Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma’s Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture is expanding to match the scale of its ambitions. Based in Norman, a lively college town within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, recently ranked the “No. 1 Best Big City to Live In” by U.S. News & World Report, the Division of Interior Design seeks a 9-month, full-time, ranked renewable term faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Interior Design beginning in January 2027. This position is part of OU’s university-wide commitments as an R-1 public research institution, fueled by growth in faculty excellence, research innovation, and cross-sector partnerships. Review of applications will start on February 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

 Who We’re Looking For

We seek an educator and/or practitioner who can work effectively with students, colleagues, and/or industry partners. The successful applicant may have specialized expertise in one or more Interior Design specialty areas, including but not limited to education design, healthcare design, design communication software, construction documentation, or professional practice. NCIDQ certification, professional registration, licensure, or other certifications can contribute to student learning experiences and support program accreditation priorities.

Our Community

Our nationally recognized Division of Interior Design, established in 1916, is one of the nation’s oldest interior design programs and is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.  Our mission is to provide a student-centric learning environment with faculty who emphasize excellence in design education, innovative research, and service to the community while preparing students to join the professional practice of interior design.  Our close team of faculty works together to mentor students through a curriculum that balances creative design thinking with technical expertise across all major market sectors—residential, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and workplace design.

The division helps shape an exceptional student experience as defined by U.S. News & World Reports: community-engaged work in collaboration with the nationally acclaimed Institute for Quality Communities, an annual semester-long Rome Program, a national and international professional internship program, student work recognized in national competitions with professional organizations including IIDA, ASID, IDEC, IES, and NEWH,  Gibbs Design in Action Awards, the three-time Douglas Haskell Award-winning student journal Telesis, multiple Metropolis Future100 students, and Solar Decathlon/BuildingsNEXT Student Design Competition award winners .

How Faculty Contribute

Faculty in the Division of Interior Design play an active role in shaping a culture of collaboration, creativity, and impact. This includes:

• Working closely with faculty and students in our CIDA-accredited Interior Design program to develop and teach courses that support our curriculum and accreditation standards.
• Teaching a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses, including lecture classes and design studios with opportunities to integrate community-engaged projects that connect students with real-world design challenges.
• Bringing professional practice experience into the classroom, helping students understand current industry practices, trends, and professional standards.
• Mentoring students through professional practice experiences, helping them build the skills and connections they need for successful careers in interior design.
• Participating in service activities at the division, university, and community levels.

What We Offer

The Division of Interior Design and Gibbs College provide robust faculty support through:

• Mentorship programs
• Research, travel, and professional development funds
• Teaching and research assistants, supported by the Gibbs Endowment and other resources

About the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture

The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture brings together more than 1,100 students across seven disciplines: Architecture, Construction Science, Environmental Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Regional and City Planning, and Urban Design. The College serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration and public impact, hosting the national Placemaking Conference and supporting community partnerships across Oklahoma. Learn more at architecture.ou.edu/architecture.

About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma (OU) is a Carnegie R1 Institution with $416.6 million in annual research expenditures and more than 34,000 students across three campuses in Norman, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa. OU is advancing an ambitious vision to shape the future through discovery, creativity, and innovation, as outlined in the Lead On, University Strategic Plan (https://ou.edu/leadon/strategic-plan).

Norman offers the atmosphere of a vibrant college town within the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The region combines affordability with cultural vitality, strong K–12 schools, and nationally recognized works of architecture and landscape architecture. Home to the 2025 NBA champions and a host site for events during the 2028 Olympics, Oklahoma City reflects a growing international profile. Oklahoma’s 39 Native Nations shape a context where faculty and students engage in collaborative work that links design to place, culture, and community.

Visit https://ou.edu/facultyrecruitment for more information about what OU and the local communities have to offer.

Salary Range

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design accredited by CIDA (formerly FIDER) or in Architecture accredited by NAAB or an international equivalent
• Master's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Construction, or a related field completed by the employment start date of January 2027
• Professional practice experience in Interior Design that demonstrates expertise relevant to teaching in our CIDA-accredited undergraduate and graduate programs
• NCIDQ certification

Applicants shall submit the following materials as PDF documents via Interfolio.

1. Cover letter
2. Statement of interest outlining in two to three pages the applicant’s experience, research, and/or professional practice agenda, and teaching plan
3. Current Curriculum Vitae
4. Full contact information for a minimum of three academic/professional references
5. Digital portfolio providing evidence of 1) professional practice experience, 2) efficacy in teaching, and 3) any community engagement or service activities. Digital submissions should not exceed 25 pages, and the file size should be under 100 MB.

Application Review Date & Questions

Application review will begin on February 20th, and the search will remain open until the position is filled. Please submit questions by email to Casey Guest ([email protected] ).