The Drexel Architecture Program combines a rigorous and immersive academic experience with the realities of contemporary architectural practice embedded within the context of Philadelphia’s dynamic environment. We are aligned with the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design’s mission to unlock the creativity of critical thinkers, makers, and creators who connect ideas and solve real-world problems, transforming careers and lives. The Program does this through team-taught studios, interdisciplinary classes, and applied research that parallels the collaborative and changing nature of the profession. We value respect and integrity in our interactions, encouraging every individual to use their voice toward creative problem solving and positive change. We offer a strong, broadly based curriculum in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and applied sciences, coupled with professional courses taught by faculty who reflect the broad diversity of architectural practice today. The Program is excited to contribute to the implementation of Westphal College’s Strategic Plan; Westphal For All: A Vision For Our Future.
Drexel offers two distinct undergraduate degree options for students interested in pursuing a career in architecture and have ambition to grow:
With a current enrollment of approximately 250 students that combines full- and part-time study, the NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree incorporates extensive early exposure to architectural practice with the goal of professional licensure. Drexel Architecture’s work/study model is an experience-based learning model that complements and provides an alternative to traditional programs. It provides a practical, high-quality education to students who seek early exposure to daily architectural practice and an affordable alternative to students who could not otherwise enter the profession.
A 7-year part-time evening option that serves non-traditional students from the greater Philadelphia region.
A unique 2+4 Option that caters to recent high-school graduates who follow two years of full-time study with four years of part-time study during the evening.
Students in both options gain professional working experience in architectural firms while attending evening classes and participate in NCARB’s IPAL program.
The BS in Architectural Studies launched in 2021 and offers flexible options for combining architectural studies with related fields. It provides full-time students the opportunity to take advantage of Drexel’s co-op program and can be a precursor to a dual BS/MS degree at Drexel University or a professional NAAB-accredited M.Arch. degree at another institution.
Additional information on the Drexel Architecture program and degree paths can be found here.
Job Summary
The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University invites applications for the position of Program Director for its Architecture Program commencing on September 1, 2023.
We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to improving access to the profession, cultivating an urban-based immersive education, and addressing today’s social and global challenges (including, but not limited to, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), climate change, urban resiliency and health, and housing). We invite the Program Director to join us in strengthening and developing current and new interdisciplinary initiatives and collaborations within the Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism, the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Drexel University, the City of Philadelphia, and industry professionals as we shape the future of interdisciplinary creative practices, equitable partnerships, and inclusive engagement to enrich our campus, our communities, and our world. Our Department is at an exciting point of reinvention as we take a central role in implementing Westphal College’s and Drexel University’s strategic plans.
We seek an individual who will value the strengths of our unique undergraduate programs; generate ameliorative processes that dismantle barriers faced by minoritized communities in architectural education and practice; advance responses to current and future changes in design pedagogy and professional practice; and work collaboratively with the program faculty, the Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism—which also includes programs in Interior Design, Urban Strategy and Design Research—and community members at large. The Architecture Program is dedicated to having a faculty that is representative of the population of Philadelphia and its increasingly diverse student body.
The Architecture Program Director should be a thoughtful and energetic leader who cultivates and advances future-oriented initiatives—informed by global perspectives and contributions to un/underrepresented communities—to integrate and advance curricula across fields, within the Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism and beyond. They will work to integrate common and strategic values through the curriculum, guide the development of emerging and innovative initiatives, advance applied research opportunities, and participate in broader initiatives within the College and the University.
The Program Director is expected to lead administrative initiatives in the program centered on Westphal’s dedicated commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, by fostering a culture of appreciation and respect through values, ideals and practices that inform curriculum and policies.
Essential Functions
Collaborating on Department, College, and University initiatives, including the implementation of the new College strategic plan.
Representing and advocating for the Architecture Program internally and externally.
Leading the administration of the Architecture Program.
Developing and implementing curriculum and program revisions.
Recruiting and admissions.
Student advising and retention.
Faculty Workload management and support of research.
Course scheduling and staffing.
Oversight of program budget and expenditures.
Minimum of a Master’s degree Architecture or Architectural History.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in professional design practice, administration, teaching, research, and/or scholarship.
Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience in architecture at college level.
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a world?class, comprehensive, R1 research institution and a global leader in experiential education. For more than 100 years, our renowned Cooperative Education (co-op) program has enabled students to gain professional work experience before they graduate, setting them apart from their peers.
Committed to becoming the nation’s most civically engaged university, Drexel supports engagement along three dimensions: research and academic programs that directly benefit communities, business practices that support equitable local and regional economic development, and public service by students, faculty, and staff. Our engagement is long?term, multigenerational, and fundamental to the University’s mission, heritage, and future.
At Drexel, we are devoted to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes healthy lifestyles and is based on integrity, trust, and respect. We center equity, inclusion and belonging, and incorporate an anti?racism approach to our strategic plan, organizational systems, policies and structures.
Drexel offers its highly engaged faculty and professional staff a comprehensive and worl...d?class benefits package that includes generous vacation and paid time off as applicable (including civic engagement days), up to an 11% 403(b) Retirement Plan match with immediate vesting, and remote and flexible work options for many roles. Our exceptional medical plans include domestic partner and fertility assistance and our award?winning A Healthier U wellness program. In addition, faculty and professional staff at Drexel enjoy free tuition for themselves and their dependents for Drexel degree programs, certification, and non?certification programs. And as part of the tuition offering to employees, Drexel participates in a tuition exchange program for dependents with other higher education institutions. These are just a sample of our extensive benefit offerings. Please see this Benefits Brochure for more information.
