Traci Knight is the creative force behind TK Designs, a boutique graphic design studio based in San Diego. Originally from Phoenix, she鈥檚 proudly called San Diego home for the past 16 years and brings more than 24 years of graphic design experience to everything she does. Traci currently partners with Urban Property Group, lending her expertise to guide their Marketing & Design efforts. A longtime champion of SDAF, Traci officially joined the Board in 2023 for a two-year term after many years of hands-on volunteering creating graphics, enhancing guest experiences, and jumping in wherever help was needed. She now serves as Board Vice President, Chair of the Marketing, PR & Outreach, and Property Tours Committee. When she鈥檚 not running her business, Traci stays deeply connected to the local design community and puts her passion for giving back into action by volunteering with two additional non-profit organizations.
Deny Ehrlich is a graphic designer, brand consultant and educator. The principal of Deny Ehrlich Branding, Deny has over 30 years of both international and local experience backed by well-respected academic credentials (a Master鈥檚 in Graphic Design from Pratt Institute, NYC). She has also been an instructor of graphic design and advertising for over 20 years, working at both the Art Institute of Portland and the Art Institute of California鈥揝an Diego, developing curricula and teaching classes ranging from concept development to branding and package design to collateral materials, including UI for mobile and web formats. Deny Ehrlich Branding offers a unique combination of spark and expertise to help uncover the story behind your brand. Deny Ehrlich Branding can identify what works and what doesn鈥檛 鈥� and WHY, ensuring that clients move in the right direction. This is what Deny brings to every classroom and every student鈥檚 understanding. Her wealth of experience has given her an understanding of how to develop focused strategies & practices, moving effectively from concept to actualization. Deny has the ability to excite and motivate others. Her students say that her extensive background as a creative with a real world approach, has greatly helped them to understand and learn the skills necessary for successful integration into today鈥檚 design industry.
March at NewSchool carried a kind of energy you could feel the moment you stepped onto campus. Studios were full, conversations spilled into hallways, and every event brought people together in ways that felt both meaningful and memorable. It was a month that reflected what NewSchool does best鈥攂ringing creativity and community into the same space.
A highlight of the month was our annual Career Fair, where students connected with professionals from across the architecture, design, and construction industries. What stood out most was seeing our alumni come full circle, representing firms and engaging with students who are just beginning to imagine their own paths.
This year, we welcomed a dynamic group of firms including , , and along with organizations like AIA San Diego and the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Each conversation, introduction, and shared moment helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.
March also marked our first Open House of 2026, where families, friends, prospective students, and incoming Fall 2026 students spent time experiencing campus life. There was a natural curiosity in the air as visitors explored studio spaces, met faculty, and connected with current students. It was less about presentation and more about presence鈥攇etting a real sense of what it feels like to be here.
That sense of community was made even stronger thanks to our partners at , , and . Their support helped create an environment that felt welcoming and connected beyond campus itself.
We also had the pleasure of hosting students from Patrick Henry High School and the Fresno City College Architecture Club. They spent time with our faculty, learned about our programs, and experienced the rhythm of a typical day in our studios. It gave them a chance to picture themselves here, not someday in theory, but in a way that felt real and immediate.
What made March special was not just the number of events, but the feeling behind them. There was openness, curiosity, and a genuine sense that people wanted to be here and be part of something. That is what continues to shape the NewSchool experience.
If you were not able to join us on campus, there are still ways to stay connected. You can follow us on for updates on virtual information sessions or reach out to connect with our program chairs. We look forward to welcoming you into the NewSchool community soon!
Building a community is about more than steel and stone. It is about creating spaces where people can connect, shop, and feel a sense of belonging. That vision is coming to life in Beaumont, where recently broke ground on , a 230,000-square-foot retail development designed to serve a growing community.
Among those celebrating this milestone was , a proud alumna of NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Her presence reflects the meaningful role NewSchool graduates continue to play in shaping communities beyond the classroom.
A New Retail Destination for a Growing Community
Located at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Oak Valley Parkway, Oak Valley Village is positioned to become a central gathering place for the Inland Empire.
