Please join us in congratulating Calvin Malone on his promotion to Brannan Shop Supervisor for the Schools of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Landscape Architecture!

Calvin Malone has been supporting students realize their ideas into fabrications at the Academy of Art University since 2011. Calvin earned his BS in Industrial Design from SFSU. His design education includes study abroad experiences in Australia and in the UK. Calvin is sought-after by students at Brannan for his expertise and patience when helping students problem-solve.

Calvin was twice recognized as the Employee of the Quarter. The program recognizes the exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership of employees, and their contributions to the University’s core values, mission, and strategic plan. In the most recent recognition, the selection committee praised Calvin’s contributions in these words:

Calvin Malone has been a cornerstone of Academy of Art University for the past 13 years, dedicating the last six years to working in the Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture shop. As Shop Lead, Calvin is an exceptional resource, providing invaluable insights to students on their projects, maintaining shop equipment, and overseeing safety. His design expertise and empathetic outlook make him a favorite among students, who often go out of their way to express their gratitude and check in on him.

Calvin’s commitment to student success is unparalleled. His nomination highlights his ability to connect with students and his crucial role in the community-based design-build program.

Post-pandemic, Calvin skillfully managed the shop, demonstrating his problem-solving skills, innovative spirit, and welcoming demeanor during tours for visiting high school students. Calvin’s dedication, knowledge, and friendly nature make him an integral part of the department and a critical contributor to our student success goals. We are pleased to recognize Calvin as Employee of the Quarter.

Calvin with B.lab students at AIASF Award Ceremony. Calvin was instrumental in helping students successfully complete the project for which students won the Leadership Award from AIASF.

Students testimony describes Calvin’s impact on their learning experiences. Here is an excerpt.

The shop has been a learning place my whole academic career and the reason behind that is Calvin. He doesn’t just make himself available for you but he will go above and beyond to make sure you have every tool in your box. He challenges you to come up with solutions while giving you the guidance to help your ideas come to fruition. Thanks to him I’m way more confident in my ability to build. – Malik L.

As long as I’ve been studying at the Academy of Art, Calvin has been a great help and asset to me when building and giving me tips on how to greatly improve my work. Calvin goes out of his way to check up on you to see if you are struggling. Calvin goes above and beyond to help students excel in their craft even recommending what material is best for the desired outcomes. Calvin’s help, expertise, and welcoming vibe has made me always look forward to working in the workshop. – Onam B.

Throughout my time at the Academy of Art University, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many amazing people, but no one compares to Calvin. He’s special to us students; he dedicates his time and knowledge to help every one of us. From the moment I walked into the shop for the first time, Calvin has cheered me on and has shown me that I am capable of anything. When you walk into the shop, his smile and energy immediately brighten your day! I know that I, along with all the students, can agree to say that Calvin has been the best part of our architecture school experience! – Amanda E.

I’ve been attending classes on campus at the Academy for almost 4 years and every single one of my successful physical models has to give thanks to Calvin. Not only does he give exceptional assistance on working with machinery in the workshop, but he also provides his expertise and knowledge when it comes to fabrication techniques to improve a model. In addition, Calvin doesn’t just care when we are working in the shop but will go out of his way to converse with students in understanding where they are at in the semester showing great care and compassion with each individual. He gives more than he receives and is well respected at the Academy. – JD N.

Calvin has been the first person that I come to with any trouble regarding my projects. He’s insightful, understanding, and always eager to help others. I find his presence to be essential within the architecture department as without him, student projects would not have come to fruition. – Jeff L.

Calvin has been an invaluable asset, consistently demonstrating exceptional support and guidance. He has helped me navigate various machines multiple times with great patience, while also teaching new strategies. His ability to balance the needs of multiple individuals at once is impressive, and he shows genuine consideration, especially when addressing any concerns or fears we may have about using the machines. His approach is both thoughtful and professional, making the learning process much smoother for everyone involved. – Maritza F.

I have known Calvin for three years, and he has always been very diligent, consistently arriving on time. His management of the workshop is extremely thorough and well-organized, maintaining a clean and safe environment. He is also very helpful to students, providing detailed guidance on how to approach model-making. In addition, he has extensive knowledge about material usage, which is essential for students. – Tae I.

Calvin is an amazing support to students who want to not only explore their new roles as architecture or design students but as well use the shop to actively complete their work in studios. Since my first year as a student Calvin has immensely supported me in my projects and without him wouldn’t have been possible. I have also seen the support he’s given to students even during his lunches or after his shift is over. Ask any student in studio and I’m confident you will hear the same answer! – Citali N.

