Co-Owner of Vagrent Lifestyle

Shawn Sistrunk, an alumnus of the Product Design program at NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego, discovered early on that design was where he truly belonged. Driven by his passion for creativity, curation, and problem-solving, he made the bold decision to leave the hospitality industry and pursue a new path at NewSchool. As he progressed through the program, his appreciation for critical thinking and intentional design only grew stronger. In Shawn’s words, he “knew right away this is what he was meant to do.”

Now celebrating one year as co-owner of the local lifestyle brand Vagrent, Shawn is designing products that merge innovation with purpose. Vagrent focuses on environmental and social responsibility while staying aligned with modern trends; offering a unique blend of luxury, sustainability, and urban-inspired products. With several products that have the potential to push the industry forward, Shawn continues to build a brand rooted in intentionality and impact.

Looking back on his NewSchool journey, Shawn encourages future designers and prospective students to connect deeply with their passion for art and creativity, and to consider how they can use that passion to solve real-world problems. He also reminds students to stay grounded in the reality of bringing ideas to life. Establishing personal principles and values as a designer, he says, will guide you throughout both your career and your life.

 

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Shane Yee ‘21 Is Designing Community Through Architecture and Passion

From drafting table to the skatepark, Shane Yee has always followed a passion for building spaces where communities can come together.

Throughout his time at NewSchool, Shane has carved a path that unites architecture, community, and skateboarding into one seamless vision. 

Balancing the Navy, NewSchool, and Student Leadership

While working toward his Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Construction Management at NewSchool, Shane was enlisted in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineering Corps. While balancing school and active duty, he stepped into leadership as president of the co-educational college fraternity, Alpha Rho Chi, where he led initiatives to foster community and professional development among students studying architecture and related professions.  

Shane’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. In 2019, Shane was awarded a scholarship by the College Skateboarding Educational Foundation (CSEF), an organization dedicated to supporting skateboarders in achieving academic and career goals.  

Thesis on Wheels: Merging Skateboarding and Architecture

Growing up, Shane always had a love for skateboarding and skate culture, which became the inspiration for his final thesis: “Skateable Architecture,” an exploration of how skateparks can be designed as an enriching part of skate culture and urban life.  

Shane Yee credits his coursework at NewSchool with teaching him the foundation of architecture so that he could apply it toward his passion: “Learning architecture at NewSchool helped me with the phases of design such as schematic design and design development, while learning construction management helped me with knowing how to build schedules, budgets and safety plans.” 

Beyond Graduation: Designing the Future with Skate Ecosystems

His passion for skateboarding didn’t end with graduation. As co-founder and design leader of Skate Ecosystems—a skate Design + Build firm rooted in innovation, technology, and sustainability, Shane now helps shape skateparks that are not only functional, but also fun and visually stunning.  

“It’s super fulfilling to work on municipal projects and the various populations and communities they serve and represent.” – Shane reflects. 

Their work Del Rio Skate Garden in Texas, a municipal skate garden and the first AI-assisted skatepark, was recently recognized in the DNA 2025 Paris Design Awards in the category of Landscape Design/Historical Landscapes. 

Bruce Matthes, Director of Integrative Studies at NewSchool couldn’t be prouder of Shane and his accomplishments. “Shane is the perfect example of what can happen when a student from NewSchool applies their education to a passion with purpose. Seeing photographs and videos of young kids and their parents overjoyed that their community of Del Rio opened a new skatepark, one that Shane’s company designed, says it all.” 

Shane currently lives in Austin, Texas serving as the Chief Design Officer for Skate Ecosystems.

Follow him on Instagram @skate_ecosystems or watch his interview on Design Logic Podcast