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Saad Ilyas

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Picture of Saad Ilyas smiling

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揵ased 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攂ut that was exactly what drew him in. 淭he 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:
淎lways 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攙alues that remain at the heart of a successful career.

Clerkenwell Design Week Awards Winners

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close up of the design awards trophies. Photograph by Sam Frost 漏2026

If you are a product or Industrial Designer you may be familiar with it is, after all, one of the most important event in the sector. However, another Design Week deserve your attention: in the UK. This year’s event just concluded and the winners are out.

It was wonderful to see so many great designs incorporating eco-friendly materials or processes, demonstrating that environmentally conscious products can be beautiful as well. The awards themselves were built in beautiful wood and This year檚 Awards were sponsored by the American Hardwood Export Council. Photograph by Sam Frost 漏2026

One of my favorite was Bolete Armchair, that won the award for “Best For The Planet”. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Bolete stands out for its ergonomics, thanks to the distinctive shape of the seat and its generous width. The upholstery is applied on a 100% recycled and recyclable Pure ECO庐 thermopolymer shell.

漏2026

Another winner that stood out to me was Skipping Stones Ceiling Clouds, who received an award to its sculptural and effective acoustic product. Inspired by stones skipping across water, these sculptural acoustic ceiling forms impressed the jury for transforming sound control into an expressive architectural statement.

漏2026

The winner for Best Residential Furniture was also exceptional. , a folding sit-stand desk that檚 infinitely adjustable in height and angle, lets you work sitting or standing with ease. It folds to just 50mm for effortless storage, and is crafted from sustainable materials.

漏2026

The award for Best Interior Designer of the year went to Asia Miari, .
Asia is an Interior Designer, originally from Milan (are you surprised?), with international experience across residential, commercial, and hospitality, working with leading developers in Europe and the Middle East. Her projects stand out for their emotional sensitivity and material richness while being centered around calm, connection, and human experience.
team/asia-miari

漏2026

Product Designer of the year went to Kerry Deffley, Design Manager, .
With over 20 years of experience in commercial interior design, Kerry Deffley, is a passionate advocate for customer-driven design. Her distinctive approach is grounded in her hands-on understanding of the manufacturing process. In 2025, Kerry designed the successful Creative Connections carpet tile collection, manufactured in Scotland, showcasing her ability to blend a craft-inspired vision with contemporary design thinking.

漏2026

You can see all the winning design at and on the official . And who knows? Maybe next year, one of the awards will go to our Product Design students or alumni.

Mallory Kraus

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UX and Interaction Design Teacher Mallory Kraus

Mallory Kraus is a versatile UX designer and front-end developer dedicated to crafting intuitive, human-centered digital experiences. By bridging the gap between empathetic design and technical execution, she brings a holistic, end-to-end approach to product development. Mallory has honed her expertise through impactful roles at industry-leading companies like HP and Roku. In these fast-paced environments, she has demonstrated her ability to translate complex user needs into seamless, visually engaging, and highly functional interfaces, consistently advocating for the end-user at every stage of the design and development lifecycle.

Her practical design philosophy is deeply rooted in a strong academic foundation. Mallory earned her degree in Cognitive Science with a specialization in (HCI) from the (UC San Diego).聽This background provided her with a profound understanding of user research methodologies, behavioral science, and interaction design principles, allowing her to build products that align naturally with how people think and behave.

Beyond the screen, Mallory is fueled by continuous curiosity and a passion for making. In her free time, she immerses herself in reading and hands-on creative projects攑ursuits that continually inspire her design thinking and keep her creative problem-solving skills sharp

Kayla Midgette

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Kayla Midgette discovered her passion for architecture in high school after attending a one day introductory architecture class hosted by 亚色影库. That experience solidified her desire to study and practice architecture, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

A graduate of Santana High School, she is passionate about designing spaces that are meaningful to people and creating buildings that allow individuals to experience thoughtful, well designed architecture in their everyday lives.

Throughout her academic journey, she has been actively involved in leadership and community engagement. After attending an American Institute of Architecture Students West Quad Conference in Seattle, she became deeply involved with and contributed to numerous events, including the organization檚 signature Napkin Sketch fundraiser. She also participated in the school檚 former diversity club, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and community within the design profession.

Her experiences have shaped her into a thoughtful emerging architect dedicated to creating spaces that positively impact others.

