Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice - Architecture

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Kansas invites applications for a part- or full-time, non-tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice in Architecture. The role centers on studio instruction in the M.Arch program, with teaching expected to be 80% of effort and service 20%.

Candidates must have a professional architecture degree (NAAB-accredited) and significant practice experience, with some Associate requirements for mentoring/leadership.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated record of professional work and/or creative work that demonstrates expertise in a range of building typologies, consultation, and/or project management in practice. At least 9 years of professional experience.
• Architectural licensure.
• A professional degree in architecture (Bachelor's-level or higher), NAAB-accredited or equivalent. Any successful candidate without a Master's degree will require approval from the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.
• Sustained record of teaching and/or professional mentoring and team leadership demonstrating consistent performance across several semesters.
• Sustained record of professional work and/or creative work with at least 10 years of professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Teaching responsibilities focus on studio instruction in the M.Arch curriculum with an 80% teaching allocation.
• Serve the department, university, state, and/or the profession through service and committee work.

Skills

Professional experience in practice

Architectural licensure

Education

Professional degree in architecture (Bachelor's-level or higher), NAAB-accredited or equivalent

Job description

Position Overview

The School of Architecture and Design at the University of Kansas invites applications for a part- or full-time (80%-100%), non-tenure-track position of Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice with expertise in integrated design, technology in design, AI in professional practice, sustainability, project management, and/or other significant areas of professional practice. The appointment is expected to begin in the spring semester of 2027. This position may be appointed for up to an initial three-year period with an opportunity for extension/renewal after a comprehensive review. The teaching responsibilities of this position will be focused on studio instruction in the accredited Master of Architecture curriculum. The successful candidate for this position is expected to have significant professional experience as outlined in the Required Qualifications. The Architecture Department faculty's core purpose is to prepare new practitioners in the design of the built environment, and for the path to architectural licensure. It seeks ways by which humanity can inhabit this planet in a sustainably healthy way. It does so primarily through its NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board) accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch) program and its accredited Interior Architecture program. The faculty is committed to excellence in applying our knowledge and experience in educating the next generation of architects. The Department seeks candidates who can contribute to its knowledge and teaching as described above. In addition to the M.Arch and IA degrees, the Architecture Department also offers a PhD in architecture and multiple certificate programs. It has summer, semester, and year-long study abroad programs around the globe. The Architecture Department has recognized areas of expertise across Design-build, Sports and Leisure, Health and Wellness, Interior Architecture, Urban Housing, Urban Design, Aviation and Transit, Historic Preservation, and Sustainable Design, among others.

About the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is the state's flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $611 million of research in fiscal year 2025). KU has 25 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities, including #1 rankings for graduate programs in paleontology and special education. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 31st in best value among public institutions in 2026. KU offers more than 8,000 courses, 460 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 200 study abroad programs. As of Fall 2025, student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards campus was 27,212 representing all 50 states and 115 countries. This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between 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.

Job Description

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. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States by the effective date of the appointment.

Allocation of Effort

Teaching (80%)

The typical teaching expectation for Professors of Practice in Architecture is 12 credit hours per semester. This equates to two 6-credit hour studios OR one 6-credit hour studio and two 3-credit hour courses per semester. Specific course assignments and locations are at the discretion of the Chair of the Architecture Department, although candidates may be consulted about their preferences. Teaching typically, but not exclusively, involves being an instructor of record for courses, but may include team teaching, carrying out course transformation, assessment of learning outcomes, or other activities to implement innovations in teaching and learning.

Service (20%)

Serve the department, university, state, and/or the profession. This includes attending departmental meetings and serving on committees (as appropriate). All faculty members are expected to follow the school's standards of professionalism.

Required Qualifications for Both Assistant and Associate Professor Candidates

• Demonstrated record of professional work and/or creative work that demonstrates expertise in a range of building typologies, consultation, and/or project management in practice. At least 9 years of professional experience.


• Architectural licensure.


• A professional degree in architecture (Bachelor's-level or higher), NAAB-accredited or equivalent. Any successful candidate without a Master's degree will require approval from the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

Required Qualifications for Associate Professor Candidates Only

• Sustained record of teaching and/or professional mentoring and team leadership demonstrating consistent performance across several semesters.


• Sustained record of professional work and/or creative work with at least 10 years of professional experience.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have the foundational knowledge and skill set required to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is based on accreditation requirements, institutional standards of academic and professional excellence, alignment with peer institution benchmarks, and contributes to the credibility and effectiveness of the role within the university community.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jae Chang, PhD
Professor of Architecture
Associate Dean for Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

Salary for the position will be commensurate with experience and allocation of effort (part- vs full-time).

Anticipated Start Date

Friday January 1, 2027