From Architecture to Advocacy: How Stephen Russell is Building a More Equitable San Diego

Stephen’s journey wasn’t like most. Prior to enrolling as a student at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, he worked in public service with San Diego City Council member Toni Atkins, focusing on redevelopment, affordable housing, and community planning. A major focus was City Heights, including the Metro Villa Apartments and advocating for accessible transit stations in the community. 

This focus on urban development and transit advocacy sparked a deep interest in Stephen to learn more about how architecture helps shape more equitable cities. 

 “The case studies we worked on [at NewSchool] were projects that were embedded within the community. That was a perfect fit for me because I felt like I was really pursuing my vision.” 

Stephen credits NewSchool’s flexible curriculum and supportive faculty as key to his growth as both an architect and advocate. 

“Faculty were open and encouraging to the perspectives I was able to bring here. They were supportive in ways where I was able to ask myself, ‘What is my vision for myself in this field?’” 

Head of Integrative Studies and professor, Bruce Matthes, has found memories of Stephen as a student.  

“It was the first class I ever taught at NewSchool, Intro to Research, and there’s Stephen Russell, already dressed like a professional, sitting near the front of the class and asking probing questions about research. I could tell day one he was serious about his studies and about helping others; turns out, he was already on his way.” 

Stephen’s commitment to research and helping others never stopped after attending NewSchool and his emphasis on sustainability and urban planning aligned perfectly with his interest in community planning, which he believes is inseparable from architecture.  

 Turning a Passion for Architecture into a Career in Affordable Housing  

For Stephen, architecture is more than just designing buildings; it’s a tool for equity and community transformation.   

Stephen is currently the President and CEO of the San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to affordable housing for low-income communities across the San Diego region. The SDHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports the affordable housing development sector through lobbying, professional development, and networking.   

Through his work at the SDHF, Stephen continues to use the principles of design to not only create affordable housing for people but also to make livable spaces that serve real human needs.  He exemplifies the human-centered and community-focused impact that NewSchool strives to have its alumni make—creating lasting change that serves and uplifts others. 

Stephen also currently serves on the board of the NewSchool Foundation and is an active alumnus in the community. 

“You can’t separate architecture and community planning. The community plan is the infrastructure within which we build,” Stephen shares. 

Stephen Russell graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Architecture.