In Memoriam: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Faculty Colleague Donald Sondys

Dear NewSchool Community,

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved faculty colleague, Donald Sondys, on August 14, 2026. Don was a treasured member of the NewSchool of Architecture & Design community, and his loss will be deeply felt by his colleagues, students, and the broader design world.

Don dedicated over 40 years to the design profession, establishing himself as a master of digital modeling and product visualization. His extensive industry experience and visionary approach left an indelible mark on both the products he helped create, and the aspiring designers he mentored.

A Legacy of Design Excellence Before bringing his talents to the classroom, Don spent an extraordinary 29 years at Nissan Design America. During his distinguished tenure, he played a pivotal role in advanced visualization projects, most notably contributing to the innovative Infiniti HMI concept vision. His ability to seamlessly blend technical precision with forward-thinking design made him a highly respected figure in the automotive design industry.

Dedication to Education A proud 1982 graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Design, Don’s passion for his craft naturally evolved into a passion for teaching. He became an active design instructor in the San Diego academic community in 2020. At NewSchool, Don taught Advanced Visualization, where he was known not just for his unparalleled technical expertise, but for his patience, kindness, and genuine investment in student success. He translated his decades of high-level industry experience into accessible, inspiring lessons that prepared our students for the realities of the professional design world.

Don’s presence in our studios and his commitment to our students’ growth embodied the very best of our institution’s values. He will be remembered for his warmth, his generous spirit, and the lasting impact he made on the next generation of designers.

Our deepest condolences go out to Don’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him and learning from him.

(Please note: We will share further information regarding memorial services or arrangements as it becomes available and in accordance with the family’s wishes. If you or your students need support during this difficult time, please reach out to campus counseling resources.)