Asst / Assc Prof of Architecture in Kansas City Urban and Housing Design

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas (KU) School of Architecture & Design invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position focused on urban housing design, manufacturing, and economic development in the Kansas City metropolitan area beginning in the fall of 2026. This appointment reflects KU’s longstanding commitment to advancing architectural education through meaningful engagement with regional partners, while also addressing critical national and global challenges in housing and sustainable urban development. It seeks ways in which humanity can inhabit this planet in a sustainable, healthy, and resilient way. It does so primarily through its NAAB accredited Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program and its soon to be accredited Interior Architecture program.

The KU architecture program has a deep and enduring connection to the architectural, design, and development communities of Kansas City. Through design studios located in the city’s urban core, internships with leading firms, and partnerships with governmental agencies and private industry, KU students and faculty have long contributed to - and benefitted from - the region’s vibrant urban initiatives. Building on these foundations, the successful candidate will play a central role in expanding the school’s academic and research engagement in Kansas City. The successful candidate will coordinate and lead academic programs that leverage the wealth of design initiatives in the metropolitan area. Responsibilities include developing and teaching coursework at both professional and graduate levels, advancing a research agenda supported by external funding, and fostering partnerships across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors. The position will also involve coordinating existing and future programs and facilities in the school’s institutes, professional options, and academic programs, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and strategic priorities.

A key expectation of the position is the development of a strong research and teaching agenda in areas related to sustainable and resilient urban housing environments with a focus on technology integration or social innovation. Ideally, the successful candidate will reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area to deepen ties with the local community and ensure active participation in the region’s architectural and urban development networks.

In addition to the M.Arch. and IA degrees, the Architecture Department also offers an MA in Architecture, a PhD, and multiple certificate programs. It has summer, semester, and year-long foreign-study programs around the globe. In addition to Studio 804, the Institute of Health and Wellness Design, and the school's Center for Design Research, the Architecture Department has recognized areas of expertise in Design-Build, Sports and Entertainment, Interior Architecture, Public Interest Design, Historic Preservation, Sustainable Design, and Smart Cities.

The school seeks candidates with a record of—or strong potential for—excellence in teaching, research, and service. Applicants should demonstrate expertise in urban and housing design, the ability to develop funded research initiatives, and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. The KU School of Architecture & Design faculty is dedicated to educating the next generation of architects while advancing research and practice that contribute to resilient, healthy, and sustainable communities. The department welcomes candidates whose scholarship, teaching, and service align with this mission and who are eager to expand KU’s impact in Kansas City and beyond.

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

Job DescriptionKU’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.

About the University

Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas is a designated Carnegie comprehensive doctoral research university and one of the public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The University enrolls more than 30,000 students and offers students and faculty opportunities to collaborate in its graduate programs which include education, public health, medicine, law, the humanities, and a number of allied social science disciplines. Situated in the historic, diverse, and culturally vibrant city of Lawrence, Kansas, 40 minutes from the Kansas City metropolitan area, the University of Kansas’ Department of Architecture has a 109-year history of educating architects who have made significant contributions to the state, region, and world.

Allocation of Effort :

Teaching (40%)

Typical teaching expectations for architecture faculty are : two 6-credit architectural design studios and one 3-credit lecture or seminar per year. Meet department expectations in terms of student advising.

Research (40%)

Conduct research, creative, and / or professional work that focuses on one or several possible areas of expertise that may include affordable and low-income housing typologies; innovative, sustainable, and resilient urban development strategies; and equitable access to housing and community resources. Disseminate this work through peer-reviewed publications and conferences and / or professional commissions and practice. Support a research / creative activity agenda through external funding.

Service (20%)

Serve the department, university, state, and the profession primarily through academic-industry partnerships and engagement with community organizations, NGOs, and governmental agencies.Required Qualifications Required Qualifications for both Assistant and Associate Professor Candidates :

• Demonstrated record of research, creative, and / or professional work in the candidate’s area of expertise.
• Phd in Architecture or related field OR a Master’s degree in Architecture or related field and 3 years of experience in architectural practice.
• Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate studios and seminars in the candidate’s area of expertise.

Additional Required Qualifications for Associate Professor :

Additional Candidate InstructionsApplicants should submit the following items :

Application review will begin December 1, 2025 and will remain open until the position is filled.Contact Information to ApplicantsSearch Committee Chair

Kent Spreckelmeyer

Kents@ku.edu

Advertised Salary Rangecommensurate with experienceApplication Review BeginsMonday December 1, 2025Anticipated Start DateTuesday August 18, 2026 Apply to Job