Interior Architecture Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Columbia College Chicago•Chicago, IL

14h

About The Position

Columbia College Chicago hires industry-experienced adjunct faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis alongside its regular, full-time faculty. Adjunct positions may not be available every semester and are contingent on student enrollment and funding. The role is in the School of Design, which offers courses across areas including interior architecture, animation, UX/UI, game design and art, cinema visual effects, game programming, software development, and general education math and science. Candidates must generally hold a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach; a terminal degree in the relevant discipline is preferred. In terminal-degree programs, faculty hold the same level of degree. In occasional cases, currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained record of distinguished professional work, creative achievements, or other significant relevant experience may be considered instead of the required degree. The college seeks candidates with professional expertise in interior design, architecture, or a related field; a strong portfolio; current knowledge of design tools, standards, industry practices, and sustainable practices; and the communication and teaching skills to explain design concepts, critique student work, and support student learning. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Additional materials, such as official transcripts, may be requested later. The entry-level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635. Courses with fewer or more than three credits are prorated accordingly. This is a union position, is subject to a background screening, and is overtime-ineligible. Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and values faculty whose work and teaching contribute to an inclusive, socially and culturally expansive educational experience.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related discipline.
Typically 5 or more years of professional experience and expertise in interior design, architecture, or a related field.
Strong portfolio showcasing professional design work and projects reflecting current industry standards and innovations.
Knowledge of current design software, technologies, standards, industry best practices, and sustainable practices.
Proficiency in relevant design software, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, and 3D modeling tools.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students, convey concepts, and critique student work.
Ability to translate complex design concepts into clear, accessible lessons.
Passion for design education and commitment to student learning and development.
Degree at least one level above the level taught; terminal degree in the relevant discipline is preferred, with same-level degrees accepted in terminal-degree programs. In occasional cases, specified distinguished professional work or significant relevant experience may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.
Submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related field.
Demonstrated success teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, preferably in higher education.
Commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth.
Experience with project-based learning or hands-on teaching methodologies.
Understanding of how interior architecture intersects with other disciplines, such as architecture, art history, and environmental psychology.
Current NCIDQ certification.

Responsibilities

Teach assigned courses in interior architecture or a related area on a part-time basis.
Convey design concepts through clear, accessible lessons.
Engage students through effective communication and presentation, and critique student work.
Support student learning and development.