Yestermorrow Design/Build Semester Faculty

SEMESTER PROGRAM SUMMARY

Started in 2011, the Semester in Design/Build is an ongoing partnership between Yestermorrow Design/Build School (Waitsfield, VT) and UMass Amherst’s Department of Architecture (Amherst, MA). Based in Waitsfield, VT, each Fall a tight-knit group of up to 15 students dive into an immersive semester where classroom theory meets boots-on-the-ground building. It’s design/build education like no other, ideal for students and emerging professionals in architecture, engineering, environmental design, and curious minds from other disciplines.

JOB SUMMARY

We’re looking for a creative, design/build-savvy educator to co-lead this high-impact, intensive semester. You’ll guide students through the full arc of the design/build process—concept to construction—while fostering creativity, collaboration, and skill-building every step of the way.

The position runs from August 17 to December 18, 2026, with up to 80 hours of remote prep before kickoff.

As a Semester Design/Build Faculty member, you will:

• Co-instruct and deliver a comprehensive curriculum that bridges architectural theory, sustainable design principles, and practical construction methods while emphasizing the design/build process.
• Lead students through all phases of the design and build process—from site analysis and schematic design to construction documentation and on-site building.
• Collaborate with the Semester Program Director, co-faculty, and Yestermorrow staff to facilitate a team-based, project-driven learning environment.
• Guide students in developing both individual and group design skills, with a strong emphasis on collaborative decision-making, craft, and material awareness.
• Mentor students in critical aspects of construction management, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and job site safety.

Ideal candidates will possess a strong foundation in education, architecture, and construction, a passion for experiential learning, and a commitment to fostering student agency, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Semester in Design/Build Faculty will teach the program curriculum in the studio, on the job site, and in a classroom setting with the Semester Program Director and Semester co-Faculty.

• Plan, develop, and refine the curriculum.
• Facilitate, support, and demonstrate a collaborative and supportive learning and work environment, from studio to site.
• Lead the daily classroom experience for the students.
• Develop lectures and presentations; execute engaging, multidimensional coursework.
• Lead group discussions and decision processes.
• Foster and empower independent and student-directed work. Give students the ability to lead.
• Provide mentorship and academic evaluation for students.
• Help market and grow the program as appropriate. These efforts may be on a contract basis outside the Semester Program timeframe.
• Collaborate with Yestermorrow staff on project delivery
• Oversee and direct the Teaching Assistant and guest instructors
• Interview prospective students with support from Yestermorrow Staff

REQUIREMENTS

• Comfort, skill, and demonstrated experience as an educator: motivating students in a collaborative, hands-on environment
• Experience in group facilitation, program development
• Experience in sustainable design, methods, and construction and familiarity with cold climate building methodologies
• Demonstrated technical skill for all phases of construction
• Proficiency with computers required, including computer-aided design software (SketchUp/CAD), Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Suite)
• Preferred 5 years of experience in design and construction, as an instructor and practitioner, with an emphasis on the value of an integrated design/build process.
• Master’s of Architecture (MArch) or Bachelor’s of Architecture (BArch) preferred

TERM: August 17 to December 18, 2026

This is a seasonal position with an anticipated 60-80 hours of remote planning before the in-person start date of August 17, 2026. There will be one week in person before the students arrive on August 23 and after they leave on December 11.

Class will generally meet Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.

Other important dates to note:

Fall break: October 10-12

Thanksgiving Break: November 25-29

Last day of class: December 11

Graduation and Open House: December 12

COMPENSATION: $240/in-person day. $30/hour for remote prep. Housing is available on campus. Meals are provided on class days. The Semester Faculty is a temporary, exempt salaried position.

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and work samples/portfolio to chrissy@yestermorrow.org.