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NewSchool of Architecture & Design

FALL $1,000 Early Admission Scholarship Deadline on August 1, 2025

Frida Moreno

Frida Moreno

Hometown: San Luis Río Colorado, México

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I believe that international women’s day is a day to celebrate, empower, and raise the visibility of women’s achievements throughout history and the present. It’s a day to discuss where we’ve been and where we want to go.

What woman inspires you and why?

All of the women I know in my day-to-day life positively inspire me in many different aspects, especially my mother, my greatest role model. A person that I also look up to related to the design field is Neri Oxman because she is innovating design through the power of science.

Why did you choose to study design?

I’ve always enjoyed listening to people’s stories. Product design is a profession that allows me to be a listener but also a problem solver. Learning about the relationship and interaction between humans and a product, looking for answers, and resolving the users’ needs allows me to experience and realize so much more in life. To me, Product design is a truly fulfilling career and the reason I chose it.

Why should women and girls pursue an education in the architecture, design, or construction management industry? Why is it important to encourage women and girls?

I believe it is essential to encourage young girls to pursue an education in design. More importantly, motivating more women to pursue leadership positions in design is something I think to be necessary. It would allow the younger generations to seize better and equal opportunities in the industry. Encouraging and empowering younger girls will lead to a bright future full of brilliant and inspiring female leaders.

What’s something interesting you’re currently working on? Personal or academic.

I’m currently working on a fun and thought-provoking design project addressing the Pink Tax. I’m also collaborating with a design Lab located in Shanghai, China, tackling the topic of affective and emotional design.

What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age?

I think women of my age today face so many challenges. The issues are extensive in every aspect of their lives. Whether it be to do with access to education, health rights, employment opportunities, gender equality, the list is endless. I believe no issue is smaller than the other.

What has you most excited about the future?

I’m excited to see how society, technology, and science will evolve to address the pending issues we are witnessing today.

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their education?

My message to young women is to never give up on their education. Education is a tool that gives confidence, character and opens possibilities for a better future.

Enedina Rodriguez

Hometown: San Diego, California

Why did you choose to study architecture?

I plan to design skateparks.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

A great opportunity to dive deeper into the art of design and what goes into creating architecture.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

The opportunity that is available at the school even for the field of work I plan on pursuing.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am someone that likes to take the time to create something different and fun.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

There is something for everyone and new doors that will open coming into the school and meeting the right people to help you along your path.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

If you are unsure of the environment to study in, NewSchool will be a great place to start because of the size of the school and the way the professors create space for everyone’s learning pace.

Dakotah Tompkins

Hometown: Eagle Point, Oregon

In which branch of the military did you serve?

United States Navy

Years of military service

4.5 years

Why did you choose NewSchool?
The different variety of minors and small class sizes.
How do you apply your military experience to your education?

Discipline in the workflow to get my assignments done on time.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?
The small class sizes and the one-on-one time you get with your professors.
What are your career goals after you graduate?

Masters in structural engineering.

How has your experience in the military and in college prepared you for your future?

I was able to really focus on my education.

What would you like people to know about the life of a student veteran?

The military really helped with me being able to meet deadlines.

What advice would you give to veterans who are thinking about pursuing a college education?
What are you waiting for?

Christopher Pozil

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Why did you pick your major and what do you want to do with your degree?

Architecture combined my love for science and art and I plan to get licensed as an architect and work on the design side of high-end fabrication and see where it takes me.

What makes NewSchool special?

Great people in a great location within a great city.

What has been your favorite class? Why?

Studio is always a new chance to take on a new challenge that involves learning and usually something to be proud of.

Where is your favorite spot on campus?

Studio VI, represent.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

Stay with my current employer, Basile Studios.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’m better than David Pierre at basketball.

What advice do you have for aspiring architects?

Give it your all and stay inspired by always exploring new styles and designs.

We hear you’re working on a really cool project! Tell us more.

“Conformitas” is an undulating tunnel of CNC-routed plywood and LED strips that illuminate with patterns of light conforming to the position of where people are standing or moving within. The goal here is to create a space that can remind us of the power of architecture in the moment.

Christa Pudlo

Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska

Why did you choose to study interior architecture & design?

My father has owned a residential construction company my whole life. I think that design is just in my DNA.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

Because of the size of my class, which is very small, I’ve been able to build invaluable relationships with my professors and mentors that have allowed me to excel as a student and as a professional.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

The extracurricular opportunities that I’ve been able to participate in — the Design-Build Institute of America Student Competition, becoming a member of the International Interior Design Association Student Chapter for Southern California, and joining study groups for LEED certification and CIDQ examination.

What are your career goals after you graduate?

