Director and Associate/Full Professor, School of Architecture & Interior Design, College of DAAP

About the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning

The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati invites applications for the position of Director of the School of Architecture & Interior Design (SAID) for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor level. The position is intended to commence on August 15, 2027.

The primary mission of the College of DAAP is to improve visual and designed environments. Led by Dean Stephanie Pilat, DAAP includes the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design, the School of Architecture and Interior Design, the School of Art, and the School of Planning. DAAP is a dynamic hub for research and creative practice addressing some of the most pressing issues of our time, from artificial intelligence, technological change, and design in the public interest to human well-being and the building of a sustainable planetary future. The college serves 2,300 students in over 40 undergraduate, masters, certificate, and doctoral programs, with numerous opportunities for research, community engagement, and study abroad.

About the School of Architecture and Interior Design

The School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID) continually strives to innovate in teaching and transforming a critical design education. Our undergraduate and graduate programs empower students to pursue careers as skilled professionals, academics, and researchers ready to adapt to local and global markets while respecting the diversity of the human community. Our students are prepared for architecture and interior design careers by a passionate faculty, and rigorous academic endeavors. Our students engage with the principles, traditions, and requirements of building in all aspects, interior and exterior. Our goal is to advance the professions of Architecture and Interior Design by combining ethical judgment, creative research, and technical proficiency in pursuit of excellence. We seek to nurture a life-long world view that recognizes the designer's responsibility to the environment, society, and profession. SAID contributes to international dialogue on the core issues affecting the evolution of its constituent fields, and it is at the forefront of campus-wide programs such as the Urban Futures Initiative.

The School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID) confers an accredited first professional graduate degree in Architecture (M Arch), an accredited professional degree in Interior Design (BSID), an undergraduate degree in Architecture (BS Arch), a post-professional degree (MS Arch), and a Ph.D. degree in Architecture. There are approximately 700 students in the School and 27 full-time faculty, and a renowned cooperative education program (co-op) that places students in professional work environments as part of the curriculum. SAID’s Co-op network includes over 500 firms across the globe.

About Cincinnati

Cincinnati is an excellent city for research, teaching, and creative practice in architecture and interior design, especially in an urban context. It features renowned institutions such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Contemporary Arts Center designed by Zaha Hadid, the Cincinnati Music Hall, two-time Tony Award-winning Playhouse in the Park, and the Cincinnati Museum Center. Perhaps nothing has attracted more attention to the University of Cincinnati's campus renewal than its impressive collection of modern architecture by internationally known designers. Over the years, many of the world's top architects have added the University of Cincinnati to their portfolio. DAAP is housed within the Peter Eisenman Aronoff’s Center for Design and Art. With a metropolitan population of 2.3 million people, the urban region incorporates the mighty Ohio River, the historic Roebling Bridge, and one of the nation’s great park systems.

Job Overview

The School Director is the administrative and academic leader of the School of Architecture and Interior Design, charged with the supervision of all its interests and activities, and reporting to the Dean of the College. The Director will bring their own areas of expertise, which may include, but are not limited to, architecture, interior design, or urbanism.

Essential Functions

As academic leader, the School Director:

• Leads academic development in all the School's disciplines, and in their collaborative interactions with other disciplines across the College, the University, and the globe.
• Collaborates with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to build a strategic vision that promotes excellence in teaching, research, and creative practice, with an eye toward increasing the school's regional and national visibility.
• Leads efforts to attract and retain outstanding faculty members.
• Leads the development and mentoring of faculty, including annual performance reviews and the provision of adequate resources for professional growth.
• Ensures that students receive relevant instruction of high quality and establish a high standard of professionalism.
• Engages in teaching (at least two courses per academic year) in their area of expertise.
• Engages in research and/or scholarship and/or creative work in their area of expertise.
• Participates in the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of the curricula and related matters.
• Partners with the Dean and the Dean's office to develop a collegial environment.

As administrative head, the School Director:

• Represents and advocates the views of the School faculty, staff, and students to the Dean and others and, in turn, communicates administrative policies and decisions to the School.
• Manages, develops, and organizes the School's administrative structure.
• Encourages a spirit of mutual respect among all faculty, staff and students in the School.
• Is responsible for daily managerial matters in the operation of the School; supervises and helps to develop School staff.
• Pursues short- and long-term objectives and academic planning.
• Assumes fiscal responsibility for School budget oversight and sound judgment in managing funds.
• Represents the views of the School beyond the University; strengthens ties with academic networks, professional organizations, and communities.
• Encourages faculty to seek external funding through grants, fellowships, and awards.
• Collaborates with UC Foundation through DAAP's Director of Development to build and maintain outside support of the School.
• Serves on the Executive Committee of the College and advises the Dean on planning, policy, and affairs of the College.

Minimum Requirements

Prior to the effective date of appointment, the candidate must have the following:

• Master's degree in architecture, interior design or a related field.
• Three (3) academic years of relevant administration or project leadership experience such as service as a program coordinator, assistant or associate chair or director, with research or professional project leadership.

Application Process

Interested applicants must apply online. Review of applications will begin October 19, 2026 and the position will remain open until filled. To be considered for this position, please complete the application and upload the required documents below:

• CV/resume
• Cover letter
• Names, affiliations, and contact information of three references, and relationship to them

Physical Requirements/Work Environment