New

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Interior Architecture

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
Aug 26, 2026
Position Overview The School of Architecture & Design at the University of Kansas invites applications for a full- time tenure-track position of Assistant Professor in the Interior Architecture program housed within the Architecture Department. The position will begin in Fall 2027. We seek candidates who demonstrate ability to teach a variety of interior architecture studios and lecture/seminar courses in areas of expertise including (but not limited to) interior material technology and sustainability; history of architecture, interior design and art history; and/or design research. The successful candidate must be familiar with CIDA accreditation process and professional standards, interested in teaching across the interior architecture curriculum, able to engage in innovative and cross-disciplinary teaching, actively participate in research and/or creative scholarship, and are willing to contribute to service commitments. The mission of the Interior Architecture program is to educate future professionals,focusing oninnovative, equitable, holistic, and meaningfulinterior environments thatsupportthe human condition and improvethe ecological health of the planet through evidence-based design. The program seeks candidates who contribute to this mission through innovative teaching, strong scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with the evolving profession. This position is subject to acollective bargaining agreementbetween The University of Kansas and United Academics, United Academics of KU, AAUP, or AFT. UAKU is the exclusive representative. As the State of Kansas is a right to work state, you have the right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States by the effective date of the appointment. About the Interior Architecture Program and Architecture Department Launched in 2018, the Interior Architecture program offers a B.S. in Interior Architecture degree, accredited by both CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation) and NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art & Design). The dynamic body of faculty of the Interior Architecture program reinforces the program goal of human-centric design through their teaching and research, enabling future professionals with a wholesome, well-rounded education. Since its inception, the interior architecture student enrollment has been growing steadily and graduates of B.S. in Interior Architecture have been gainfully employed across the U.S. Upon completion of the B.S. in Interior Architecture degree, graduates also have the opportunity to apply for the M.Arch degree program within the Architecture Department. The Architecture Department faculty's core purpose is to prepare new practitioners in the design of the built environment. In addition to the B.S. in Interior Architecture and M.Arch degrees, the department also offers a BA in Architectural Studies program, an MA in Architecture program, and a Ph.D. program. It has urban design studios in Kansas City, as well as summer, semester, and year-long study abroad programs in approximately fifteen international locations. Following the model set by our Health and Wellness Design Institute and the Design Department's Center for Design Research, the Architecture Department is in the process of establishing research centers around our recognized areas of expertise: Design-Build, Sports and Entertainment, Interior Architecture, Public Interest Design, Historic Preservation, and Smart Cities. We believe in providing students with diverse experiences and a comprehensive design education that will prepare them for a rapidly changing profession and culture. Job Description About the University of Kansas Founded in 1865, KU is a designated Carnegie comprehensive doctoral research university and one of only 34 public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The university enrolls more than 28,000 students and offers students and faculty opportunities to collaborate in its graduate programs which include education, public health, medicine, law, and a number of allied social science disciplines. Situated in the historic, diverse, and culturally vibrant city of Lawrence, Kansas, 40 minutes from the Kansas City metropolitan area, the University of Kansas' Department of Architecture has a 108-year history of educating Architects who have made significant contributions to the State, region, and world. KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. Allocation of Effort: Teaching (40% of total time) Typical teaching expectation of faculty in the Architecture Department is two 6-credit studios and one 3-credit lecture/seminar course per academic year (a total of 15 credits per academic year). The candidate will also meet department expectations in terms of student advising, as needed. Research (40% of total time) Conduct scholarly research and/or creative professional work in interior architecture and/or architecture. Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications such as books, monographs and/or articles in academic journals; peer-reviewed presentations in conferences; exhibitions, and/or in other appropriate scholarly venues. Service (20% of total time) Serve the program, department, university, and profession, primarily through committees, boards, and related forms of professional and institutional service. Required Qualifications Graduate/post-professional degree in interior design or architecture (MID, MIArc, MIA, or equivalent professional Master's degree; MFA; M.Arch; Ph.D.* or D. Arch*). Completed NCIDQ. Demonstrated record of research, creative work, and/or professional experience in interior design/interior architecture and/or architecture. Additional Candidate Instructions Applicants should submit the following items: 1) Letter of intent, including a statement outlining their area of expertise, research and/or creative interests and scholarly development and show how they will contribute to the Interior Architecture program at the University of Kansas; 2) Curriculum Vitae; 3) Names and contact information (email included) of three references; and 4) A portfolio of academic/teaching (with student work as applicable), research and/or creative work, professional experience, and any other relevant work. Please upload candidate package and indicate in the letter of intent a URL to access the complete digital version of the portfolio. Review of applications begin on September 28, 2026 and will remain open until position is filled. Contact Information to Applicants Professor Nisha A. Fernando Chair, Interior Architecture Search Committee Nisha.Fernando@ku.edu Advertised Salary Range commensurate with experience Application Review Begins Monday September 28, 2026 Anticipated Start Date Wednesday August 18, 2027