Assistant/Associate Professor, Interior Design

Winthrop University, a highly ranked, public, comprehensive university, announces a search for an Assistant/Associate Professor of Interior Design. This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment in the Department of Design within the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Our campus is in Rock Hill, South Carolina approximately 30 minutes from Charlotte, NC which has a thriving design market and international airport. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work in and develop our new state of the art facilities for Interior Design at The Thread, a dynamic and flexible hub for learning, collaboration, and creativity, representing a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the educational environment for students, faculty, and the wider community. This position has an August 2027 start date.

Winthrop University seeks an experienced interior designer and/or architect with a terminal degree in their field, and a proven record of relevant professional experience that aligns with contemporary principles and practices. The ideal candidate will have a strong emphasis on human-centered design methodologies. They will be an innovative teacher and designer, producer of impactful creative and/or scholarly work, as well as leaders in meaningful service activities for multiple communities. We are seeking a candidate who is committed to student success, impact, and access, by fostering an environment that prioritizes excellence.

Position Responsibilities     

• This position requires in person, daily contact with students, faculty, staff, and community, on campus and in our downtown Design Center which is a short walk from the main campus.
• Teach 3–4 classes per semester, or 18 contact hours.
• Teach all levels in the undergraduate Bachelor of Design in Interior Design degree program.
• Advise and mentor undergraduate Interior Design majors in professional and career preparation.
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and course planning.
• Maintain creative and scholarly activity.
• Fully support and participate in the department’s recruitment efforts.
• Engage in professional service to the department, college, university, discipline, and community.
• Seek and maintain relationships with community and industry partners to support student internships, applied design projects, and our programs.
• Assume other responsibilities according to departmental needs and candidate’s qualifications.

About the College     

To learn more about the College of Visual & Performing Arts please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/.

About Winthrop University  

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 5,200-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business and Technology; Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Benefits          

At Winthrop University, we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that significantly enhances the total compensation for our employees. In partnership with the State of South Carolina and the Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), our benefits include health and life insurance, generous paid leave, parental leave, and retirement programs. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting the well-being and financial security of our employees. For more information please visit: https://www.winthrop.edu/hr/employee-benefits.aspx.

Background Check   

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Position Availability:   08/16/2027

Required Qualifications       

• Candidates should hold a terminal degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree within these disciplines, with significant teaching and professional experience deemed equivalent to a terminal degree may be considered.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software (e.g. AutoCAD, Revitt, SketchUp, and/or Bluebeam), as well as experience creating contract documentation using 3D software.
• Record of teaching, scholarship, and professional activity.
• Evidence of teaching excellence.
• Willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department.

Preferred Qualifications       

• National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification or eligibility to pass the NCIDQ exam.
• Minimally, three to five years professional practice in Interior Design, Architecture, or a closely related professional field.
• Minimally, two years of university-level teaching experience.
• Technology Integration such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), or other digital tools that enhance the design process.
• Awareness of and ability to teach Environmentally Conscious Design.

Employment Conditions      

Full-time, tenure-track faculty member, 9-month appointment beginning 2027 August 16th.

Application Instructions       

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their credentials as soon as possible for full consideration, and include:

• A cover letter clearly addressing interest in and qualifications for the position, including a statement about the candidate’s commitment to design and teaching
• A current curriculum vitae
• Evidence of teaching excellence
• A media file of up to 20 images of student work with descriptions for each (PDF)
• Portfolio with evidence of the candidate’s creative or scholarly work (PDF).
• The names, emails, and phone numbers for 3 references.
• Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the initial review; official transcripts must be provided for a final appointment)

All applications and nominations will be handled in confidence. Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Department of Design Chair, Jason Tselentis: tselentisj@winthrop.edu.