The Future of San Diego Architecture
By Lina Asad and Zachary Silver, Co-Directors EDI+J
MANUEL ARELLANO
"My goal as an architect is to design spaces that evoke humility and serve a deeper purpose—places valued not just for their beauty, but for how perfectly they support the lives within them. My goal is to create environments that elevate function and meaning above ego. Lastly, I want to improve people’s quality of life and inspire others to do the same."
AIA San Diego proudly celebrated Manuel Arellano as the second recipient of the 2025 Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship in September 2025, recognizing his passion for design, perseverance, and community impact. The scholarship committee, in partnership with the generous support of DPR Construction, was proud to announce Manuel as a well-deserved co-recipient.
Manuel is currently studying architecture at the University of Oregon. In high school, Manuel shifted from a mechanical engineering pathway to architecture after discovering the joy of design through programs like ACE and learning tools like Revit. He brought that same spirit of exploration to Oregon, where he has already completed several complex studio projects. One of his favorites—a Public Resource Center in downtown Eugene designed for people with disabilities—showcased his commitment to inclusive design and community care.
Manuel shared his journey with students at Palmar Elementary School in San Diego. Originally from El Centro, Manuel spoke about growing up in a small desert town with few examples of inspiring architecture—other than “a cool fire station or two”—and how he discovered his calling through curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
During his presentation, Manuel introduced architecture as “like Minecraft, but in real life”—an imaginative discipline where architects draw plans, solve problems, keep people safe, and work with builders to bring ideas to life.
The session concluded with a hands-on Building Challenge. Each student was given popsicle sticks and wood clips to build a balanced structure perhaps the tallest possible in honor of the day’s significance—September 11—many students created symbolic towers, bridges, and even deconstructed art compositions, reflecting their creativity and persistence.
AIASD EDI+J co-directors Lina Asad and Zachary Silver joined Manuel in mentoring the students and celebrating the power of architecture to inspire young minds. The energy, joy, and curiosity in the room made the event unforgettable.
The AIA San Diego Laura Shinn Diversity Scholarship honors Laura's legacy by supporting students like Manuel and Austin in their pursuit of architecture as a path to leadership and community impact. We congratulate Manuel Arellano on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing his continued contributions to our built environment. To learn more or contribute, visit the AIA San Diego's scholarship page.
