NewSchool of Architecture & Design is deeply saddened to announce that student Stephen Marucut, passed away unexpectedly in April 2021. Marucut is survived by his three beloved daughters, for whom he was the primary caregiver.

“I would like to remember and celebrate Stephen for the beautiful person he was and for his passion for design,” remarks NewSchool Dean, School of Design, Elena Pacenti, Ph.D. “His kindness, intelligence, care, and talent have made an impact at NewSchool, among his classmates, all faculty, and staff. He is missed dearly, and he will always be remembered as a shining star and a model for his peers. I feel fortunate to have met Stephen and wish for his daughters to keep the courage and strength to achieve their dreams in their lives.”

Miti Aiello, NewSchool Assistant Professor, Undergraduate Architecture, explains: “I am profoundly saddened at the news of Stephen’s passing. He touched my life and the lives of the First-Year students in the four quarters we shared in indelible ways. His kindness and the beauty of his work will not be forgotten… I am in awe of the love he put in everything he did.”

Marucut was working toward his Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design and planned to graduate in 2023. Interestingly, before his time at NewSchool, Marucut already had a 20-year career in training and management under his belt. He was an inspirational student, creative talent, and mentor to many at NewSchool and beyond.

In a 2020 interview with NewSchool, Stephen explained why he chose to study Interior Architecture & Design: “Art, drawing, and creativity interested me at a young age. In my pre-teens, I would attempt to recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s “Vitruvian Man” and “The Last Supper.” I was fascinated with its hidden geometry. This fascination also led me to drawing figures and scenes from Greek and Roman mythology. I would hand draw the “Parthenon, Temple the Athena.” As I drew more buildings, I became interested in how the Greeks and Romans designed their architecture. I was intrigued with how the people used these spaces in those times. My fascination then led me to Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of “Fallingwater” in Pennsylvania. The concrete limestone-concrete home entwined with the waterfall made the piece marriage of nature and Wright’s vision and philosophy. Frank Lloyd Wright’s interiors were also linear and made use of the interior space and natural materials available in the area. Fast forward to current my current inspiration, the late Dame Zaha Hadid. Her fluid and curvature style, which also incorporates functional abstract interior spaces in her designs. She is one of many designers that inspire me to push my own creativity in Architectural Interior Design.”

In the same interview, Marucut said his favorite part about attending NewSchool was “the studio classes that invoke…creativity.” When asked for his advice to incoming NewSchool students, Marucut implored: “Know what you want. Believe in yourself. Focus and go for it. Keep like-minded people in your circle. Work!”

Stephen Marucut is and will continue to be sorely missed by the NewSchool community.

Memorial & Art Show

The Marucut family invites all to join his virtual Memorial & Art Show on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at 12:30 PM PDT. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stephens-memorial-tickets-154061593373

Support Stephen Marucut’s Family

A GoFundMe site has been established to support the Marucut family. You can donate and leave messages to show your support and help remember Stephen: https://gofund.me/354df6fd.

View some of Stephen’s NewSchool Interior Architecture & Design Work

• Stephen’s Favorite First Year Interior Architecture & Design Class Project, Cheeky Bastard Ales: click here
• New English Brewery Axes & Gardens: click here
• Second Building Proposal on the Stahl Home Site Case Study #22: click here
• Sketch Notes – Early & Late Modern Design: click here
• Sketch Notes: click here