When I first transitioned to on-site studio, Calvin was one of the first faculty members who took the time to really help me learn the ropes. From the start, it’s been obvious how much he loves working with us. He’s been a huge part of my success on my last two projects, always jumping in to listen, give feedback, and help me figure out how to turn my building ideas into reality. What stands out the most is the heart he has for his students and for the school. I know I can always go to Calvin when I’m stuck or facing challenges in studio, and that kind of support means so much. – Raquel V.

Calvin is one of the most essential people at Brannan. He has an incredible knowledge of all the tools, machines, and materials, and he shares it generously with students. As a freshman in Architecture, I had no idea how to physically build a model, and Calvin patiently taught me everything I needed to know. Since our professors don’t formally teach model-making, the process is largely self-directed, and Calvin’s guidance made all the difference. When I returned on-site after Covid, he was once again incredibly supportive, reminding me of techniques and helping me make my project the best it could be. Beyond his technical expertise, Calvin is fun, approachable, and genuinely cares about students. He is a vital part of our Architecture program, and I truly cannot imagine succeeding in craftsmanship without him. – Erine C.

From the time I started in studio 1 and now in studio 5, Calvin has been helping me all along. I hadn’t used many of the tools in the workshop before. Calvin taught me how to use them and he was very patient. Without his support, I would have been unable to finish a lot of the projects. He is outstanding! – Hao L.

I have known Calvin since my first semester in Studio 1, and now as a Studio 5 student, I can say that his role as shop technician has been essential to my growth as a student. He has always been there to help me with my model-building problems, no matter how complex (and they truly have been a headache). Calvin guides me with clarity and patience, breaking down each step so that I know how to do things properly and safely. Having worked with a few different shop techs over the years, I can say that none have compared to his depth of practical expertise. He is very knowledgeable in how to approach a project from the ground up, which has been super important to me when I’ve felt overwhelmed about how to start making or putting something together. His advice and problem-solving skills have given me the confidence to move forward with my most complex projects. This has also pushed me to become even more ambitious with my ideas over time and to experiment with new materials and methods, knowing that I have the skills and guidance to see them through. Calvin’s expertise, approachability, and consistent support have made the biggest difference in my AAU experience, and I will forever value his presence in the shop. – Sophie C.

Calvin is honestly one of the nicest people on campus. He’s always there to help, no matter how small or big the question is, and he explains things in a way that actually makes sense. He never makes you feel dumb for asking and is super patient with everyone. You can tell he really cares about us learning and not just about getting the job done. What I really appreciate is how welcoming he makes the shop feel. It can be intimidating to work with tools or try something new, but Calvin creates an environment where you feel comfortable to ask, try, and even fail without judgment. He’s also just a good guy to talk to, always positive, always approachable. When I was working on the B.lab SOP project, Calvin played a huge role in making sure the project came together. His knowledge and guidance made a stressful semester way more manageable, and honestly, my project wouldn’t have been the same without his help. For me, and I know for a lot of other students too, Calvin is more than just staff… he’s a mentor and a friend. – Giewel D.

Calvin is an asset to this school. His knowledge of the shop, the projects in our studios, and creative ideas to help us resolve problems or hurdles with our projects, makes our time very productive. But aside from our school work he takes the time to really get to know every single one of us. He knows when we are happy, upset, stressed, or needing someone to talk to while we do our work. Even if he is busy with other students in the shop he gives every single one of us his undivided attention. He also helps unite us as a student body because if he knows one of us is skilled in something he will recommend we talk to each other to share tips and ideas. The Architecture program at AAU is 1000% better because we have Calvin to support us in our journey. – Cindy E.

I have been at the academy for 5 years now. Two years in the Washington building and starting my third at Brannan. All of these years I have sought out the guidance from Calvin in the shop and through his guidance and wisdom in the shop I have been able to make pieces that have been presented in our spring show. It was reassuring during the transition over to Brannan from Washington that us students had a familiar face in the workshop. Calvin cares about each of our projects and makes a point to get to know us by name and really get to know our projects. He has been a tremendous help in the shop over the years, I could not have made the models I did without his help. – Elle E.

Calvin has always been an irreplaceable part of everyone’s journey in the Architecture department. His hands-on guidance has not only helped students understand technical aspects but also excel in them. Calvin’s cheerful and welcoming demeanor makes everyone feel comfortable and confident in using the tools and resources available. – Saikal S.

Calvin has been one of the most patient and dedicated individuals I have ever met. He is always willing to spend time with students, regardless of the size of their problem or whether they are freshmen or graduate students. I’ve witnessed him helping everyone in the shop even when it was crowded with students from different majors solving problems efficiently and always with a smile on his face. – Simon K.

Calvin has been an extremely helpful resource for me since starting school at AAU. Across multiple classes he’s helped me with various projects and has saved me both time and money in the process. Aside from him being helpful, he is also very energizing and brings up the overall atmosphere in the shop. Without his guidance, I would’ve had a much harder time in some of my classes and because of this I feel very appreciative of him. – Oliver S.