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Winter 2027 Enrollment is still open. The Quarter begins on January 4, 2027.

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Blog Archives

Olivia Mandel

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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.

Rabi Sidawi

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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).

Ramiro Martinez

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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. 

Raúl Díaz

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Education

  • Mater of Urban Planning, City University of New York
  • Bachelor of Architecture, University of Southern California

Memberships

  • Member, American Institute of Architects

Richard Hess

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Education

Master of Architecture
NewSchool of Architecture & Design

Bachelor of Architecture
Auburn University

Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Auburn University

About Richard

Richard Hess is a designer, educator, entrepreneur, and career development leader with more than 25 years of professional experience spanning architecture, interior design, furniture design, lighting design, and product development, along with more than 15 years of experience in higher education. Throughout his career, he has combined professional practice, teaching, mentorship, and industry engagement to help shape both the built environment and the next generation of design professionals.

Richard earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Interior Architecture from Auburn University before completing his Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where he graduated at the top of his class. His multidisciplinary background has allowed him to work across architecture, interiors, custom furniture, lighting, product design, and experiential environments, developing solutions that balance creativity, functionality, and human-centered design.

As both a practicing designer and NewSchool alumnus, Richard is passionate about helping students and graduates discover meaningful career pathways while strengthening connections between education, industry, and the professional design community.

As the founder of Illume Design, Richard has explored the intersection of design, technology, and the phenomenology of light and color through furniture, lighting, and product development. His work has been featured on regional television programs, design publications, and nationally recognized industry platforms, earning recognition for innovative approaches to design, user experience, and creative problem-solving.

Richard currently serves as Director of Career Services at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where he leads employer relations, alumni engagement, student internships, industry partnerships, and career development initiatives. In this role, he collaborates with architecture, design, and construction firms throughout the country to create opportunities that connect students and graduates with meaningful careers. His efforts have helped strengthen relationships between academia and industry while supporting student success, professional networking, and workforce development.

As an educator and mentor, Richard has guided hundreds of students through portfolio development, thesis preparation, career planning, and professional advancement. His passion for student success extends well beyond the classroom, helping emerging professionals develop the skills, confidence, and industry connections necessary to thrive in architecture, interior design, graphic design, product design, and construction management.

Richard remains deeply committed to fostering community, mentorship, and lifelong learning through alumni relations, public speaking, professional organizations, and industry partnerships. His work is driven by a belief that great design and great education both have the power to transform lives, inspire innovation, and create lasting impact within communities.

Academic and Professional Recognitions

  • Featured Designer, KUSI Morning Show
    Table of Light, San Diego, California
  • Featured Designer, FOX 5 Morning Show
    Open Up Your Space, San Diego, California
  • Featured Educator, DI Details Newsletter
    The Learning Never Ends
  • Featured Educator, DI Details Newsletter
    Inspiring Others Towards a Path to Fulfillment
  • AIA Commendation Award for Historic Restoration
    Coleman Residence, Long Island, New York
  • Commencement Speaker (multiple years)
    Balboa Theatre, San Diego, California
  • Top 25 Design Blogs (2016)
    The Global Design Post
  • Top 100 Interior Design Blogs for Interior Designers and Architects
    Feedspot
  • Top 100 Interior Design Blogs for New Home Builders
    Vision One Homes

Scott H. Yee

About Scott H. Yee

Mr. Scott Yee currently is Vice President of Business Department, Business Department of Sunplus’s Chairman’s Office where he has been working since 2002. Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd. (TWSE: 2401, LSE: SUPD), established in 1990, is a leading semiconductor chip provider for multimedia and automotive applications such as DVD player, portable DVD player, home entertainment audio products, car infotainment and advanced driving assistance system (ADAS). Prior to Sunplus, Mr. Yee was Director of Marketing, Asia Pacific, at Micron Semiconductor and Photobit Corporation to firstly bring in CMOS Imager into commercial products in Asia Pacific in 1998, a leading technology previously known and innovated at JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Pasadena, California, USA. Mr. Yee received his honor of Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Cal Poly, Pomona and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Southern California.

ShaSha Chang

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About ShaSha

Recently retired, ShaSha Chang was the Chief Executive Officer of Wolters Kluwer China since 2009. While there, she oversaw the business activities in China including legal, tax, accounting, and healthcare information. She previously worked with McGraw-Hill Companies in several management functions, among them Vice President, General Manager of McGraw-Hill China, and Country Manager of Standard & Poor’s China operation. She gained broad experience in several positions in the legal, financial, and property development areas with several companies in the United States, such as Skadden Arps, the First National Bank of Chicago, and Tishman Speyer. Ms. Chang holds a Master of Arts degree from New York State University and a bachelor’s degree from Guangdong Foreign Languages University and was an exchange student at Colgate University.

Stanley Buchesky

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Stanley Buchesky is the Chairman and CEO of pi-top, a global education technology company that brings computer science education to students around the world using project based learning. He is also the founder and Managing Partner of the EdTech Fund, investing in seed stage education technology companies in K-12 and Higher Education.

In January 2017, Mr. Buchesky was appointed to serve as interim CFO of the U.S. Department of Education. He ran and oversaw all of the Department’s finances and operations during the initial days of the Administration until the Secretary could be confirmed by the Senate and other senior political appointees could be hired.

He has a passion for education. Stanley first became involved in education while leading mergers and acquisitions for McGraw-Hill and then as one of the founding board members of Equality Charter School in the Bronx. Starting with an idea in the heads of three educators, he led the school through start-up phase, established oversight committees, and eventually helped expand Equality from a single middle school to a high school as well, graduating its first senior class in 2018.

Stanley has led M&A departments and activities for large companies such as McGraw-Hill, L-3 Communications and Pitney Bowes, leading deals ranging from minority equity investments and joint ventures to multi-billion dollar transformational acquisitions. He has a depth of knowledge in private and public company tax and accounting issues and is a skilled negotiator. He has has also advised candidates for Governor in two different states on education policy.

Prior to a career in business, Stanley was an Airborne Ranger Army officer serving in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia, Kosovo and Macedonia. He is a West Point graduate with a BS in computer science engineering and a double major in German and French, and he holds an MBA in finance from Columbia Business School.

Stephen Matley

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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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