and other academic and personal enrichment venues throughout the United States. My past experiences as an educator and interior design program administrator, along with my years of experience as a CIDA accreditation site visitor and Team Leader, a member of a special CIDA Task Force and as a CIDA Program Consultant, has provided me with a rich perspective into the analysis and development of interior architecture and design curricula.

I consider myself an avid travel enthusiast, a perpetual student, and a devotee of material culture studies. Wanting to share these experiences with students and others, my academic study abroad has allowed me to author several popular press articles for the online design newsletter Plinth & Chintz. (www.plinthandchintz.com).

Professionally, I have participated in design competitions and have been honored with first place awards for my creative work. In addition to earning graduate degrees in Interior Design, I have been qualified as a professional member of ASID, IIDA, IDEC and have been certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) since 1982.

Ivan Hu

Ivan Hu

Education

Master of Architecture, NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Bachelor’s Degree, NewSchool of Architecture & Design

About

Ivan Hu is a seasoned designer and project manager with over a decade of expertise in architecture and construction. He earned both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master in Architecture from NewSchool of Architecture & Design, graduating at the top of his class with Summa Cum Laude and High Distinction honors. Ivan’s passion lies in creating cohesive, impactful designs with a meticulous eye for detail and a drive to explore innovative solutions to complex challenges. 

Currently, Ivan serves as a senior project lead at Ferguson Pape Baldwin Architects, where he oversees projects from schematic design through construction completion, managing a diverse range of project types and sizes from small tenant improvement to multi-buildings campus. He also contributes to the academic community as an adjunct faculty member at NewSchool, where he coordinates the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program and manages the Internship Class. 

In addition to his professional and academic pursuits, Ivan is an award-winning photographer recognized throughout Southern California. 

Jin Huang

About Jin Huang

Dr. Jin Huang has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our board of directors since our inception in August 2000. Dr. Huang has over 17 years of academic and industry experience in Silicon Valley. Prior to founding Ambow, Dr. Huang was a founding engineer at Avant!, where she was responsible for product design and engineering management. Dr. Huang holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a master’s degree in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from the University of Electronic Science & Technology of China. From 1990 to 1993, Dr. Huang was doing research and completed her Ph.D. dissertation at the University of California, Berkeley.

Dia Hunter

Education

  • Master of Education, Georgia State University
  • Master of Science in Building Construction & Facility Management, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Bachelor of Art in Business Administration, Clark Atlanta University

About Dia

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.

Additional Information

  • Vice-Chairman, Tyrone Planning Commission
  • Member, Project Management Institute
  • Member, Construction Management Association of America
  • Contributing Professor, Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Principal Member, Savvy Elite Hair Studio
  • Owner, MIH Consulting

Chiao-Ling Hsu

About Chiao-Ling

Chiao-ling Hsu stands as a paragon of innovation and leadership in the realm of higher education. Her distinguished career spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions in business education, technology integration, and institutional management. Ms. Hsu’s journey in the educational sector is a testament to her commitment to excellence, adaptability to changing landscapes, and a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education.

Born and raised in an environment that valued education profoundly, Ms. Hsu embarked on her academic journey with a zeal to explore the interplay between technology and education. This exploration led her to New York University (NYU) from 1992 to 1995, where she pursued studies in Business Education in Technology. Her time at NYU coincided with the nascent stages of technological advancement in education, providing her with foundational insights that would later shape her professional ethos.

Upon returning to Taipei, Taiwan, she joined the Taiwan Culture University as an Adjunct Professor in 1997. Her role quickly evolved as she took on the mantle of spearheading the university’s e-learning program in 1999. Her efforts in this domain were pioneering, culminating in the program’s accreditation by the Ministry of Education and setting a benchmark for online education in Taiwan.

Ms. Hsu’s leadership trajectory saw a significant leap in 2005 when she was appointed as the COO of the school’s continuing education sector and later as the CEO of the school foundation. Under her stewardship, the Continuing Education of the Chinese Culture University achieved unparalleled success, ranking as the top institution in the nation for ten consecutive years. Her innovative approach and strategic leadership during the 2008 global financial crisis further fortified the institution’s position, offering retraining programs that addressed the pressing needs of the time.

In 2015, Ms. Hsu embraced a new challenge by joining Ambow in Beijing, a move that marked her foray into the corporate-educational sector. This transition was a testament to her versatile leadership capabilities and her ability to navigate diverse educational landscapes. Her tenure at Ambow was a period of significant learning and growth, enriching her understanding of the business aspects of education.

Ms. Hsu’s most recent role as the Interim and eventual President of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in 2022-23 showcases her ability to lead. Stepping in during a time of need, she successfully stabilized the institution, demonstrating her expertise in institutional management and her capacity to handle complex challenges with grace and effectiveness.

Throughout her illustrious career, Chiao-ling has been a proponent of innovative educational practices, a champion of technology in learning, and a leader who believes in the power of education to transform lives. Her journey is not just a story of personal success but a narrative that inspires educational leaders worldwide. As she continues to make strides in the field, Chiao-ling Hsu remains a beacon of inspiration, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the enduring impact of visionary leadership in education.

Neil Kendricks

Education

  • Master of Art (TV, Film and New Media Production), San Diego State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, San Diego State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Art (Painting and Printmaking), San Diego State University

Bohan Lang

Bohan Lang, teaches in architecture department at NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Education

Master of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Arts, Architecture and Finance, University of San Diego

About

Bohan Lang is an architectural designer at SmithGroup. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with distinction, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of San Diego where he double majored in architecture and finance. Bohan has previously worked at firms such as Kohn Pedersen Fox and Array Architects, contributing to large-scale adaptive reuse, healthcare, and mixed-use projects. His expertise spans digital visualization, graphic design, digital modeling, parametric design, with a strong interest in material science, prefab construction, digital fabrication, and emerging technologies. 

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.

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