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: , ,and  

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 or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Cal Poly is a student-centered university that is committed to the "teacher-scholar model," in which teaching and scholarship are valued as mutually beneficial practices—offering vibrant learning experiences for students through meaningful engagement in faculty scholarly activity and advancing faculty scholarship through teaching. Given this emphasis, candidates should include descriptions of teaching in their written statements and portfolio.

We believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes social inclusion and environmental resilience is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community.  Candidates should provide a narrative, and where possible evidence, of their approaches to inclusive teaching practices in their teaching, research, and/or professional practice.

Additional requirements include:

• Professional degree in architecture
• Master's degree in architecture (or allied discipline) or D. Arch.
• Architectural license or Ph.D. (see note below)
• Professional experience in architecture
• Relevant college-level teaching experience
• A body of work corresponding to the advertised position

Appointments may be offered to candidates eligible for licensure or nearing completion of the doctorate (ABD); however, promotion and tenure are contingent on an architecture license or Ph.D.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional consideration will be given to candidates with professional experience and/or specialization in a scholarly area that addresses social and environmental equity in the built environment.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.  At Cal Poly, tenure-line faculty are expected to establish an on-campus presence.

Subject to further planning and approval, Cal Poly anticipates a possible transition to semester-based year-round operations (YRO). Under YRO, full-time academic year faculty may be assigned to teach in two consecutive semesters (Fall/Spring, Spring/Summer, or Summer/Fall) out of the three semesters offered annually. The two-semester sequence will constitute the regular academic year appointment. Faculty may also be eligible to teach in the third semester for additional compensation, subject to departmental needs and University policy.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for a position, interested candidates must complete the entirety of the online application and upload the following materials:

• Cover letter describing your interest in the position, qualifications, and relevant experience including a statement of teaching and scholarship outlining past achievements and future directions.
• Statement on universal student success based on the following prompt:
  • Cal Poly is a public, student-centered university that serves the diverse constituents of the state of California and has a strong emphasis on the teacher-scholar model.  Please detail your approach to inclusive, accessible, and intentional teaching at the collegiate level, including evidence of experience with inclusive and equitable teaching, to a wide variety of students and a description of how you will continue to develop this expertise at Cal Poly.  Service or scholarship related to skills developed in these areas might also be included here.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Digital portfolio of teaching and professional work (50 pages maximum, 30Mb file size limit). Cal Poly values teaching excellence and this portfolio is a critical application component. Sections documenting teaching should include syllabi and should explain how the student work demonstrates the candidate's pedagogical approaches.
• Unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned.
• Three professional references with names and contact information.  References will not be contacted without prior notification to applicants.   

Prior to appointment, we will require official transcripts confirming degrees and a background check.

Cal Poly's ability to sponsor employment-based visas will depend on institutional priorities, budget availability, and current federal regulations. Cal Poly does not commit to providing visa sponsorship for this position, and applicants should not expect that such sponsorship will be offered.