Passionate about design or architecture? The Mayor of Seattle is looking for qualified candidates to fill five potential openings on the City of Seattle’s Central Area Design Review Board.
In anticipation of pending legislation proposing an eighth Design Review Board for the Central Area, the City is accepting applications for new board members. Design review board members, all of whom are volunteers, evaluate the design of new buildings based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review large mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. The positions will start on July 1, 2018, pending a vote by City Council on legislation to establish the new Design Review Board district. If legislation is revised or delayed, we will contact applicants regarding their application status or next steps.
Ideal candidates are professionals in the design and development fields who have proven skills and established careers. We are also seeking community and business leaders interested in civic engagement and shaping new development in their neighborhoods. The City of Seattle encourages applicants from all backgrounds and those with diverse life experiences. Applications will be accepted for the following board positions: Local residential/community representative (two positions), Development profession representative, Business/Landscape Design profession representative, and a Design profession representative.
To be considered for appointment, please send an application, cover letter, and resume by April 25 to Lisa Rutzick at lisa.rutzick@seattle.gov.
Application can be downloaded from the City of Seattle’s website or can be requested via email at lisa.rutzick@seattle.gov.
Emailed applications are preferred, as electronic documents facilitate file sharing among the selection committee. If emailing is not an option, applicants can send their applications via U.S. mail to: Lisa Rutzick, Design Review Program Manager, City of Seattle, Department of Construction and Inspections, 700 – 5th Ave, Suite 1800, P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, Washington 98124-4019
Applicants should have:
- Knowledge of, or interest in, architecture, urban design, and the development process
- The ability to evaluate projects based on the city’s design guidelines
- The ability to listen and communicate effectively at public meetings
- A passion for design and community development
- The ability to work well with others under pressure (prior experience with community or neighborhood groups is a plus)
Board members should expect to work approximately 15 hours a month attending and preparing for board meetings, which are held twice a month in the evenings. Board members are expected to attend at least 90 percent of the meetings.
For other information, please contact Lisa Rutzick, Design Review Program Manager at (206) 386-9049
or lisa.rutzick@seattle.gov.
