At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Architecture and Landscape department, shaping future education and fostering innovation.
- Company: Kingston School of Art, a top UK institution for art and design.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership allowance, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community with excellent career growth and global partnerships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in architectural education and inspire the next generation of designers.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to student success.
The predicted salary is between 60996 - 60996 £ per year.
Shape the future of Architecture and Landscape at Kingston School of Art. Kingston School of Art is seeking an outstanding academic leader to join us as Associate Professor in Architecture and Landscape, serving as Head of Department for an initial four-year period. This is a permanent academic appointment with an additional Head of Department leadership responsibility for a fixed term. Following this period, the successful candidate will return to standard academic duties appropriate to their Associate Professor role.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a vibrant and ambitious department and play a key role in shaping the future of Architecture and Landscape at Kingston School of Art. As a member of the School Leadership Team, you will work closely with colleagues to translate School, Faculty and University priorities into action, driving excellence in student experience, academic quality, research, knowledge exchange and external engagement. You will provide strategic, academic and operational leadership for the Department, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion and academic excellence. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will maintain an active academic profile through teaching, research and/or knowledge exchange activity.
The Person
We are looking for a collaborative, credible and inspiring academic leader with the vision, judgement and experience to lead change and support colleagues to thrive. You will understand the contemporary landscape of architectural and design education and be able to build on existing strengths while identifying new opportunities for growth, collaboration and impact. You will have experience of leading academic teams, managing resources effectively, and developing productive relationships across the University and with professional, industry and cultural partners.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate:
- Strategic leadership and vision, with the ability to lead through change and deliver future-focused development.
- Strong people management skills and experience of managing staff, budgets, workload and specialist resources.
- Academic and professional credibility, with a strong record in teaching, research, knowledge exchange and/or professional practice.
- Commitment to an outstanding student experience and student success.
- Excellent communication, collaboration and relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to inclusion, innovation and collegiality.
- The ability to enhance the Department's profile, impact and reputation nationally and internationally.
About Kingston School of Art
Kingston School of Art is one of the UK's leading art and design institutions, ranked among the top five per cent globally for art and design education by QS. The School combines creative risk-taking, innovation and experimentation with strong partnerships across industry, culture and the public sector. As part of a comprehensive university, Kingston School of Art offers distinctive opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration in teaching, research and knowledge exchange. Our partnerships include organisations such as the ICA, Design Museum and BFI, alongside international collaborations that extend our global reach and impact.
Further Information
This is a full-time (37 hours per week), permanent position with a starting salary of £60,996 per annum, plus a £6,000 per annum Head of Department allowance for the duration of tenure. Interviews are expected to take place in person on Tuesday 20 October 2026. For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Fan Carter, Head of School of Arts, Kingston School of Art.
Head of Department of Architecture and Landscape & Associate Professor employer: KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
Kingston University is an exceptional employer that prioritises academic excellence and student experience, offering a vibrant work culture where innovation and leadership are highly valued. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a supportive environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of legal education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Department of Architecture and Landscape & Associate Professor
✨Get Your Portfolio Game On Point
As an aspiring architect, your portfolio is your golden ticket. Make sure it's not just a collection of your best work, but tells a story about your design process and creative thought. Showcase a range of projects, from conceptual sketches to final renderings—think of it as a visual CV!
✨Slide into Networking Events
Architecture thrives on community connections, so keep an eye out for local architecture meetups, exhibitions, and lectures. These events are gold for meeting industry professionals, and who knows? You might just bump into someone from KINGSTON UNIVERSITY who can give you the insider scoop on their hiring process!
✨Learn the Software Inside Out
Make sure you're up to speed with design software like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp. Being able to discuss your proficiency during interviews can really set you apart. Plus, if you can mention particular projects where you’ve used them, you’ll demonstrate both skill and practical experience.
✨Refine Your Interview Skills
Interviews for architecture roles can get quite technical, so practice answering questions about your design process and decision-making strategies. Prepare for potential design challenges they might put forward in interviews—show them you can think on your feet and come up with innovative solutions!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Department of Architecture and Landscape & Associate Professor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills:Architecture is all about creativity and technical skills, so make sure your portfolio is front and centre! Include a range of your best projects, showcasing different styles and techniques. Don't forget to explain your design process and the challenges you overcame for each project – it gives hiring managers a glimpse into your thought process!
Tailor Your CV to Architecture:When putting together your CV, highlight relevant experience in architectural design software, like AutoCAD or Revit. Plus, if you have any internships or coursework that involved real-world projects, be sure to mention them. We want to see not just what you've done, but how it relates directly to this role at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express your passion for architecture and what drew you to KINGSTON UNIVERSITY. Talk about specific projects or values of theirs you admire, and how you see yourself contributing to their team. We want to feel your enthusiasm – let it shine through your words!
Use Professional Terminology:Don't shy away from using industry-specific jargon that demonstrates your expertise! Terms like 'sustainability', 'scale', and 'aesthetics' can not only show your knowledge but also help you connect with the hiring team. Just ensure it's done in a way that's relatable and not overly technical, so we can see your passion clearly!
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY
✨Master the Technical Questions
In an architecture interview, be ready to tackle some technical questions about building codes, design principles, and software like AutoCAD or Revit. Brush up on your knowledge of materials and components, as you might even face scenarios to solve during the interview that showcase your problem-solving skills in real-time.
✨Bring Your Portfolio to Life
Your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it not only showcases your best work but also highlights your design thinking process, from sketches to final outputs. During the interview, be prepared to discuss the projects in detail—what challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and what you learnt.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability
In today's architecture landscape, sustainability is key. Be sure to highlight any projects that involved eco-friendly designs or your understanding of sustainable practices. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the trends but are genuinely passionate about creating a better future through your designs.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Architecture is a collaborative field, so showing that you're a team player is essential. When conversing with the interviewers, actively listen and respond to their ideas. This isn’t just about you showing off your skills, but also about connecting and demonstrating how well you’d fit into their team at KINGSTON UNIVERSITY.
