Interior Design Instructor

Kwantlen Polytechnic University • Richmond • 7h ago

INTERIOR DESIGN (IDSN) INSTRUCTOR POSITION TYPE: REGULAR (50 %) POSITION START: SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 Faculty Overview: Imagine working in a new, cutting-edge facility backed by a 30-year history as an industry leader. The Wilson School of Design (WSD), located on our Richmond campus, has eight different programs that encourage students to take risks and innovate in small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences and state-of-the-art equipment.

Professionals in this discipline are trained to translate static design concepts into dynamic, functional realities, creating responsive websites, mobile applications, and software interfaces that resonate with end-users. Can you picture yourself working with dedicated students and colleagues integrating fusion of artistry and technical expertise, emphasizing effective communication, adaptability, critical thinking, and precision in a collaborative classroom? Come and be a part of our team.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) proudly offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers.

KPU takes its name from the Kwantlen First Nation. We work, study, and live in a region south of the Fraser River which overlaps with the unceded traditional and ancestral lands of the Kwantlen, Musqueam, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, Qayqayt, and Kwikwetlem peoples. Position Overview: The Interior Design (IDSN) program is seeking applicants who are qualified to teach one or a selection of the following courses: IDSN 1101 Studio 1 IDSN 1212 Studio 2 IDSN 2302 Studio 3 IDSN 2404 Studio 4 IDSN 4701 Studio 7 IDSN 4808 Studio 8 IDSN 1245 Design Communication 1 IDSN 2345 Design Communication 2 IDSN 2445 Design Communication 3 IDSN 3546 Design Communication 4 OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Faculty members of WSD are also expected to contribute and participate in any of the following: Curriculum development and review. Assisting students outside of scheduled class time. Preparation processes and site visits. Service and representation of the programme on various university committees, internally and externally. More information concerning the working conditions for a faculty member are outlined in Article 12 of the Kwantlen Faculty Association (KFA) Collective Agreement. Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include: Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design, or related disciplines or academic credentials and professional experience appropriate to their areas of responsibility. Master’s Degree preferred Membership / or eligible for membership in appropriate professional association /organization (appropriate to discipline) LEED Certification or WELL Certification preferred NCIDQ certification preferred for faculty teaching in Studio Courses and for full-time faculty Minimum 2 years teaching experience required. Post-secondary experience preferred Substantial Professional Portfolio reflecting a minimum of 8 to 10 years diverse experience related to the built environment and evidence of experience or expertise appropriate to specific course content Application Requirements: Candidates are asked to submit: Submit a resume and cover letter (preferably in PDF format) that includes evidence of teaching and/or design experience, as well as scholarly or industry accomplishments. The cover letter should indicate the specific course number(s) and name(s) of interest. Include copies of post-secondary transcripts in your application. Provide a rationale for the selected courses. Course numbers, names, and calendar descriptions are listed below for reference.

CANDIDATE PROFILE Student focused: Demonstrates appreciation for students and the role of a learner-centered institution. Collaborative: provides evidence of strong interpersonal communication and embracing a collaborative style of working. A team player committed to fostering consensus building towards the success of the program. Demonstrated teamwork abilities in a creative and collaborative working environment. Leader: Strong academic leadership qualities and experience Organizational skills: diplomatic, consultative, and democratic. Organized, pays attention to details and a multi-tasker; able to manage and prioritize multiple demands and various levels of accountability. Understands institutional policies and procedures. Strong communicator: effective written and oral communication skills Interpersonal skills: dedicated and reliable; positive and eager; flexible, open-minded, adaptable, and resilient. Confident, self-directed, pro-active, action oriented, ‘can-do’ personality. Embraces diversity. Has a sense of humour. Dedicated to creating and maintaining a motivational climate and work closely with other faculty. Innovative: a broad, innovative, creative, and big-picture thinker.

Candidates will be required to demonstrate an understanding of Interior Design as well as their interest and abilities to consult with and represent the program.