Sofia Medina

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Sofia Medina聽is a 2022 graduate of 亚色影库, 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 in the San Diego Healthcare Division. Sofia chose 亚色影库 after receiving a recommendation from a construction industry professional and was immediately drawn to the program檚 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.

A New Era for Graduate Funding

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infographic of different funding methods. Newschool Financial Office can help you figure out what works for you

Navigating the 2026 Loan Caps

Pursuing a graduate degree has always been a significant investment in your future, but the roadmap for financing that journey just underwent a major renovation. The Department of Education recently finalized a landmark decision titled , which introduces significant changes to the federal student loan program攎ost notably, the implementation of new caps on Graduate PLUS loans.

For years, graduate students could often borrow up to the full cost of attendance. Under the new rules, that “blank check” era is ending. While these changes aim to curb rising tuition costs and protect students from over-borrowing, they also mean that many prospective students will face a “funding gap” that federal loans alone won’t bridge.

Understanding the Impact

The shift isn’t just a minor adjustment; it檚 a fundamental change in how graduate education is financed. According to recent analysis by聽, these caps will most heavily impact students in high-cost professional programs. As the charts show, the distance between federal support and the actual cost of a degree is widening. This makes it more critical than ever for students to diversify their “funding portfolio.”

Expanding Your Funding Strategy

With federal limits in place, relying on a single source of capital is no longer a viable strategy. Students should explore a multi-pronged approach:

  • Institutional Scholarships & Grants:聽Many universities are pivoting to offer more merit-based and need-based internal aid to help offset the new federal limits.
  • External Fellowships:聽Look for industry-specific organizations (like the AIA for architecture students) that offer specialized grants.
  • Employer Sponsorship:聽Many firms are increasing their tuition reimbursement programs as a way to retain talent in a competitive market.
  • Private Financing:聽While federal loans offer unique protections, the private market is evolving to provide more competitive options for high-earning potential degrees.

How 亚色影库 of Architecture and Design Can Help

At 亚色影库 of Architecture and Design, we understand that these policy shifts can feel overwhelming. We believe that financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of design innovation and professional growth.

Our financial aid team is prepared to help you navigate this new landscape by:

  1. Personalized Financial Planning:聽Mapping out your specific funding gap and identifying the most “borrower-friendly” ways to fill it.
  2. Scholarship Guidance:聽Connecting you with institutional awards tailored to architecture, design, and digital arts students.
  3. Alternative Resource Mapping:聽Helping you identify external grants and work-study opportunities that align with your career goals.

The “RISE” decision marks a turning point in higher education. While the rules of the game have changed, the value of an advanced degree remains as high as ever. By starting your research early and looking beyond federal loans, you can secure the funding you need to build your future.

Ready to discuss your options? Reach out to the 亚色影库 of Architecture and Design financial aid office today to start building your personalized funding plan.

Fred Besan莽on

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Fred Besancon smiling in a field at sunset

Fred Besan莽on, RA, RLA, LEED AP BD+C, SITES AP

Education:

  • Master of Landscape Architecture with Honors,
  • Bachelor of Architecture, (Cal Poly)


About Fred

Fred is a licensed architect and landscape architect born in Santa Barbara. At NSAD, Fred integrates both sides of his professional background by teaching ways to incorporate innovative site and urban design into architecture. He has taught 2nd-year, 5th-year, and vertical undergraduate design studios; environmental science; introduction to landscape architecture; landscape graphics; landscape construction; landscape design; and served as a thesis advisor. Fred continues to learn, taking college classes and attending workshops on topics including sustainability, stormwater systems, ecology, horticulture, and ethnobotany, while contributing chapters to Routledge academic publications.

Fred worked for over eight years for architecture firms on award-winning and published projects, including custom homes, multi-family housing, government offices, zoo exhibits, and dotcom interior spaces. After working in architecture, Fred earned a master’s degree in landscape architecture at RISD and the at Brown University to prepare for teaching. Fred was awarded a graduate program Award of Excellence and his department檚 travel fellowship. His Berlin Wall Memorial student proposal won the American Society of Landscape Architects� Award of Excellence – its highest student design award. After RISD, Fred won a competition reimagining San Diego檚 Horton Plaza Park. His entry for the Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial was selected as a semifinalist.

Fred worked at as a senior associate on award-winning projects, including housing, corporate campuses, community spaces, university planning, university landscapes, and botanical gardens. Just before the pandemic, Fred started his own company, where he explores how to design memorable places where people can connect with one another, their community, and the local ecology. Projects include landscape designs for homes, apartments, corporate campuses, public schools, and cultural landscapes across California and Arizona.