To one day be published in a major print publication like Architectural Digest or Interior Design Magazine.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

If I weren’t pursuing a career in Interior Design, I’d be studying Clinical Psychology and working in Mental Health.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

I’d highly recommend minoring in Construction Management. In doing so, and by participating in CM competitions, I learned so much about the application of design in real life with budgets and schedules.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

The size of NewSchool has allowed me to develop relationships with faculty and professors in each of the departments. Having connections in the Design School, the Architecture School and in the CM Program has been really valuable to me.

Christa’s Favorite Class Project

The Flood | Second Year Interior Architecture & Design Project

Project Completed in Collaboration with Megan Sullivan | Instructor: Prof. Marianne Berg

Description: The premise of this project was to design a cocktail lounge that would live in Hillcrest’s “The Flame” – built in 1946, remodeled in 1955, and closed once again in 2015 after six changes in ownership. John Pani, the prospective client, asked that the design of the future [2000 SF] cocktail lounge be respectful of the structure’s historical facade, incorporate all senses, have a Southern California feel, and ensure interaction with the exterior of the building. Click here to check it out!

Chanel Montgomery

Hometown: Delzura, California

What led you to pursue a degree in design?

Growing up I had always loved painting and creating in general, but the stereotype of a broke, starving artist haunted me. I had every intention of becoming an engineer in high school as I excelled in math but still looked forward to my art classes the most. In my junior year, I realized my beloved painting class was already full, so I reluctantly enrolled in a graphic design course. It only took me the first class to realize that this is exactly what I wanted to pursue.

In your opinion, what makes NewSchool special?

The majority of my classmates and professors are from outside of the United States. It creates a really distinctive environment when everyone’s experiences and cultures are brought into one conversation.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

The small class sizes are great because I get so much 1-on-1 time with my professors. It also allows for each student to get in-depth critique every time we meet as a studio which simply wouldn’t happen with a larger class.

What are your career goals after you graduate?

My immediate goal is to work with a creative agency that specializes in branding and marketing. I am also working towards learning more about web design.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve traveled to 13 countries and I plan to travel to many more.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

When I first started here, I assumed inspiration and good ideas just come when you need them. This is rarely the case. Sometimes the perfect idea just hits you, but more often than not you need to search for inspiration. So follow design accounts on your Instagram, buy some cool design books to flip through, read design blogs, and follow the people who make you excited to make something. Also, good file management lets you spend more time designing and less time looking for document_version3_finalFINAL_LASTFINALVERSION.

Why should women and girls pursue an education in the design industry?

There are amazing male designers, but even the best creatives in the world can’t put themselves in everyone’s shoes. Understanding the end user’s perspective is crucial for good design, so having a diverse design team that can relate to the needs of the user/viewer means having a higher chance of nailing the design.

What has you most excited about the future?

A lot of designers in this era seem to be as passionate as I am about the environment. I’m excited to be one of the designers that will help push sustainability into the commercial setting.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?

Because you are exposed to other creative fields of study besides your own major, you come out as a very well-rounded designer.

Click here to check out Chanel’s favorite class project

A Very Short Story by Ernest Hemingway – Layout & Illustration
Third Year B.S. in Graphic Design & Interactive Media Project
Instructor: Yoav Herman

Bill Anderson

Hometown: Ramona, California

In which branch of the military did you serve?

United States Navy

Years of military service

9 years

Why did you choose NewSchool?
Rigorous and practical curriculum.
How do you apply your military experience to your education?

Tenacity and teamwork are huge factors for success. Making the most of a challenging program requires both.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?
The involved teaching staff with many years of practical experience. Small class sizes allow for greater learning.
What are your career goals after you graduate?

Reaching a point of critical recognition and in Architecture.

How has your experience in the military and in college prepared you for your future?

The military and college require dedication especially when one can feel totally overwhelmed. Goal setting and making a reasonable plan are key skills one must master for both.

What would you like people to know about the life of a student veteran?

We worked hard to be here, and we bring valuable experience and perspective to the college community.

What advice would you give to veterans who are thinking about pursuing a college education?

It is the most valuable benefit you can earn.

Click here to check out Bill’s favorite class project.
Embarcadero Mediatheque, Multimedia Museum and Market
Second Year Graduate Architecture Project
Instructor: Mitra Kanaani

Aubree Rose Van Sluytman

Hometown: San Diego, California

Why did you choose to study graphic design?

The digital creative field of study has always been a passion of mine.

What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

A bachelor’s in graphic design would enhance my small business’s chance at success.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?

The environment of creative and inspiring students.

What are your career goals after you graduate?

To own my own multimedia animation studio and produce the things I’ve always wanted for myself but never had.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am self-taught in the fields of digital art, piano, martial arts, and animation.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

Focus on working hard and producing the best work you can IN class, even if it doesn’t seem worth it. It will in the long shot.

