023: Teaching Tomorrow’s Designers: Jessica Newman on What’s Changing in the Classroom

In this episode, Rachel sits down with educator and designer Jessica Newman to talk about the evolving world of interior design education—and why students today are uniquely positioned to lead the future of the industry.Jessica shares her journey from fine arts to hospitality design (including time at Hirsch Bedner Associates) and into academia, where she now champions sustainability, technology, and inclusive pathways into the profession.What we cover:How today’s design students are reshaping the industry with ethics, sustainability, and tech-forward thinkingWhy associate degrees and community college pathways deserve more respectHow AI is being integrated into design education (and why it’s a tool—not a threat)Palomar College’s new Bachelor of Science in Building Performance & Environmental Design—and why it’s a game changerHow firms can support students through mentorships and internships (and why it benefits everyone)Get involved:Jessica invites designers and firms to connect with students through internships, mentorship, guest lectures, and real-world collaboration. Email her at: [e-mail] on Palomar's Interior Design program: Interior Design at Palomar College - Interior DesignInfo on Palomar's BPED program: Bachelor of Science in Building Performance and Environmental Design - Building Performance and Environmental Design Perspective and Sketching for Designers - YouTubeJessica's Book: Perspective and Sketching for Designers (Fashion Series): Newman, Jessica, Beduhn, Jack: 9780132574945: Amazon.com: BooksJessica's art paintings: JESSICA NEWMAN - ARTISTCityscape paintings of San Diego: Jessica Newman ArtAbout Jessica Newman:She is an associate professor and the lead faculty for the Interior Design department at Palomar College. She is also the co-lead for Palomar’s first bachelors degree program in Building Performance and Environmental Design. Jessica is a designer, artist, author, and professor. She has an AA and BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and an MFA in Painting and an MA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Jessica has worked for a number of architecture and interior design firms in New York, Atlanta, and San Diego, including the top hospitality design firm in the world, Hirsch Bedner & Associates. Some of the various types of projects she has worked on include; public schools, private colleges, assisted living facilities, office spaces, churches, four and five-star hotels, and private homes. Jessica has been teaching at the college level for over 20 years. She is also an internationally published author. Her textbook Perspective and Sketching for Designers has been published in English and Mandarin. She also has a YouTube channel of the same name, with over 50 free instructional videos for students. Jessica is also an oil painter who exhibits regularly in San Diego, and nationally. Her oil paintings focus on cityscapes and the built environment.Stay Connected:Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: [e-mail]