Department of Interior Design – Assistant or Associate Professor (Tenure/Tenure-Track)

Job Description

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities :

The Department of Interior Design in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU) invites applicants for the position of tenure-track Assistant Professor position with an anticipated start date on August 16, 2025.

Exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and a proven track record will be considered for tenure and the advanced rank of Associate Professor.

The department seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated design educator with innovative, creative, and emerging approaches to design pedagogy and research.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary topics in interior design and related fields, informed by diverse and forward-thinking perspectives.

We seek educators who create and foster design excellence and value interdisciplinary collaboration. This role requires maintaining an active record of creative research and / or scholarship in interior design related areas, with a focus on how these explorations inform and shape the future of design education and the profession.

Applicants will also be expected to contribute to advancing initiatives that align with the department’s core value and mission of examining how design can contribute to a holistic approach to individual well-being.

Candidates will have the opportunity to teach design studios, seminars, and lecture courses for a diverse student body at the undergraduate and graduate levels and mentor graduate students.

Additionally, participation in service activities within the department, college, university, and the broader ISU community is expected.

Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a commitment to enhancing excellence, and exhibit the potential for long-term leadership in supporting the mission of the department, college, and university.

The Department of Interior Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all.

All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Required Minimum Qualifications :

Terminal Degree in Interior Design / Interior Architecture or Design Related Discipline (Ph.D., M.F.A., M. Arch., or equivalent)

At least one degree in Interior Design / Interior Architecture.

Preferred Qualifications :

NCIDQ certified.

Demonstrated evidence of national and / or international scholarship.

Evidence of teaching experience or professional practice and management across the program curricula.

Experience with relevant industry-standard software (e.g., Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, SketchUp, Unreal Engine).

LEED, WELL, EDAC, CAPS certification, or other relevant certification(s).

About the Department of Interior Design

The Department of Interior Design is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Community and Regional Planning.

The Department of Interior Design is a CIDA accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA), a Master of Arts in Interior Design (MA), a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA), and an interdisciplinary double degree with the Department of Architecture (MA-MArch).

The department also offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, a professional internship program, many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaborations with other highly ranked colleges and departments.

The approximately 200 undergraduate students, 15 graduate students and 12 faculty members who comprise the Department of Interior Design share a commitment to excellence.

Over the past decade, ISU interior design students and design studios have won multiple national and international awards, including 17 winners or finalists in the Hospitality Design Awards since 2008, and students have participated in several Venice Biennale Sessions.

The department is recognized for its development of interdisciplinary collaborations.

Department Unit / Website :

For more information about our department’s design program, see

Proposed Start Date :

August 16, 2025

Number of Months Employed Per Year :

09 Month Work Period

Time Type : Full time

Full time

Application Instructions :

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by September 1, 2024 .

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format :

1. Letter of application (including information about the desired rank) that briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications

2. A curriculum vitae (include a list of courses taught, if available)

3. Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

4. Other documents :

Teaching philosophy (1-2 pages)

Statement of research / creative scholarship (1-2 pages)

Portfolio of creative works and student works (up to 20 pages)

Inquiries regarding this position may be directed to the faculty search chair, Sarah Zenti at

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as :

• Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date :

May 29, 2024

Posting Close Date :

Job Requisition Number :

R14788