Hello, I'm
Steve Fuchs
Designer. Professor. Maker. Adventurer. Surfer. 
Hello, I'm
Designer. Professor. Maker. Adventurer. Surfer.About
- Name: Steven Raymond Fuchs, Jr. (SRF)
- Email: stevenfuchs@gmail.com
- Phone: 310.753.4050 *texts preferred*
- Birthday: October 7th (Libra)
- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA | USA
- Nationality: United States
Personal Statement
As a designer, professor, maker, adventurer, and surfer, I balance professional & disciplinary “creative flows”—where symbiotic connections to energies beyond human understanding coexist. Design, and life in general, is all about learning to balance and flow with these energies in our environment, complex systems, and diverse cultures.
Skills
Areas of Focus
One of the best pieces of advice I've ever received was... "Steve, you can do anything. Choose 3 to 4 areas you want to focus your attention on and be the best you can at them." —Ed Keller
20
Designer
Consultant, 33 years
30
Professor
Educator, 25 years
10
Maker
Lifelong, 38 years
40
Adventurer
Surfer, 40 years
Knowledge
Over the course of my journey, I've continually developed my gifts & skills into expertise and enjoy practicing and teaching the following disciplines and subjects.
- Architecture
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Design Fabrication
- Experimental Robotics
- Creative Direction
- AR & VR Worldbuilding
- Film Production
- Event Planning
- Typography
- 3D Modeling & Rendering
- Technical Illustration
- Curriculum Design
- Grant Writing
- Maker Culture
Design Languages
Within design, there are many "languages" to learn, practice, and teach. Three of my design language interests are listed below.
Concept & Design Thinking
90
Branding & Emerging Media
80
3D Programming & Computational Design
70
Experience
33+ Years of Experience!
I'm a multidisciplinary designer, tenured Architecture & Design Professor at Orange Coast College (OCC), Adjunct Faculty at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in the Bachelor of Design and Associate degree programs, and 38-year resident of Los Angeles by way of Hawaii.
SRF Concepts
Design Director
2001 - CurrentMultidisciplinary Designer: Working on a wide range of projects, including creative direction, architecture, interiors, fabrication, surfboard shaping, graphic design, brand identity, web development, 3D modeling, real-time visualization, film production, book writing, and curriculum development.
Orange Coast College (OCC)
Tenured Professor
2012 - Current$1 Million Grant Writer (CCCmaker.com): Hired as an architecture studio and digital fabrication professor, now also directing a campus makerspace to support project-based learning and making on campus, with a special emphasis in emerging technology and action sports culture.
Fashion Institute (FIDM)
Design Faculty
2014 - Current2018 FIDM Teacher of the Year: Part of the Bachelor of Design and Associate degree programs as an adjunct faculty member where I teach prototyping, 3D modeling and graphic design, including 3D printing and personal brand development.
Harrington College of Design
Graduate Faculty
2010 - 2012Program Co-Leader and Graduate Thesis Coordinator: Brought on to help lead an expanding graduate interior architecture program, including advanced digital & computational design methods, theoretical focus & collaboration, and intellectual enrichment of thesis year.
Gehry Technologies
Senior Project
Consultant
2007 - 2010 Digital Design Researcher and Collaboration Environment Manager: Implemented strategic team, project, and building information management systems in worldwide architecture projects, including software development and 3D models for design, visualization, drawings, construction, and fabrication.
Panelite, LLC
Design Manager
& Fabricator
2005 - 2007 Material Innovation & Complex Fabrication: Managed and fabricated design solutions for architectural and interior projects that incorporated advanced resin-based panel systems, custom geometric shapes, and product line development.
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Illustrator
& Researcher
1996 - 2004 Assistant to Dr. Osamu "Art" Wakita: Engaged in technical advising (computer-aided design & office standards), manuscript editing (3 books), and 1000+ illustrations (CAD & 3D models to convey architecture, construction, and graphic concepts).
Previous Experience
CAD Manager
& Assistant
1988 - 2001 The Early Years: Worked with local architecture firms and contractors coordinating projects, managing team resources, designing and drawing construction documents (by hand & CAD), pulling permits, and developing graphic assets.
Education
Design is a journey!
I earned a Master of Architecture II from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc, 2006), and in 2011, I received an employer-based scholarship to engage in a Doctor of Computer Science specializing in Emerging Media, specifically researching how extended reality (XR | VR & AR) affects design studios and project-based learning (currently on hold).
Colorado Tech
Doctor of Computer Science
2011 - (on hold)RESEARCH
“Extending Design Education” (working)
A transdisciplinary, design education curriculum & extended reality (XR) creative collaboration platform
“Extending Design Education” (working)
A transdisciplinary, design education curriculum & extended reality (XR) creative collaboration platform
SCI-Arc
Master of Architecture II
2004 - 2006THESIS
“Coversion: Interactive Design Solution Networks”
Design of a massively participatory network platform to radically challenge design expertise and educational methodologies, given cultural and technological evolution, by restructuring curriculum using spatial design and fabrication as facilitators of project-based learning
“Coversion: Interactive Design Solution Networks”
Design of a massively participatory network platform to radically challenge design expertise and educational methodologies, given cultural and technological evolution, by restructuring curriculum using spatial design and fabrication as facilitators of project-based learning
Thomas Edison
Bachelor of Science (BSAST)
2002 - 2004EMPHASIS
Applied Science & Technology
Diversified knowledge was developed within the architectural technology fields, including practical experience in teaching and writing about computer-aided design & building information management. Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society member (non-traditional excellence).
