Neal J. Z. Schwartz, FAIA
Neal completed Master of Architecture and Master of Public Policy dual degrees at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and Kennedy School of Government. He graduated with Distinction in Architecture, received the Thayer Award for Meritorious Scholarship, the Sheldon Traveling Fellowship, as well as national awards from the Urban Land Institute and American Planning Association. His capstone work included a critical look at the design of juvenile detention facilities –“Points are Earned; You Start the Day at Zero”– and a policy manual for a non-profit advocating for affordable housing for people with disabilities in Massachusetts. This unique combination of design and policy is the foundation of Neal’s practice –a commitment to creative excellence combined with a devotion to rigorous management of the entire process through construction.
In addition, Neal has been actively involved in teaching for over 25 years, most recently as a Professor of Architecture at the California College of the Arts (CCA). Recognition for this work has included an NCARB Prize for the Integration of Teaching and Practice (under Chair Rudolf El-Khoury), the national ACSA Diversity Achievement Award, and two ACSA Faculty Design Awards. From 2016 – 2018, Neal chaired the newly revived AIASF Public Policy & Advocacy Committee (PPAC), building on the working group he started between AIASF and SF Planning advocating for improvements to residential design review policies and procedures. Recognition for the quality of his work has included an AIACC Presidential Citation and two AIASF Community Alliance Awards. From 2006 – 2009, Neal was on the Board of Directors for the National AIDS Memorial Grove, chairing the Memorial Design Committee working towards the capital campaign and design development of this national memorial. Neal carries these commitments into the studio; his firm is committed to significant pro bono work in their community.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brandeis University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in European History, and has lived and researched abroad extensively.
Contact Neal: neal@saasf.com
Portrait Photography: Lenny Gonzalez
