Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

The Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism invites applications for a full-time Assistant or Associate Teaching Professor to teach in the core curriculum of the Interior Design Programs beginning January 1, 2026. This is a 2-year/3-year renewable, non-tenure track appointment.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced professional with a proven record in the interior design industry, innovative teaching, critical design inquiry, and transdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will teach, develop, and coordinate a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive and varied pedagogical practices. Candidates must have substantial experience as interior designers and a passion for preparing emerging professionals for the evolving demands of the field.

Westphal College aims to recruit and hire faculty who align with the College’s strategic values—fostering a learning community enriched by varied perspectives, experiences, and academic approaches. The College seeks faculty who contribute to an environment of mutual respect and shared intellectual purpose, consistent with Drexel University’s enduring founding mission. The ideal candidate will contribute to advancing the College and University’s strategic initiatives in alignment with Drexel’s Academic Transformation. We are seeking a candidate with deep industry experience as interior designer who will strengthen the program through expertise in commercial professional practice, preferably with experience in hospitality and/or healthcare design.

Drexel’s Interiors Programs offer an undergraduate and two graduate degrees that are nationally ranked. Both our undergraduate and first professional graduate degrees are CIDA-accredited. The program maintains a prominent position within the academic and professional worlds, and is characterized by a focus on human experience, community and civic engagement, novel exploration of material and form, commitment to a sustainable future, and rigorous professional training.

The program benefits from its prime location in Philadelphia. Located in the strikingly renovated URBN Center, the program has dedicated studio spaces, making labs, a materials resource library, and shares facilities and faculty with allied Antoinette Westphal College programs including art history, visual arts, graphic design, product design, fashion design, digital media, game design and virtual production, and many others.

Essential Functions

• Teach a combination of interior design studios, seminars, and lecture courses at undergraduate and graduate levels, with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive pedagogy that exposes students to the diversity of thought, viewpoints and experiences.
• Collaborate with departmental faculty to develop and implement innovative, effective, and inclusive teaching practices and curriculum.
• Provide service to the Department, the College, the University, and to the profession, as assigned by the Department Head.
• Advise the Drexel Interiors Group (DIG), a student organization dedicated to promoting and exposing students to the profession of interior design, through professional programs and events.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations and maintain active engagement with industry standards and the professional community.
• Support and mentor students beyond classroom activities.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in professional interior design practice. 
• Exhibit strong teaching abilities and a collaborative, creative approach to design education.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in interior design/interior architecture. Master's degree in Interior Design/Interior Architecture will also be considered.
• Minimum of 6 years of combined teaching and professional experience.
• Current NCIDQ certification or interest in acquiring one.
• Strong industry networking experience and connections.
• Ability to continue practicing in the profession.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the healthcare, hospitality and/or commercial industries. 
• Expertise/engagement with indigenous design and/or non-European design.
• Professional certifications such as LEED, WELL, Fitwell, or other design standards
• Membership in professional organizations such as ASID, IIDA, IDEC, etc.
• Experience in leadership and/or management of teams.

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This is a Full-Time Faculty position classified as Exempt. The offered salary is based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Full-Time Faculty Benefit Fact Sheet or Part-Time Faculty Benefit Fact Sheet.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
In addition to make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Please upload the following documents with your application:

• Cover letter which includes candidate's contact information and statement articulating the candidate’s qualifications and expertise (3-page max).
• Design philosophy and teaching statement.
• PDF of a portfolio demonstrating expertise for the position, including professional and student work (not to exceed 20 pages).
• A list of 3 academic/professional references, with position and contact information who can attest to your qualifications. (References will be contacted for shortlisted candidates/candidates invited for on campus interview).

Candidates should articulate the specific expertise they anticipate contributing to the program. 

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.