Pūkenga Matua | Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture

• Do you have a PhD in a relevant field?
• Are you interested in a permanent, full-time position?
• Have you got experience teaching in a related field at a tertiary level?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington is seeking to appoint a permanent, full-time Pūkenga Matua – Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture within Te Wāhanga Waihanga-Hoahoa – Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. This position reports to the Tumuaki - Head of the School of Architecture, and is located at the Te Aro campus. 

The Interior Architecture discipline at Te Kura Waihanga - School of Architecture is focused around designing with consciousness and understanding of the human experience. In a world where we are both connected and isolated from each other more than ever before, there is opportunity for the design of the interior spaces we inhabit to help restore a sense of balance. At Te Herenga Waka, we promote a future of design that is valued on longevity, human connection and environmental resilience in an attempt to improve well-being through the thoughtful design of interior spaces.

Applicants must have a disciplinary background in interior architecture, ideally with the ability to teach and research across other disciplines (i.e architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning) within the School. 

Key responsibilities:

• Academically rigorous teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across a variety of formats and topics to the highest standards.
• Continue or develop ongoing research activity that informs teaching and contributes to industry needs.
• Active engagement with iwi, hapu, industry, government, professions and diverse communities.  
• Contribution to the collegial development of the programme, School and Faculty in service roles. 

Ō pūmanawa - About you

Applicants must:

• Demonstrate some expertise in teaching and practice, have experience in the diverse roles of interior architecture, and be confident in design or design-related teaching. 
• Understand the degree content and curriculum structure of our professional degree, and show strong promise of making significant contributions to the advancement of interior architecture to achieve sustainable outcomes in contemporary design practice.  
• Have existing or emerging research capabilities as a part of their portfolio of skills and capabilities, although candidates may be transferring from advanced professional practice to an academic career. 

Key requirements:

• A completed PhD in a relevant field is preferred.
• An existing or emerging record in research publication and/or creative work, and an established research agenda. 
• Demonstrated evidence of a high standard of teaching in a relevant field at tertiary level and good understanding of the expectations in relation to professional competencies. 
• Demonstrated evidence of good oral and written communication skills. 
• Good interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work with students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds. 
• Demonstrated evidence of engagement and/or collaboration with colleagues in teaching and research. 
• Commitment to the academic discipline and to service to the University, the wider community and, where appropriate, the profession. 
• Able to teach into diverse papers on architecture and design. 

Role Description - Click here to see further information, including salary.  

Close date for vacancy: 15 September 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with Professor Rod Barnett, Head of School (rod.barnett@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our careers page and not via email. Candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.