COURSE CALENDAR DESCRIPTIONS Course calendar descriptions can be found at https://calendar.kpu.ca/programs-az/design/interior-design/interior-design-ba/#requirementstext COURSE -SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS IDSN 1101 Studio 1, IDSN 1212 Studio 2 Experience with a focus on research, precedent studies, principles/elements of design, design methodologies Substantial Professional Portfolio with evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, scale, budget, type, depth and complexity and origination, innovation, elaboration and detail Evidence of collaboration with a variety of design fields such as graphics, industrial design, product design, architecture, and construction with prime responsibility Portfolio should reflect a minimum of 8 - 10 years work experience relating to the built environment Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area Demonstrates a clear understanding of interior design and professional interior design practice Demonstrates a clear understanding and application of theory and methodology in interior design professional practice IDSN 2302 Studio 3, IDSN 2404 Studio 4 Experience with a focus on content and application of issues, ideological concepts, precedents, principles, processes, and theories related to dwelling spaces Substantial Professional Portfolio with evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, scale, budget, type, depth and complexity and origination, innovation, elaboration and detail Evidence of collaboration with a variety of design fields such as graphics, industrial design, product design, architecture, and construction with prime responsibility Portfolio should reflect a minimum of 8 - 10 years work experience relating to the built environment Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area Demonstrates a clear understanding of interior design and professional interior design practice Demonstrates a clear understanding and application of theory and methodology in interior design professional practice IDSN 4701 Studio 7, IDSN 4808 Studio 8 Experience with a focus on critical evaluation of evidence-based, topical, relevant global interior design and built environment issues Experience in fostering development of students’ personal design philosophy Substantial Professional Portfolio with evidence of a variety of project work, showing a range in scope, scale, budget, type, depth and complexity and origination, innovation, elaboration and detail Evidence of collaboration with a variety of design fields such as graphics, industrial design, product design, architecture, and construction with prime responsibility Portfolio should reflect a minimum of 8 - 10 years work experience relating to the built environment Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area Demonstrates a clear understanding of interior design and professional interior design practice Demonstrates a clear understanding and application of theory and methodology in interior design professional practice IDSN 1245 Design Communication 1 Experience with a focus on manual drawing and rendering skills, visualization of design concepts, sketching Focus on visual communication of design intent for the built environment Evidence of a variety of project work, demonstrating a range of presentation media and of cross-disciplinary capabilities Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area. Portfolio items may include sketchbook, freehand drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, technical drawings, drafting, model building, furniture making, construction work, digital dwgs, presentation techniques and styles Demonstrates a clear understanding of design and interior design practice Demonstrates a contextual understanding of design generally with a strong interior design perspective IDSN 2345 Design Communication 2, IDSN 2445 Design Communication 3 Experience with a focus on rendering contextual environmental conditions, process communication and ideation Digital drawing and manipulation techniques with mixed manual and digital exercises and/or effective visual presentation practices including colour and materiality Evidence of a variety of project work, demonstrating a range of presentation media and of cross-disciplinary capabilities Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area. Portfolio items may include sketchbook, freehand drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, technical drawings, drafting, model building, furniture making, construction work, digital dwgs, presentation techniques and styles Demonstrates a clear understanding of design and interior design practice Demonstrates a contextual understanding of design generally with a strong interior design perspective IDSN 3546 Design Communication 4 Experience with a focus on effective manual and digital communication of design intent, effective visual presentation of interior design solutions, projects and portfolio work Effective digital and real-time presentation techniques Evidence of a variety of project work, demonstrating a range of presentation media and of cross-disciplinary capabilities Evidence of experience or knowledge in course content area Portfolio items may include sketchbook, freehand drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, technical drawings, drafting, model building, furniture making, construction work, digital dwgs, presentation techniques and styles Demonstrates a clear understanding of design and interior design practice Demonstrates a contextual understanding of design generally with a strong interior design perspective Experience with technology-driven collaboration methods This competition is for a maximum FTE of 50% (Regular). When possible, priority will be given to the candidate(s) who can maximize the FTE either individually, or collectively, as such please indicate on your application your preferred workload percentage. This competition could also be used to add candidates to our Qualified Faculty List, therefore also please indicate on your application if you are interested in being added to this list. *Salary Information: Placement on the salary scale will be dependent on level of education and relevant teaching experience. Advancement up the pay scale is based on FTE and employment status.