The two linked systems have moved to Palomar College Rancho Bernardo Education Center, where they will share more space and easier access to industry partners in San Diego.
SAN MARCOS – When Palomar College opens in the spring of January 31, 2022, hundreds of architecture and interior design students will gather for the first time at a new location: the college’s Rancho Bernardo Education Center.
The move, made in December 2021, expanded the common space for the two programs from one classroom at the San Marcos Campus to three rooms in Rancho Bernardo.
“Both programs are increasing, with waiting lists each semester and class fill rates over 100 percent,” said Jessica Newman, assistant professor of interior design. “This will allow us to offer more classes, while providing much more storage space for programs that require the use of a variety of physical materials while teaching.”
At the same time, the change is strategic to the programs as it moves them within approximately 15 miles of the Miramar Design District, with more than 300 interior design showrooms, retail stores, and a variety of industry resources into downtown San Diego.
“This new location will facilitate the organization of field trips, field visits, and all kinds of collaborations for our students and faculty,” said Associate Professor of Architecture Joe Lucido.
“The Rancho Bernardo Center in Palomar is also a LEED Silver certified building, with a state-of-the-art design that meets or exceeds current building codes,” added Lucido. “So in a very real sense, the Rancho Bernardo Building itself will become part of the learning environment – an interactive tool to introduce students to design and script building.
“The building exists as a realistic example that students can touch and see — more instructive than any diagram in any book,” he said.
The move, planned and implemented in the fall 2021 semester, will immediately affect approximately 12 faculty members and 350 students — all direct instruction provided by both programs.
Newman said the new site also opens up a range of possibilities, such as an annual portfolio presentation, giving architecture and interior design students a chance to network with potential employers.
“We are really excited about this step, and what it means for the future of these two programs,” Newman said. “The Rancho Bernardo Center will be a place where our students will be happy to learn and proud to display their work.”