Assistant Professor in Architecture

Assistant Professor in Architectural Design +

The Architecture Department in the College of Architecture & Environmental Design (CAED) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, invites applications for a tenure-track Design Plus position through which faculty will engage in design studio teaching alongside one of the following areas of scholarly specialization: Representation; History, Theory, and Criticism, beginning on August 17, 2026.

Design + Representation:

We invite applicants who demonstrate proficiency in teaching and scholarship in design fundamentals with a focus on the theory and/or practice of representation; including drawing, image-making, modeling, and fabrication. In addition to a successful record of teaching design fundamentals, including design studio and representation courses, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively to develop curricula and to promote inclusive learning environments for diverse groups of undergraduate students. Teaching responsibilities will include foundation design studios, large lecture courses engaging in contemporary and historical issues in representation, workshops in representational methods, and seminars. Candidates' specific research interests can be explored through the core curriculum and support seminars. Successful applicants will contribute to the development of the coordinated core of first and second-year design studios with later progression into a leadership role.

Design + History, Theory, and Criticism:

We invite applications with experience and scholarship in architectural history, theory, and criticism. Candidates should demonstrate a record of teaching, scholarship, critical practice, and/or service related to the intersection of design with issues of social/environmental justice, community engagement, race, gender, ethnicity, diversity, equity and/or inclusivity. In addition to a successful record of teaching history, theory, and/or criticism, candidates should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively to develop curricula and to promote inclusive learning environments for diverse groups of undergraduate students. Teaching responsibilities will include design studios, large lecture, and seminar courses in architectural history, and seminars that overlap with the candidate’s specific expertise areas.

Review of applications will begin January 12, 2026 and will continue until the positions are filled; however, applications received prior to this date will be guaranteed review. Salary and teaching assignments will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Anticipated hiring range: $97,008 - $103,644 per year.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, in their first two years undergraduate architecture students are engaged in our two-year core including coordinated design studios with a co-requisite stream in representation and exposure to history, theory, and criticism through large lecture courses in equity, social justice and architecture and architectural history survey courses.  In the upper division, topical research studios, theory seminars, and the integrated design studio develop students interest and agency from the core.  Students global perspective and architectural experience is gained through robust semester and year-long off-campus programs, with the 5-year degree culminating in an intensive year-long thesis. 

The Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Architecture Department has a strong reputation for providing a rigorous education, focused on issues of contemporary concern. The polytechnic tradition of the five-year Bachelor of Architecture program emphasizes application, reflection, collaboration, and project-based learning, succinctly described as “learn by doing.” We encourage creative inquiry, making, and theoretical speculation, supported by extensive fabrication facilities in the Support Shop, as well as the book and materials library, the Neel Resource Center. The CAED also maintains a nine-acre outdoor experimental construction laboratory, Poly Canyon, and an indoor fabrication and construction facility, the Simpson Strong-Tie Materials Demonstration Lab. For further information about the department, college, and university, please visit our web sites: www.architecture.calpoly.edu, www.caed.calpoly.edu,and www.calpoly.edu. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination