Dr. Andrew Phillip Payne joined KSU and the College of Architecture and Construction Management in January 2020 as Dean and Professor of Architecture. In July 2023 Dr. Payne returned to the classroom as a full-time Professor of Architecture, stepping down from the Dean's position. Dr. Payne brings with him many years of teaching and academic administration. Dr. Payne's aspirations for the college include increased retention, increased graduation rates, and making sure graduates are work-ready! 

Dean Payne's previous appointment was with the Department of Built Environment at Indiana State University as Chair and Professor. Dean Payne primarily taught Interior Architecture Design courses and continued his consultancy as principle of the design firm Studio GAP: Graphic Design, Architectural Research and Photography, where he specializes in campus planning and design, accessibility, universal design, and materiality.

Prior to joining ISU, Dr. Payne held the position of Professor of Architecture at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) teaching architecture design studios and support courses. Prior to Savannah Dr. Payne was an Assistant Researcher with the Center for Universal Design at NC State University where he conducted accessibility workshops, design reviews, and building evaluations. While at NC State University, Professor Payne completed his PhD in Design, focusing on way-finding by visually impaired pedestrians. Professor Payne has many years of professional experience in various architectural design firms in the southeast US and has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences and contributed to several written bodies of work. 

Areas of specialization:

• Introduction to Architecture
• Development of Internship Readiness
• Priveate-Public Partnership and Business Relationships
• Way-finding and Accessibility
• Human Use of Space
• Campus Planning and Design
• Construction Materials and Methods
• Design-Build
• Interior Design and Space Planning