Department of Interior Design - Assistant Professor

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Interior Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor, with an anticipated start date of August 16, 2027. The department seeks a dedicated design educator with innovative approaches to design pedagogy and research, an understanding of contemporary topics in interior design and related fields, and a commitment to design excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will maintain an active record of creative research and/or scholarship in interior-design-related areas and contribute to the future of design education and the profession. Areas of particular interest include low-impact, environmentally responsible design; interior lighting design; and the critical and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence. The role also supports departmental initiatives focused on how design can promote holistic individual well-being. The faculty member will teach undergraduate and graduate design studios, seminars, and lecture courses; mentor graduate students; and participate in service activities within the department, college, university, and broader Iowa State community. Candidates should bring strong communication skills, a commitment to teaching excellence, and potential for sustained scholarship. Faculty are expected to contribute to a collegial, positive, and productive environment and to demonstrate integrity, ethical behavior, and good citizenship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship; immigration sponsorship is not available. The Department of Interior Design is a CIDA-accredited program in the College of Design. It offers a BFA, MA, MFA, and an interdisciplinary MA-MArch double degree with Architecture. The department provides experiential learning through immersive study abroad programs, professional internships, and student outreach projects. It has more than 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students, and 12 faculty members, and is recognized for interdisciplinary collaborations. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. To receive full consideration, applications should be submitted by January 31, 2027, through jobs.iastate.edu under requisition R20159. Required materials are a letter of application addressing the preferred qualifications, a curriculum vitae (including courses taught if available), and contact information for at least three references. Candidates may also submit a teaching philosophy, research/creative scholarship statement, and portfolio of creative and student work. The appointment is a nine-month faculty position.

Requirements

Terminal degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture or a design-related discipline (Ph.D., M.F.A., M.Arch., or equivalent).
At least one degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture.
Strong communication skills and a commitment to teaching excellence.
Potential for long-term scholarship in support of the department, college, and university mission.
Legally authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

NCIDQ certified or able to become qualified within one year of appointment.
Demonstrated evidence or potential for national and/or international scholarship.
Evidence of teaching experience or professional practice and management across the program curricula.
Experience with relevant industry-standard software such as Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite, SketchUp, or Unreal Engine.
LEED, WELL, EDAC, CAPS, or other relevant certification(s).
Experience or knowledge in low-impact, environmentally responsible design and interior lighting design.
Interest in critical and ethical use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

Responsibilities

Teach design studios, seminars, and lecture courses at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Mentor graduate students.
Maintain an active record of creative research and/or scholarship in interior-design-related areas.
Contribute to advancing initiatives aligned with the department’s mission of examining how design can support holistic individual well-being.
Participate in service activities within the department, college, university, and broader Iowa State community.
Contribute to a collegial, positive, and productive environment and demonstrate good citizenship, integrity, and ethical behavior.