Category Archives: Spotlight: Alumni

From an unexpected introduction to NewSchool to becoming a licensed architect, educator, and design professional, Tommy Hernandez (B.Arch, 2020) has built a career rooted in mentorship, lifelong learning, and service to the architectural community.

Tommy’s journey to NewSchool began by chance while delivering a catering order to a campus open house. Inspired by the architectural models and student work on display, he knew he had found the place where he would pursue his childhood dream of becoming an architect.

After graduating as Valedictorian from NewSchool of Architecture & Design with a Bachelor of Architecture and minors in Construction Management and Neuroscience for Architecture, Tommy immediately joined the faculty, teaching Environmental Systems I & II while launching his career with De Bartolo & Rimanic Design Studies (DBRDS). At DBRDS, Tommy has contributed to multifamily residential, hospitality, mixed-use, and religious projects as a Design Coordinator.

As he balanced teaching with professional practice, Tommy gained valuable field experience while preparing for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Architectural Registration Examinations (ARE). This combination allowed him to bring current industry practices and real-world project experience directly into the classroom, helping prepare students not only for academic success but also for practice and licensure.

Reflecting on his time at NewSchool, Tommy credits mentors Alan Rosenblum and Daniela Deutsch with shaping his approach to design through curiosity, critical thinking, and purposeful problem-solving. He also credits his involvement with NewSchool’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter with helping shape his professional network and leadership skills. During his tenure as AIAS Chapter President, he received both the Chapter Honor Award and the Chapter President Honor Award in 2019, while forging lasting connections that continue to shape his career.

Outside of practice and teaching, Tommy has remained active in the profession through leadership roles with the Balboa Park Committee of 100, the NewSchool Foundation, and the San Diego Architectural Foundation (SDAF), where he served as Membership Committee Chair and co-chair of the Orchids & Onions program. He currently serves as Faculty Advisor for NewSchool’s AIAS chapter, continuing his commitment to mentoring future architects.

Beyond architecture, Tommy also enjoys graphic design and currently creates designs for ThaRiches, a Los Angeles-based clothing designer whose line was featured during Bad Bunny’s 2026 halftime performance.

Tommy became a licensed architect in the State of California in July 2026, achieving a goal he had pursued since childhood.

Looking back on his own journey, Tommy offers this advice to current students:

“Architecture school is not just about learning how to design buildings—it’s about learning how to observe, think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems.”

From the early days of a growing academic program to leading a successful national consulting firm, Saad Ilyas (M.Arch, 1999) has built a career defined by curiosity, adaptability, and leadership in complex infrastructure projects.

After graduating, Saad launched his professional journey with a project management firm in San Diego, where he quickly developed expertise as a Project and Program Manager. Focusing on aviation and transit programs, he gained hands-on experience navigating large-scale, high-impact initiatives. Over time, his entrepreneurial vision took shape, leading him to establish his own firm. Today, Saad serves as President and CEO of a San Diego–based project management consulting company, delivering services nationwide across aviation, transit, and education sectors.

Reflecting on his time as a student in the late 1990s, Saad remembers a program that was still in its formative years—but that was exactly what drew him in. “The school was in its infancy stage, and it was nimble and flexible in its approach to design and career development,” he shares. That dynamic environment, combined with the influence of dedicated faculty such as Mitra Kanaani, Kurt Hunker, Dean Stepner, and Richard Brock, helped shape his perspective and professional path.

Saad credits much of his success to a mindset he developed early on and continues to live by today: stay curious and proactive. His advice to current students and emerging professionals is simple but powerful:
“Always stay inquisitive, ask plenty of questions, and start your education with networking at all times.”

Through his leadership and continued contributions to the industry, Saad exemplifies the impact of blending technical knowledge with curiosity and strong professional relationships—values that remain at the heart of a successful career.

Sofia Medina is a 2022 graduate of NewSchool of Architecture & Design, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management with a minor in Interior Design.

She currently works as an Assistant Project Manager with Swinerton Builders in the San Diego Healthcare Division. Sofia chose NewSchool after receiving a recommendation from a construction industry professional and was immediately drawn to the program’s strong industry connections. The professors’ firsthand experience and active professional networks played a defining role in her education, providing real-world insight, practical skills, and meaningful mentorship that prepared her for the demands of construction management.

Sofia encourages current and prospective students to stay open-minded, ask questions, and fully embrace learning opportunities, noting that the collective knowledge of peers, professors, and industry professionals can be a powerful catalyst for growth.

Alumn Cesar Tran is an architectural designer with professional experience spanning education, healthcare, and federal projects across Southern California. He is currently advancing toward architectural licensure and serves as a co-lead for the Sustainability Action Plan at Architects Mosher Drew, where he contributes to firm-wide initiatives focused on environmental responsibility and long-term design performance. 

Cesar’s commitment to the profession extends beyond practice through his active involvement in mentorship and leadership. He serves as Vice President of the Alumni Board of Directors for NewSchool of Architecture and Design and is an ACE Mentor, where he supports and guides high school students exploring careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. He earned his Master of Architecture (4+3) from NewSchool of Architecture and Design in 2022. 

Grounded in a human-centered design approach, Cesar has also applied his architectural training to the technology sector, contributing to product development for early-stage web and mobile application startups through user experience and interface design. He aspires to continue expanding his skills across adjacent design disciplines, including product design, to gain a deeper understanding of how the built environment and everyday objects are conceived and realized. 

Outside of his professional pursuits, Cesar enjoys traveling to study diverse built environments, staying active, and engaging in creative hobbies that further broaden his perspective as a designer.