Outside of teaching, Fred enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, gardening, astronomy, and exploring the world around him.

Waldron Adebrah

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Waldron Adebrah, wearing a white hard hat and smiling, surrounded by flynig papers

Waldron Adebrah檚 path into construction management began with a strong foundation in architecture, where her passion for design and creating meaningful spaces first took shape. What started as an appreciation for form and concept gradually grew into a deeper curiosity about how those ideas are realized in the built environment. Wanting to strengthen her foundation, stay aligned with emerging industry trends, and discover more efficient ways of working, she found herself drawn toward construction management, where design and execution meet.

Her journey to 亚色影库 was influenced by both inspiration and intention. Introduced to the program through her boss, an alumn of the Master檚 in Architecture program, she was struck by how highly he spoke of his experience and the role it played in shaping his professional growth. That recommendation, paired with her own desire to expand beyond design, made 亚色影库 a natural next step. As an international student, she also embraced the opportunity to gain a new perspective, both academically and within the industry.

Throughout her studies, Waldron檚 perspective on projects has evolved in meaningful ways. She has come to understand that successful design extends far beyond aesthetics, requiring careful consideration of feasibility, efficiency, and long-term performance. Her exposure to cost control and project delivery systems has been particularly impactful, while her growing interest in value engineering reflects her ability to think critically and creatively at the same time. For her, it is not just about achieving a vision, but about doing so in a way that is thoughtful, efficient, and grounded in real-world constraints.

Looking ahead, Waldron hopes to apply her knowledge to projects that bridge design, construction, and innovation. She is especially interested in working in tropical and developing environments, where well-considered solutions can have a lasting and meaningful impact. Her goal is to contribute to spaces that are not only visually compelling, but also practical, buildable, and sustainable, while integrating modern technology to enhance how projects are delivered and experienced.

Cesar Tran

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Cesar Tran, smiling with crossed arm showing tattoos and a black polo

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 , where he contributes to firm-wide initiatives focused on environmental responsibility and long-term design performance.聽

Cesar檚 commitment to the profession extends beyond practice through his active involvement in mentorship and leadership. He serves as聽Vice President of the Alumni Board of Directors for聽亚色影库 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聽亚色影库 of Architecture and Design in 2022.聽

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聽across adjacent design disciplines, including product design, to gain a deeper understanding of how the built environment and everyday objects are conceived and realized.聽

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.聽

A New Milestone: 亚色影库 Recognized as an “Opportunity College”

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Laptop screen showing Carnegie's email announcing the recognition

亚色影库 Was Recognized as an “Opportunity College” by the 2025

We are thrilled to share a landmark achievement for the  community.

In spring 2025, the and the released the much-anticipated 2025 Carnegie Classifications. This updated framework introduced a groundbreaking new metric: the Student Access and Earnings Classification.

We are incredibly proud to announce that as part of this release, 亚色影库 has been officially classified in the top tier of this new system: Higher Access, Higher Earnings攁 designation officially known as an Opportunity College and University.

亚色影库’s page on Carnegie’s website

What Does This Classification Mean?

For decades, the Carnegie Classifications have been the leading framework for categorizing colleges and universities in the United States. The new Student Access and Earnings Classification was designed to recognize institutions that are true engines of social and economic mobility.

To earn the “Opportunity College” designation, an institution must excel in two key areas:

  • Higher Access: Enrolling a student population that is representative of and reflects the diverse communities the institution serves.
  • Higher Earnings: Ensuring that after students leave the institution, they go on to earn competitive, wealth-generating wages compared to peers in their job market.

Being named an Opportunity College is a powerful affirmation of our core mission. It proves by the numbers what we see every day in our studios and classrooms: 亚色影库 is not just an accessible place to learn; it is a springboard for thriving, lucrative careers in architecture, design, and beyond.

Unveiling Our New Seal

To commemorate this milestone, the Carnegie Foundation has provided recognized institutions with official branding to celebrate their impact.

Today, we are incredibly proud to share the newly designed official seal for our Opportunity College and University classification.

Whenever you see this seal on our website, campus materials, or alumni network, let it serve as a reminder of our collective commitment to student success, equity, and post-graduation prosperity. This recognition belongs to our dedicated faculty, our hardworking staff, and most importantly, our brilliant students and alumni who go out and shape the world.

Thank you for being a part of the 亚色影库 journey. Here is to continuing to build a brighter, more accessible future together!

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