Aubree’s Favorite Class Project

A project that inspired me was my Media class in the Spring quarter of 2020. Despite being online due to Covid-19, I learned so much about the 3D animation program, Blender. My instructor, Prof Genadi Radiul, set up a syllabus that enhanced our focus and drive to produce a minute-long rendered animation of a detailed living space consisting of at least one moving object.

Ashley Persad

Hometown: Tampa, FL

Why did you pick your major and what do you want to do with your degree?

I wanted to do architecture from a little girl – it has always been a passion of mine. Growing up working with my dad on his construction sites inspired me to want to design and create beautiful things and I enjoyed the challenge of putting things together. With this degree, I would like to truly make a difference in creating better spaces and buildings for the future generations as well as help promote female architects in the industry.

What makes NewSchool special?

NewSchool being such a small school creates a family-like environment getting to know your classmates while creating long lasting bonds.

What was your favorite class at NewSchool and why?

My favorite class at NewSchool was actually not on NewSchool campus but offered by NewSchool. It was a study abroad Studio in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. It was the best experience ever! The three week program abroad gave me knowledge and experience in a variety of ways – learning a different culture, experiencing old architectural techniques, and developing solutions for a project that directly affected the community gave valuable lessons that were learned through this opportunity.

What was your favorite project?

One – My personal favorite project was a Climate Action Competition that was initiated by Joe Kennedy at Newschool. It was a very challenging project in which core lessons were learned by developing new ideas and team collaboration through what we have learned in school as well as reaching out to other resources to create better solutions for the future in which my group’s project won 3rd place. Two – 4th year studio, the two quarter long project of developing a city block of a proposed National City Downtown while challenging, has been very beneficial in learning real life project, situations, restrictions, collaborations, and process of a new development of building and city planning.

What is your favorite memory at NewSchool?

Favorite memory is joining the fraternity, Alpha Rho Chi. It has been a great experience being a part of a family of brothers that you will have in school as well as after you graduate.

Where is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My studio desk would be my favorite spot. In working on getting my architecture degree a lot of hours are spent designing, so most of my friends and classmates are there always working on either studio or other assignments so its the most convenient spot for us to talk, hang out, eat, etc. while we get work done.

What do you plan to do after graduation?

After graduation, I would like to continue on the path to acquiring my license as an architect, so I will be working and collecting my internship hours as well as studying to take the exams.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I am originally from a small island in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, and I served six and a half years in the United States Navy.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

This is the first step in creating a better future for yourself and it won’t be easy getting your degree so work hard for your passion, be confident in the work you do, believe in yourself, and don’t give up, it will all pay off in the end, and remember that small accomplishments still count as a victory!

Aseel Kouly

Hometown: San Diego, California

Why did you choose to study product design?
As our world is changing, our problems are also changing. This is the time for more innovative ideas to be created. Being able to solve people’s problems effectively and efficiently gives me personal satisfaction. My favorite part about finding a solution is being able to add my own creativity and design to it. Being part of the change, part of the solution is why I chose product design. To be able to control the future of design, making more sustainable products and products that last longer is very important. Creating a product or a system that can leave our people, our society, and our environment better than it once was is my goal as a designer.
What makes earning a degree at NewSchool special?

The opportunity to work with and be taught by skilled and talented professors, who are also currently working in Product Design. As a student, I not only learn the study plan but am able to take away more life lessons in class. Hearing about real-life scenarios in the workplace and learning their experiences and mistakes helped me grow as a student and a designer.

What has been your favorite thing about attending NewSchool?
It’s so inspiring to work with so many talented people from all over the world! I love being in a small community filled with people who work as hard as you and are able to bounce ideas off of each other. It can be competitive at times, but it’s encouraging to know that you are always working hard and doing your best in your projects.
What are your career goals after you graduate?

My main goal after graduating is working in an environment knowing I’m able to make an impact with my work. I want to be able to do better with my designs for people and the environment. Knowing I’m able to make a better change and a difference will leave me feeling happy.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I am a really big foodie. I love experimenting with food, whether I’m doing the cooking or eating out. I love trying exotic foods and trying traditional foods from different cultures.

What advice do you have for incoming students?

To work hard and put more hours into your projects from day one. But most of all to be passionate in whatever project you choose to take on. If you’re ever stuck on something keep pushing yourself towards the thing that challenges you more. Your end results will be more rewarding and you’ll discover something new about yourself.

Why should a prospective student choose NewSchool?
Working in a small environment has its perks and connections. You are able to work with professionals, many who may already be working in your desired field. NewSchool has a diverse community in their faculty and students. You have the opportunity to learn things from other designers that can increase your creativity.

Aseel’s Favorite Class Projects

Click here to check them out!

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