Blog Archives

Founders, Tecture Design+Fabrication

After graduating from the Master of Architecture program at NewSchool in 2011, David Michael, Kyle Preish, and Slade Fischer founded their own design firm, Tecture. Their work quickly began making a statement all over San Diego, from design/build projects such as the Patio on Goldfinch and the newly opened Kettner Exchange to an installation in the San Diego International Airport.

They have expanded their business from a small two car garage in North Park to an office/fab shop with multiple employees and have brought into the fold several new members including several NewSchool alumni.

With a dedication to elevating San Diego’s design community, they have been creating unique, technology-driven, and customized works that include structures, products, images, environments, and events. From 20’ living walls and custom lighting installations to child development spaces, Tecture is bringing new life into San Diego’s urban fabric.

Two of the Tecture’s recent restaurant designs, Patio on Goldfinch and Kettner Exchange, were the winners of the 2015 Orchid design award by the San Diego Architectural Foundation.

 

Founders, RAD Lab Design Firm

RAD Lab Design Firm was founded by Master of Architecture alumni Philip Auchettl, David Loewenstein and Jason Grauten. Within two years of forming the design firm, RAD Lab began making a name for themselves for creating hip, community-driven urban parks in downtown San Diego. Their 2014 Pocket Park won an Orchid from the San Diego Architectural Foundation in 2014 and their large-scale urban park, Quartyard, has quickly become a well-known venue in Downtown San Diego.

Philip, David, and Jason began the Quartyard project for their thesis and brought their vision to reality two years later. They sought to develop a quick and mobile way to revitalize vacant lots that traditionally stay vacant for several years while the land is in development.

Built out of storage containers, the project had a short construction period and was built in a way that could be easily relocated. RAD Lab worked with the City of San Diego and private sector advisors to transform the vacant lot into a vibrant and exciting community location. Quartyard demonstrates how positive changes can quickly and economically activate an empty lot into a thriving interactive urban park.

“We believe Quartyard can serve as a model for cities across the U.S. looking for unique economic development ideas,” said NewSchool alumnus and CEO of RAD Lab, Philip Auchettl. “It is a feasible way to temporarily re-invent empty spaces while improving quality of life for residents. We welcome the opportunity to talk to other cities about how this model can work for them.”

Learn more about the RAD Lab here.

 

Hometown: Middletown, New York

Why did you choose to study interior architecture & design?

I wanted a chance to turn raw spaces into sustainable and unique rooms. I believe interior architecture is not just about being creative but implies psychological and technical skills. With having a background in art and design, choosing this area of study was most suitable for me.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

The NewSchool facility is unique compared to other schools because the classes are more personal. Not only with the instructors but with other students as well. You’ll know everyone at the school once you graduate which, in turn, will build a network of great colleagues.

What was your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

The instructors and campus facility. NewSchool is like a family. From the janitor to your professor. Everyone is always happy to see you and lend a helping hand.

What have you been doing since you graduated?

Expanding my design knowledge in other fields by going back to school for certificates in photography and web design.

What projects are you currently working on?

Building a photography & tattoo portfolio.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

I participated in building and fabricating a typographic model for Gensler with fellow fraternity members.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Become involved in extracurricular activities. NewSchool has a fraternity and a few design clubs! They are a great way to expand your interests and meet people that are pursuing different fields of study.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

Since NewSchool is a smaller campus your professors are more committed to teaching and guiding you through your courses. Your work will also be graded and critiqued more carefully. There is more one- on-one with each professor as well.

Urban Designer, Estrada Land Planning
What was your favorite aspect of attending NewSchool?

My favorite aspect was the relationship that was built between me and my professors – how they were great and humble. They believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.

What projects are you currently working on?

Chollas Creek – designing a natural look and adding a bike trail.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

My biggest career accomplishment is my thesis: The Green Network: Park-to-Bay Project. It’s a study that I believe will be implemented soon. The thesis has won the SDAPA Academic Award 2018. I have also successfully presented the project to three Community Planning Groups: Barrio Logan, Southeastern San Diego, and Golden Hill. In addition, I have presented to the Mayor’s office and the Port of San Diego. I will keep presenting it till we do it.

Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Why did you choose to study architecture?

To receive a professional degree in architecture for NCARB certification.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

The friendships and relationships that you establish are immeasurable.

What was your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

The introduction to San Diego and the interaction with the professors.

How did NewSchool help prepare you for your career?

My career was established when I came to NewSchool, but it certainly enhanced the skill set, that I had previously acquired.

What have you been doing since you graduated?

I serve on the NewSchool Alumni Advisory Board. I serve on the AIA San Diego Board of Directors as the Membership Commissioner. I serve as Co-Chair of the City of La Mesa – Design Review Board. I will serve as the inaugural President of SDNOMA. I now work in a project manager role with the Judicial Council of California.

What projects are you currently working on?

Pinch District Pedestrian Bridge project in Memphis, Tennessee.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Becoming licensed as an architect initially in Tennessee in 2012 and becoming licensed as an architect in California in 2019.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Find your passion and pursue it without compromise!

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

NewSchool is an institution that pushes students to dig deep within to discover their true passion and to develop their unique abilities.

 

 

Michael’s Favorite Professional Project
Pinch District Pedestrian Bridge

Associate, Payette
What was your favorite aspect of attending NewSchool?

The intimate and supportive community of faculty, staff, and students.

What projects are you currently working on?

Planning and programming for academic science buildings. Currently working on a needs assessment and space plan study for the Plant Science Building at Cornell University.

What has been your biggest career accomplishment?

Managing a school construction project in rural Guatemala with Engineers without Borders.

 

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Diad Architecture

Jorge A. Zapata is the co-founder of Diad Architecture in New York, New York, a full-service architecture firm that works on projects ranging from cultural, residential and commercial buildings to product and furniture design. As managing director, Zapata oversees client relations, office operations, and directs projects from conception through habitation. He closely oversees all aspects of design, balancing the pragmatic considerations of construction and the pursuit of ideas. His designs include the Kent Avenue Arts Center, opening in January 2017, as well as the Seaside House.

Zapata graduated from NewSchool in 1995 with a degree in architecture, previously receiving a Diplôme de Langue et de Culture Françaises (language and art history) at L’Université Catholique de L’Ouest in Angers, France. According to Zapata, he was moved by his teachers and fellow students at NewSchool and went on to attend Yale School of Architecture. He was awarded the Charles O. Matcham Scholarship upon graduating with a master’s degree in architecture from Yale. Zapata has been invited as a guest juror to various design studios at the New York Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology and has taught architecture-related courses at the PRATT Center for Continuing and Professional Studies.

“I have very fond memories of when I studied at NewSchool of Architecture & Design and I am very grateful for the education I received,” said Zapata. “My time there as a student consolidated my passion for architecture, a passion which I am continually trying to nurture. I believe the foundation I received at NewSchool, through the teachers and friends I met there, as well as the learning environment that we as students were surrounded with, kept me true to my passion.”

Jorge A. Zapata was named the 2015 Alumni of the Year for his body of architectural work.

Director, KMD Architects

When KMD hired John in 1996 to work in its Justice division, he became interested in the “humanity of architecture” and how to apply evidence-based design within juvenile justice, detention, and mental health treatment facilities.

He has built more than 35 juvenile facilities, including the San Mateo County Youth Services Center, which has won multiple awards for its environmentally friendly and humane design. John lectures around the country and internationally, encouraging architects to apply principles of humanization to prison and related environments.

“Due to their special populations of youth at risk, juvenile facilities tend to be residential in nature, so you have a greater opportunity to play with color, light, and openness — a lot of amenities you rarely find in an adult facility such as jail or prison. It’s much more redeeming to work with progressive clientele on that type of project, where you can actually create attractive buildings whose physical environments actively contribute to the welfare and well-being of those who live and work there. My favorite thing is working with clients and making them happy. Creating unique solutions to complex planning and operational issues. You’re often working with very diverse owner teams, where you have a number of stakeholders with opposing interests. So consensus building is a big part of what I do on a regular basis.” — John MacAllister