Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice - Architecture

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas invites applications for a part- or full-time non-tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Practice in the School of Architecture and Design. The role focuses on integrated design, technology in design, and sustainable practice, with an emphasis on studio instruction in the M.Arch program.

The appointment beginsSpring 2027, for an initial three-year term with possible renewal after review.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of professional architectural experience.
• Architectural licensure.
• A professional degree in architecture (NAAB-accredited or equivalent). Any candidate without a Master’s degree will require approval from the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Teach studio instruction in the Master of Architecture curriculum.
• Maintain an 80% teaching and 20% service allocation.
• Serve on departmental and university committees and uphold professional standards.
• Eligible to work in the United States by the appointment date.

Skills

Professional design practice

Education

NAAB-accredited architecture degree

Master's degree (may be required with approval)

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 is appointed 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 an 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 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.

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.

Additional Candidate Instructions

Applicants should submit the following items:

• 1) Letter of intent, including a statement outlining their area of expertise, creative, and/or professional interests, and show how they see these contributing to the degree programs in the Architecture Department at the University of Kansas;
• 2) Curriculum Vitae;
• 3) Names and contact information (email included) of three references; and
• 4) A digital portfolio of professional, creative, and/or student work to demonstrate effectiveness of teaching. Candidates should provide a link where the portfolio can be viewed and downloaded.

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.