Design Tutor Master Interior Architecture: Research + Design (MIARD) – Willem de Kooning Academie (0,15 fte)

Join MIARD as a core tutor and lead a practice-led research studio exploring how ecology, post-natural conditions, and interspecies relations can generate other ways of thinking, making, and inhabiting space.

Design Tutor Master Interior Architecture: Research + Design (MIARD) – Willem de Kooning Academie (0,15 fte)

• WdK Bekostigde Master Interior Architecture Research & Design
• Location: Blaak/Wijnhaven, Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam
• The location is easily accessible by public transport.
• Preferred start date: 1 December 2026
• Contract: one-year contract upon starting employment (D4 CAO HBO)
• Working hours: 6 hours per week; the design studio is scheduled for January - July

What will you do?

The Master Interior Architecture: Research + Design (MIARD) at the Piet Zwart Institute invites qualified candidates to apply for a core tutor position to head a practice-led research studio examining ecology, post-natural conditions, and interspecies relations. The studio critically investigates spatial environments entwined in the complexities of human and non-human relations, ecosystems, material cultures, and technological infrastructures. The research produced operates as a relational framework for students to develop their self-directed practice, and explore spatial imaginaries, ecological futures, and artistic expression.

MIARD is a nationally accredited program with a focus on practice-based research and critical spatial strategies in the field of interior architecture.

The position carries a high degree of responsibility and influence, with the opportunity to align your own practice and research with a broader community of professionals and students. You will guide students in their learning process and contribute to a coherent educational practice, ensuring that your teaching is embedded in the programme’s learning pathway and supports the development of their independent, research-driven practice.

Responsibilities Include:

• Program and teach a practice-led research studio;
• Organize a lecture series and activities related to the content of the studio;
• Participate as a design critic in the program;
• Collaborate professionally with colleagues and participate in program activities;
• Manage administration, attend staff meetings and coordinate with other faculty;
• Contribute to the reputation and public profile of the program.

Willem de Kooning Academie

The Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA) is a leading international academy for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs in media, art, design, leisure and arts education. WdKA pays attention to ecology in the broadest sense: social, cultural, technological and economical. Students are being prepared to find their way as creative professionals within the arts and the cultural field and to contribute to social challenges such as climate change, migration and inequality.

Within WdKA we work from a culture in which ingenuity is central and where learning takes place through making. We encourage an environment in which there is room for experimentation and new ideas. We work from mutual trust and confidence in one another’s expertise and actively seek collaboration with respect for diverse perspectives.

Team

The intimate scale of the MIARD program nurtures a unique teaching-learning community, bringing together students and staff to exchange ideas, learn and teach in distinct environments, while enriching professional relationships. The core design tutor works collaboratively with members of the MIARD teaching team.

Are you the one we are looking for?

We are seeking a spatial practitioner, researcher, and educator who aligns with the multidisciplinary, research-intensive approach of the program. You hold a professional practice and network engaged with ecology, post-natural research, and interspecies relations, grounded in architecture, design, or an artistic practice. As a studio leader, you will critically and speculatively explore how contemporary spatial practices move beyond anthropocentric perspectives to engage with emergent temporalities, socio-political interdependencies, and material agencies.

You approach students with an open mind and recognise their individual talents and learning abilities. Furthermore, you are resourceful and enjoy finding creative solutions, contributing to a safe, open and inspiring learning environment. At the same time, you have strong communication skills and connect easily with students, colleagues and external partners. Moreover, you are reliable and take responsibility for your work and for the people around you.

Qualification requirements:

• Master-level degree in a relevant field;
• Prior experience in teaching and supervising within the field of art, design or multidisciplinary spatial practice (preferably on MA level) with a student-centered approach;
• Excellent English language proficiency. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage, a willingness to learn Dutch is essential;
• Demonstrable didactic and pedagogical skills, such as inclusive communication and creating a healthy and safe learning environment;
• Valid Work permit for employment in the Netherlands;
• Preferably a BKE certificate.

What do we offer?

• Salary in scale 11: € 4.632,17 - € 6.677,44 gross per month (based on full-time employment, depending on experience and qualifications)
• 8% holiday allowance + 8,3% year-end bonus
• Up to 9 weeks of vacation (based on full-time)
• 45 sustainable employability hours
• Excellent pension scheme (ABP)
• Bicycle scheme with tax benefits
• Compensation for internet, commuting, and working from home
• Extensive training and development opportunities

Our organisation

At Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, we work together on the future. With 39.000 students and 4.200 employees, we are a knowledge institution that provides practice-oriented solutions to social issues. Our aim is to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We support (young) people in their professional development, with student success at the centre of everything we do.

Being able to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)) is a condition of employment as well as a valid EU work permit if you are from outside the EU.