Tehachapi News

larger view

Daniel Phillips, Tehachapi High School 2003 alumnus, has graduated co-valedictorian from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 10, 2008. He has earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Architecture/Landscape/Interiors (ALI) with a Grade Point Average of 3.92.
Daniel also graduated with the added distinction of being among most awarded students in Otis history, paying for much of his tuition with merit-based scholarships for his writing and academic achievement; he also recently placed in the AIA (American Institute of Architects) “2x8” student exhibition/competition held at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood. This competition was open to all the top design colleges in the state, and he was one of six to receive monetary recognition.
His academic studies in ALI involved the spatial design fields: architecture, landscape, and interiors. The program promotes critical reflection on these fields while creating opportunities for inventive design solutions, with an emphasis on communication and collaboration with builders and craftsmen working on any scale, material, or technique. Otis College of Art and Design was founded in 1918, and today is one of the most culturally diverse schools of its kind in the country, with students from 39 states and 26 countries.
He is currently employed full-time with Roger Sherman Architecture and Urban Design in Los Angeles, and looks forward to nurturing his passions in the areas of architecture, urban ecology, and sustainable design, and writing. Additionally, he will be returning to Otis next semester as a Teaching Assistant, where he will continue to be involved in design education. 
Daniel is the son of Jon and Maureen Phillips of Stallion Springs. He is the grandson of Claire Brunker and the late George Brunker, and the late Richard and Phyllis Phillips.