The Department of Landscape Architecture at the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, seeks a distinguished practitioner who is actively engaged in landscape architectural practice to join our faculty as a Professor (or Associate Professor) of Practice, Landscape Architecture.

The preferred candidate should have an international reputation in the profession of landscape architecture, including significant built works in the urban public realm. Candidates should also have graduate-level teaching experience and a commitment to collaborative studio and workshop-based educational models. We seek candidates who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the profession of landscape architecture while working collaboratively across disciplines. Those who seek to advance the design of equitable public space through their professional work are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Department of Landscape Architecture is recognized internationally for its innovative ecological approach to the design of landscapes, public works, public spaces, and infrastructures. This approach addresses the rich and entangled web of everyday environmental relationships between living things—humans, plants, and animals—as well as the mineral world. A rich understanding of these ecologies is necessary to both address the ongoing climate crisis and seek reparative social and environmental justice.

In addition to the Department of Landscape Architecture, the Weitzman School of Design includes the departments of Historic Preservation, City & Regional Planning, Architecture, and Fine Arts, providing potential for collaboration with other disciplines and departments. The Weitzman School prepares students to address complex sociocultural and environmental issues through thoughtful inquiry, creative expression, and innovation. As a diverse community of scholars and practitioners, we are committed to advancing the public good—both locally and globally—through art, design, planning, and preservation. 

The Weitzman School of Design is deeply engaged in a broad range of global as well as local landscape architectural design issues and practices. We host PennPraxis, a faculty-student non-profit practice that provides planning and design consulting services in the Philadelphia region as well as in locations around the globe. We are also home to the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the Ian L. McHarg Center for Urbanism and Ecology. Professors of Practice are eligible to participate in these research and practice initiatives.

The ranks of Associate Professor of Practice and Professor of Practice are reserved for distinguished professionals who wish to combine education and practice. They bring their understanding of practice to the school and may use their teaching as a way of exploring new ideas and theories. This position is a three to five-year term, and can be renewed. It is not tenure-track or tenure-eligible. Teaching requirements may vary from half-time (usually one semester-long design studio per year) to a maximum of three-fourths time. Professors of Practice are also expected to participate in school events, reviews, symposia, and other programs at the Weitzman School of Design.

Candidates must hold a professional license in landscape architecture. A professionally accredited master’s degree in landscape architecture or architecture is preferred, but not required. Preference will be given to individuals with a distinguished record of professional design work that is recognized by their peers as a significant contribution to the discipline of landscape architecture.

Applicants should submit a cover letter noting relevant professional work and any teaching experience, a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of teaching interests and capabilities, and a statement that describes ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within professional practice, as well as experiences working with diverse communities. In addition, please provide the names and contact information for three professional and/or academic references who will be contacted at a later date. Applications from women candidates and those underrepresented in the profession are strongly encouraged.

Applications should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee for Professor (or Associate Professor) of Practice, Landscape Architecture.

Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. The position appointment is expected to begin on July 1, 2024, and the selected candidate will be expected to begin teaching in fall 2024.

Questions should be directed to Eric Baratta, Assistant Director of Administration / Department Coordinator, Landscape Architecture, at: landarch@design.upenn.edu

The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.  Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class. Questions or concerns about this should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Franklin Building, 3451 Walnut Street,  Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD).