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Rabi Sidawi

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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.

Trevor Stine

Education

  • Master of Arts in Latin American Studies, San Diego State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of South Florida

About Trevor

Earlier in his career, Trevor lived in the wilderness of Tennessee for two years as a wilderness counselor and managed four multi-million dollar philanthropic campaigns for the United Way of the Bay Area in San Francisco. He has taken numerous long-term motorcycle journeys throughout Mexico, Central America, and the United States in order to undertake academic research and promote his international development organization.

Besides teaching at NewSchool, Trevor is the founder of Pangea Proxima, an international non-profit organization, focused on increasing access to education and health, while promoting sustainable building in developing nations. He also founded and is a co-partner of Evolution Maps, a mapping, and spatial analysis company, which promotes the work of small to mid-sized businesses, non-profits and local government entities.

Trevor has authored three published patents concerning biometric repositories and anti-identity theft solutions. He is also a member of the CASBA (California Straw Bale Builders Association).

Ron Sutliff

Education

  • Master of Project Management
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering

Memberships

  • Board Member, HomeAid San Diego
  • NewSchool Construction Management Advisory Board
  • Mission To Children

Additional Information

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.

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.

Izzy Toth

With her expertise in outreach strategy, community engagement and public speaking, Izzy is thrilled to serve as Outreach Manager.

She began her career at the executive search and leadership development firm N2Growth, where she focused on one-on-one client communication and engagement, using data analytics to present strategies to executive-level stakeholders. To broaden her outreach experience to larger audiences, she transitioned to Jeff Sussman Management, a celebrity comedy management agency. As a Business Analyst, she applied advertising research and community data to boost audience interest in comedian Kevin James’ national tours, live shows, and streaming specials.

To strengthen NewSchool’s connections with local and industry partners, Izzy enjoys speaking at high schools, colleges, conferences, and employer events. Leveraging research and data-driven insights, she builds relationships that support student success at every stage—from enrollment to graduation and beyond.
Izzy holds a Bachelor of Industrial Relations from the University of Toronto, and a Master of Business Administration from the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego.

Vinh Tu

Vinh Tu brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in the education sector to his role as Director of Enrollment and Marketing. With a primary focus on admissions and enrollment, Vinh has spent his career helping students navigate their educational journeys.

His professional background is extensive and multidisciplinary, encompassing sales management, corporate training, project management, and professional life coaching. Vinh leverages this diverse skillset to not only lead his team but to ensure that every student’s enrollment experience is personalized and supportive.

A practitioner of servant leadership, Vinh prioritizes the growth and well-being of his team and the students they serve. deeply influenced by Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he applies these principles to create a proactive and empathetic culture. Vinh is driven by the belief that education is the key to opening doors, and he is a strong advocate for the idea that there is no single “right” path to success, championing non-traditional educational routes for those whom they benefit most.

Brett Tullis

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

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.

Maia Wakefield

Maia Wakefield

Program Specializations: BARCH, B.A.A, BIAD

Maia serves as senior enrollment specialist at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, where she is committed to helping students discover educational pathways that align with their passions and career goals.

With over two years of experience as an Outreach Mentor at San Diego Mesa College, Maia worked directly with high school students to help them feel confident in their college decisions. She has a talent for breaking down the college application process, answering questions with clarity and care, and creating a welcoming space where students feel supported and empowered. Whether working with students one-on-one or speaking to classrooms, Maia brings energy, empathy, and a strong sense of purpose to every interaction.
With an extensive background in sales—emphasizing leadership, training and development, and retention—Maia combines strategic insight with a student-centered approach. She is passionate about building meaningful connections, guiding students toward the right program fit, and helping them take the first steps toward the career of their dreams.

George L. Welch

Education

  • Master of Public Administration, Walden University
  • Bachelor of Architecture, University of Illinois

About George

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.

Memberships

  • Associate, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • Member, Construction Management Association of America
  • Member, International Code Council
  • Member, Kendall College Charitable Trust
  • Finance Board Member, St. Paul’s Methodist Church
  • Board of Directors, ACE Mentorship

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