Applied Science & Technology
Diversified knowledge was developed within the architectural technology fields, including practical experience in teaching and writing about computer-aided design & building information management. Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society member (non-traditional excellence).
Los Angeles Harbor College
Associate of Arts & Science
1988 - 2002EMPHASIS
Architectural Technology
Associate member of the American Institute of Architects and multiple competitions won in both portfolio and essay format. President's & Dean's list, Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, recognized twice by the California State Senate & Assembly for personal & scholastic achievement and community improvement. Grant writer and awardee (faculty Internet training & web development).
Architectural Technology
Associate member of the American Institute of Architects and multiple competitions won in both portfolio and essay format. President's & Dean's list, Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, recognized twice by the California State Senate & Assembly for personal & scholastic achievement and community improvement. Grant writer and awardee (faculty Internet training & web development).
Portfolio
My portfolio features many multidisciplinary collaborations
Recent highlights of my career: $1 million CCCMaker.com makerspace grant & college investment (2016–2019), FormFoundDesign.com (2016–2018), Stoked! The Series (2014–2017), Featured Artist in MANA: The Film (2014); Graduate Faculty at Harrington College of Design (2010–2012); Senior Project Consultant with famed architect Frank Gehry (2007–2010); Design Life Now: Cooper-Hewitt Triennial (2007); and a long list of global surf travel.
View 2023 Portfolios & 2012 Look Book (issuu.com)Video Highlights (Scroll)
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OCC Makerspace
Grant Writing & Implementation -
Form Found Design
Experimental Robotics & Branding -
Stoked! The Series
Executive Production & Creative Direction -
MANA: The Film
Featured Artist & Branding -
Playground Surf
Concept Development & Branding
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OCC Makerspace
Grant Writing & ImplementationIn 2017, our team was awarded $690k of CCCmaker.com grant funds, along with over an additional $1 million worth of college investment and industry partner matching funds, discounts, and donations. Orange Coast College’s Makerspace endeavors to empower students, faculty, staff, and community members to innovate, collaborate, and share in maker culture, while leading productive & creative professional and entrepreneurial lives in the context of our region’s vibrant economy. Follow us @occmakerspace and at our CCCMaker.com site.
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Form Found Design
Experimental Robotics & BrandingForm Found Design industrializes building construction using robotic fabrication to proliferate mass-customization in the manufacturing of building components. The MARS Pavilion integrates robots into the construction process, combining the precision of robots and the freedom of fabric to achieve organic geometry. Visit FormFoundDesign.com for more details.
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Stoked! The Series (Episodes 1, 2 & 3)
Executive Production & Creative DirectionIn Episode 1, come hangout with Rory Russell, worldwide surfing champion and shaper, at "San O" and in his shaping bay. Discover the definition of stoke, as Rory and friends of the San Onofre Surfing Club enjoy a beautiful day at "Old Man's" and offer colorful commentary on the California surfing lifestyle. We are also treated to a shaping lesson by the 2x Pipeline Champion with an intimate look at the legacy Rory has been creating with his "Pipeliner" surfboards. See the entire Stoked! Art Films playlist.
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MANA: The Film (2014)
Featured Artist & BrandingMANA is a documentary film on southern California artists who share the skill and affinity of surfing and how their love of, and interactions with the dynamics of the ocean inform their artwork. Each artist approaches their work differently in their process, mediums and styles, yet they all share a reverence for the power, beauty and complexity of the ocean. They are additionally unified by their strong community and family connections, each with a commitment to younger generations through art and surfing. Visit facebook.com/manathefilm for more information.
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Playground Surf
Concept Development & BrandingThe next wave in surfing entertainment, Playground Surf provides turn key solutions from idea to reality. We have an experienced and professional team for every phase of a project and back our work with a bonded guarantee of satisfaction. We thrive on creating win/win scenarios and long lasting relationships that provide a fun and exciting way to create profitable business around the electrifying energy of Surf. Visit PlaygroundSurf.com for more details.
Library
Books I Have Recently Read
While not a compendium of all books I have read, these are some of my favorites from Goodreads. Reading is a fundamental act of opening ourselves up to new cultures, ideas, and possibilities. Read something new every day to discover more about yourself and our world(s).
Books I Am Reading
I think it is helpful to share what is currently inspiring and influencing us. What intellectual adventure(s) are you currently on? Which interests are solid enough to get us to read more about them? Theses books are a testament to going beyond inspiration.
Books I Want to Read
Keeping track of the topics, authors, and the titles we most care about is important. Goodreads helps me keep track of and share the things that are gaining traction in my spirit, heart, and mind--past, present, and future--if you will.
Contact
Let's Keep In Touch
Feel free to contact me about anything you think I may be interested in. Also, I'm very happy to provide initial consultation on design, architecture, fabrication, surfing-related projects, and love sharing my adventures! Thanks for coming to check out my website.
Drop Me a Line
Steve Fuchs
designer.
professor.
maker.
adventurer.
surfer.