WILLIAM BRONSON AND GRAYCE SLOVET MITCHELL VISITING PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE, INT

The Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) invites applications for a two-year visiting faculty position, beginning August 2022.

PROGRAM PROFILE

The Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Designed Objects examines the interdisciplinary practice of design while providing opportunities for deep disciplinary focus; supporting the intellectual freedom and the individual creative practices of students and faculty; and encouraging the open exchange of ideas within a culture of critical thinking and rigorous making.

The Department hosts a N.A.A.B. accredited Master of Architecture degree pathway with 2 emphasis tracks: Architecture and Interior Architecture. The Masters of Architecture with Emphasis in Interior Architecture degree pathway embodies the Department’s commitment to interiority and inclusivity, positioning architecture as a mechanism for exploring the production of places and systems that bring communities of all types “inside” the connected enterprises of human development and environmental stewardship.

Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is taught through a substantive engagement with external partners in the professional and cultural community. Recent and ongoing projects include partnerships with the Chicago Architecture Biennale, Kikkerland, Argonne National Laboratory, Sight Unseen, Bosch, CB2, and the curating and commissioning of the US Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale. The department also values its work with the SAIC Office of Engagement and the work being done with west side Chicago communities via the School’s ongoing collaboration with the Homan Square Foundation. Unique resources at the School include access to several art and design collections within the Museum, and myriad fabrication and production facilities.

Further information about the department can be found here.

RESPONSIBILITIES

​​The Mitchell Visiting Professor in The Department of Architecture, Interior Architecture and Designed Objects will teach and advise undergraduate and graduate students within the interdisciplinary art and design school environment of SAIC. The Mitchell Visiting Professor will teach three courses in each of the fall and spring semesters. In addition, the Mitchell Professor delivers a public lecture or organizes a public program as part of the Mitchell Lecture Series.

Within the context of interdisciplinary art and design, the Mitchell Visiting Professor will bring an aptitude for exploring how architecture and teaching will evolve post pandemic to 1) be an instrument for addressing conditions of disparity, 2) model methods of building and modes of living that address climate collapse and 3) posit a recalibration of the collateral systems within which architecture operates: planning, cultural organization and policy and regulatory frameworks.

QUALIFICATIONS

A terminal degree in architecture, interior architecture or a related field is preferred. Relevant teaching experience is preferred. A demonstrated national and/or international profile is preferred. Readiness for teaching within the Master of Architecture program is valued.

The ideal candidate will contribute to the diversity of the School and bring a perspective, a way of thinking, and/or a unique set of experiences that expand the intellectual conversations and design practices in the various disciplinary fields. 

The School values its participation in Chicago’s civic and cultural life. We expect the Mitchell Visiting Professor to be in Chicago and in-person at the SAIC for the academic semesters.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

On or before May 6, 2022, please submit application materials via http://SAICfaculty.slideroom.com. You will be asked to create an account after which time you may complete the application composed of fill-in fields and uploaded documents. SAIC will underwrite the application fees; you will not be charged to apply for the position.

You are encouraged to begin the application well before the deadline. No applications may be submitted beyond the deadline for any reason.

Complete the fields for: educational background; current position; and contact information for three professional references.

Please convert all word documents into PDFs before sending. Required files to upload include:

• cover letter stating your interests and qualifications
• resume or curriculum vitae
• statement of research and practice, including thoughts on architecture and its production in the age of global climate change
• statement of teaching philosophy (please include your thoughts on teaching to a diverse student body and creating an inclusive learning environment)
• documentation of professional work
• separate documentation of students’ work (if available)
• 1 to 3 example(s) of course syllabi (if available)

QUESTIONS

Questions about this position, application procedures, or the search process may be emailed to saicteach@saic.edu. Please consult www.saic.edu for information on the School and its programs.

ABOUT SAIC

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs to students from across the globe. Located in the heart of Chicago, the School is one of the largest and oldest private schools of art and design in the country with programs reflecting current practices in art. SAIC's educational philosophy is built upon a transdisciplinary approach to art and design that provides unparalleled opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical abilities with renowned faculty who are leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC's resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its Modern Wing, and numerous special collections and programming venues that provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances. The campus is located on Chicago’s magnificent lakefront amid the city’s cultural and architectural treasures.

Degree tracks include the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio; BFA with Emphasis in Art Education or Writing; BA degrees in Art History and Visual and Critical Studies; Master of Architecture; Master of Design (MDes) in Designed Objects; MDes in Fashion, Body, and Garment; MFA in Studio or Writing; MA degrees in Arts Administration; Art Education; Art History, Theory, and Criticism; Art Therapy; New Arts Journalism; Teaching; Visual and Critical Studies; and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation.

EOE

The Art Institute of Chicago, including both the school and the museum, is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for its students, visitors, faculty, and staff, and to ensuring that educational and employment decisions are based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications. The Art Institute of Chicago does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or former military status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, in its programs and activities, public accommodations or employment practices.

For information on notice of nondiscrimination, see the Office for Civil Rights Discrimination for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

SAIC provides reasonable accommodations during the interview process for candidates with disabilities in adherence with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Should you need an accommodation to participate in an interview, please contact Associate Director of Faculty Affairs, Molly Scranton, at mscranton@saic.edu.