Jennifer Webb

Jennifer Webb is an Associate Professor at the Department of Interior Design within the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design at the University of Arkansas. She has been a faculty member since 1999, focusing on research in person-environment fit, social justice, and inclusive design. Her work bridges academic and professional realms, emphasizing equity in housing and marginalized communities.

Education:

• Ph.D. Human Environmental Sciences (Oklahoma State University, 1999)
• M.S. Interior Design (University of Tennessee, 1995)
• B.S. Interior Design (University of Tennessee, 1989)

Research Interests: Her research explores how design impacts inclusivity and social justice, particularly for older adults and disabled populations. Key areas include disability policy, sensory design, and the intersection of design with identity. She co-developed the "Diversity and Design" course, emphasizing humanities in architectural education.

Publications: Her work includes the award-winning Just Below the Line: Disability, Housing, and Equity in the South (2010) and contributions to the Universal Design Handbook. Recent projects focus on aesthetics of social justice and activism in design.

Awards:

• Joel Polsky Prize (2010)
• Best Paper Award (2014)

Professional Engagement: She holds NCIDQ and LEED credentials, and has served on the Arkansas State Board of Registered Interior Designers. As a Fellow of the Interior Design Educators Council, she co-edited the 2020 Journal of Interior Design special issue on marginalization.

Teaching: Leads third-year design studios, emphasizing professional preparation through technical and creative synthesis. She has taught in the US and Europe, integrating online and face-to-face formats.