The development will be anchored by and . These well-known retailers will bring everyday essentials, wellness-focused options, and convenient shopping closer to home. Together with additional retail and dining spaces, the center is designed to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population.
With more than 96,000 residents living within a five-mile radius, the project responds to a clear need for accessible services and community-centered spaces.
A Shared Effort to Support Beaumont鈥檚 Growth
Projects like Oak Valley Village come to life through collaboration. Leaders from the City of Beaumont, including Mayor Mike Lara, Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Voigt, and City Manager Elizabeth Gibbs, worked alongside Regency Centers to help move this vision forward.
The groundbreaking ceremony reflected the community鈥檚 excitement and pride. A performance by the Beaumont High School Marching Band brought people together and marked the beginning of something meaningful for the city.
Looking Ahead
Construction is now underway, with the opening of anchor tenants anticipated in the second half of 2027. Once complete, Oak Valley Village will include:
A 148,000-square-foot Target
A 23,000-square-foot Sprouts Farmers Market
More than 34,000 square feet of retail and dining space
The center is expected to become a welcoming place where residents can gather, run daily errands, and spend time together.
From Education to Impact
For NewSchool, moments like this speak to something larger. They reflect how students grow into professionals who contribute thoughtfully to the communities around them. Projects like Oak Valley Village show how design and development can support not just economic growth, but also everyday connection and quality of life.
For more updates on this project and other retail developments, follow on LinkedIn.
At NewSchool of Architecture & Design , student voices play an important role in shaping the community. 罢辞耻肠丑茅, the school鈥檚 student-led publication, provides a platform where students share their experiences, ideas, and perspectives on life as a design student.
In a recent article from , student writer and photographer Santiago Girault reflects on the intensity of studying architecture and design鈥攍ong studio hours, demanding projects, and the constant pursuit of creative excellence. Through conversations with fellow students, the article highlights how taking time to step away from the studio and spend time outdoors can help students recharge, think more clearly, and approach their work with renewed creativity.
Students featured in the story share how activities like surfing, golf, and archery help them manage stress and maintain focus throughout their academic journey. Their reflections remind us that success in design education is not only about meeting deadlines, but also about caring for one鈥檚 well-being and maintaining balance.
The piece offers a thoughtful look at how NewSchool students support their own creativity and resilience鈥攂oth inside and outside the studio.
At a pivotal moment of growth and innovation, NewSchool of Architecture & Design is proud to announce the appointment of as Chief Academic Officer. Deutsch has been instrumental in shaping the institution鈥檚 academic strength. As Dean of Architecture, she led the school through its successful reaffirmation while strengthening a culture of assessment, collaboration, and faculty engagement across the program.
Her leadership has supported continued program development and reinforced NewSchool鈥檚 commitment to rigorous, forward-thinking design education. In her new role, Deutsch will guide the university鈥檚 academic strategy, support accreditation preparation, and help lead the continued evolution of NewSchool as a digitally forward, design-driven institution.
As NewSchool continues to grow and prepare students for the future of design and the built environment, this leadership transition marks an exciting step forward. With Deutsch helping shape academic vision and strategy, the institution is well positioned to advance creative, interdisciplinary learning that empowers the next generation of architects and designers.
To kick off Women鈥檚 History Month at NSAD, attention turns to the work of , Assistant Professor of the Graphic Design & Interactive Media program. Her article explores how design shapes not just products but behavior, perception, and choice. It鈥檚 a reminder that beauty in design carries influence and responsibility.
The piece observes a world filled with irresistible products that often encourage over-consumption. Many use psychology to spark desire and guide behavior, creating cycles that benefit companies but pressure consumers and the planet.
Yet seductive design also has the potential to do good. When applied thoughtfully, it can make products accessible, sustainable, and meaningful. Examples like the , and the Elli Q AI assistant demonstrate how beautiful, intentional design can solve problems, improve lives, and still delight the senses.
The article is a timely reflection on the impact of design and the role of women shaping a more responsible and inclusive creative industry. It shows that design can inspire, guide, and change behavior when paired with care and intention.
