Professor of Practice, Interior Design

Georgia State University is a national model for innovation and opening opportunities for all, among the top five most innovative by U.S. News & World Report, ranked 1st among public universities in undergraduate teaching, the number 1 nonprofit university to award bachelor's degrees to African American students, 4th in the country for its first-year student experience, and highly ranked for enabling the social and economic mobility of its students. Among the most diverse universities in the nation, Georgia State opens global perspectives as the number 1 U.S. public university sending African American students to study abroad.

A regional gateway to higher education, the five suburban Perimeter College campuses provide more than 30 associate degree pathways. The downtown Atlanta campus offers more than 250 degree programs in 100 fields of study at the undergraduate, graduate and first-professional degree levels.

With five university-wide research centers and numerous centers and institutes at the college and school levels, Georgia State's interdisciplinary, dynamic and productive research enterprises address major health and societal challenges. It is one of only 146 universities with an R1 designation from the Carnegie Foundation, an honor reserved for the nation's most active research institutions. Outgoing research expenditures have doubled in the last decade and topped $1.2 billion over the last six years, an indication of the University's rapid research growth.

Georgia State is vital to the regional economy, with a more than $2.9 billion economic impact, and is also a vital part of Atlanta's vibrant arts and entertainment community, with highly regarded programs in music, art, creative writing and film, the Rialto Center for the Arts, and the Creative Media Industries Institute that contributes to innovation and the workforce for interactive media and media entrepreneurship.

General information on faculty roles and responsibilities can be obtained from the Faculty Handbook https://faculty.gsu.edu/faculty-handbook/ and the Office of Faculty Affairs website https://faculty.gsu.edu/. All faculty at Georgia State are, as part of their essential job duties, expected to: (1) be physically present on-campus as needed to contribute to Georgia State's in-person educational experience, and (2) be able to teach in each of the following instructional modalities - in-person, online, or blended/hybrid - as determined by their Department Chair or Dean.

With accredited programs in ten disciplines, the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design fosters excellence through experimentation, cross-disciplinary pursuits, and critical analyses of existing ideas about art, pedagogy, and art history.

As a member of the College of the Arts at Georgia State University, the school offers an affordable and transformative education to one of the nation's most diverse student populations. Through partnerships with Atlanta's cultural organizations, students combine their craft with training in entrepreneurship to ensure dynamic, successful careers.

The Welch School of Art & Design invites applications for a Professor of Practice in Interior Design. This is a full-time, non-tenure track appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2026. We welcome candidates who are active practitioners in interior and architectural design.

This role will bring real-world experience into the classroom, teaching design principles and practices used in professional interior and architectural practice. It also involves providing a link between the professional design community and our academic community, facilitating internships, networking, and curriculum development. The position will require involvement in the management and development of the Interior Design BFA and MFA programs at GSU, including active mentoring of students.

The successful candidate will join an established Interior Design area with expertise in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, and Architecture. The interior design program is rapidly evolving its offering with a focus on creative practice, industry professionalism, and sustainability. This role provides a key opportunity to contribute your professional knowledge and leadership skills to our Interior Design program.

* Teach undergraduate and graduate level courses in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, and/or Architectural Design. The course load is six per year (3/3).

* Participate in the management and development of the Interior Design BFA and MFA programs

* Mentor students

*A minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience in a university setting
* A record of practice, client projects, publications, or exhibitions, with an understanding of how that experience is incorporated into design pedagogy

* A record of participation and/or leadership roles in professional design organizations or academic organizations

Terminal degree (e.g. MFA, M. Arch, or PhD or equivalent) in Interior Design or Architecture

* A record of successful teaching in a broad range of interior design coursework to undergraduate and graduate students of all backgrounds

*Experience in student advising and curriculum development

*Knowledge and application of contemporary design theories and pedagogy.

*Technical proficiency in CAD/ BIM software and hardware systems endemic to design practice

*Professional membership, as demonstrated by registration and involvement in organizations such as AIA, ASID, IIDA, IDEC, or others

A criminal background check is required.

Elys John, Assistant Professor, ejohn@gsu.edu

Susan Richmond
srichmond@gsu.edu

For full consideration, please submit all required materials by February 2, 2026.

Qualified candidates must provide the follow application materials to be considered:

* a letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications and experience;

* a curriculum vitae;

* a statement of teaching philosophy and interests;

* a portfolio with 20 images of current studio work and an artist statement;

* a portfolio with 20 images of student work from courses taught and sample syllabi; and

* names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and titles of at least three professional references.

Letters of reference will be requested at the time the candidate is invited for an on-campus interview

Georgia State University is an equal opportunity employer.

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at
https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.