For many students, there鈥檚 a moment when something clicks. An idea becomes a sketch, a model, or a structure they can actually hold in their hands. It鈥檚 the moment creativity turns into possibility.
This summer, NewSchool of Architecture & Design invites high school students to experience that moment through the Design & Build Summer Intensive鈥攁 four-day, hands-on studio experience on campus where creativity, mentorship, and collaboration come together.
Guided by faculty mentors and industry professionals, students will work in our design studios exploring how ideas move from concept to creation. Participants will gain exposure to multiple disciplines, including Architecture,Design, and Construction Management, helping them understand how each field contributes to shaping the built environment.
Throughout the program, students will:
Work in hands-on studio sessions building models and prototypes
Participate in interactive workshops with faculty and industry professionals
Explore architecture, product design, and construction management tracks
Connect with mentors and peers who share an interest in design and building
The program concludes with a final showcase, where students present their work to family and friends, celebrating the ideas and projects they鈥檝e developed over the four-day experience.
Early Registration: April 1 – April 14
To keep the studio experience collaborative and mentorship-focused, space is limited. Families and students are encouraged to submit an inquiry to receive program updates and early access to registration.
Submit the inquiry form to stay informed about the .
Behind every building, space, and design is a human story. In San Diego, Black designers have shaped the city through creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to community. Their contributions span architecture, interior design, fashion, and visual storytelling, creating spaces that reflect culture, identity, and belonging.
This impact is visible throughout the city, from community-centered projects to the vibrant energy of the . As a hub of creativity, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression, the district celebrates Black voices while strengthening community connection. It reflects the city our students are immersed in, one shaped by diversity, innovation, and shared purpose.
One of the most powerful examples of this legacy is , an internationally recognized interior designer who grew up in San Diego. Raised in a family of trailblazers, Shade learned early the values of leadership, perseverance, and service. His groundbreaking Harlem United Show House, the world鈥檚 first Black show house, brought global attention to Black designers and demonstrated how culture and identity can transform spaces into meaningful expressions of belonging.
At NewSchool, we believe human-centered design begins with empathy, representation, and intention. In our studios and classrooms, students are encouraged to design from lived experience, cultural identity, and social impact. By honoring the legacy of Black creatives in San Diego, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusive creativity and to preparing designers who shape not just spaces, but opportunity.
References
Roderick N. Shade 鈥� Biography and notable works. Architectural Digest. Retrieved from
At the intersection of community, culture, and the built environment, Goyo Ortiz-Mu帽oz鈥檚 work asks a fundamental question: how can cities be designed to serve the people who shape them? His teaching and practice are rooted in community-driven design and collaborative urbanism, emphasizing thoughtful, equitable, and sustainable approaches to the complexities of contemporary cities.
With extensive professional experience spanning independent practice and leading architectural firms, Goyo specializes in urban design at the convergence of policy, place, and people. Most recently, he served as Community Development Choreographer at Casa Familiar, a community-based organization in San Ysidro along the U.S.鈥揗exico border. There, he worked closely with local governments and community stakeholders to advance affordable housing initiatives, environmental strategies, cultural spaces, and public infrastructure projects grounded in community priorities.
A self-described border citizen, Goyo was born in Tijuana and raised between Los Angeles and San Diego. This transborder perspective informs his scholarship and design work, which focuses on the broader LA鈥揝D鈥揟J region and examines themes of temporality, transformation, and adaptation within the built environment. His professional portfolio includes architectural design and development projects across California and the Northeastern United States.
In addition to his professional practice, Goyo has taught as an adjunct professor at several universities throughout the San Diego鈥揟ijuana region and currently serves on the boards of multiple community organizations dedicated to art, culture, and affordable housing advocacy. Together, these experiences shape the depth, rigor, and real-world relevance he brings into the classroom and design studio鈥攐ffering students not only technical knowledge, but a passionate, place-based understanding of how design can operate as a catalyst for social impact.
Goyo Ortiz-Mu帽oz Associate Professor | Assistant Director, Architecture Programs
Education M.U.P., UCLA | B.Arch, Woodbury University
619-684-8800
