Design Review Board Vacancy – Community Position

The request below came from Dan Nolte in Councilmember Sally Clark’s office. They’re looking for a position on the Northeast Design Review Board. This is a great opportunity for an interested individual and especially for the neighborhood. It’s a chance to provide input on projects in our neighborhood and bring information back to our community of what’s happening.

We want to expand our search for the “Resident” position for the Northeast Design Review Board vacancy. This position is a joint appointment, chosen by the Council and Mayor.

The applicant should have a general understanding of design, and be able to articulate why they like or don’t like a building and recommend how it can be improved. More information about the details and the type of candidate we’d hope for is included below.

We’d ask for a Cover Letter and Resume, explaining their connection with the NE Community and how they’d be a good representative on the Design Review Board. Public participation in past Design Review Board projects is a HUGE plus.

Please send the cover letter and resume to dan.nolte@seattle.gov by February 25, 2011

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; and
• The ability to work well with others under pressure. Prior experience with community or neighborhood groups is a plus.

Board members must live in the city. Following appointment, the local residential representative must act as an ambassador to at least one community group or association (e.g. community council) that operates within the board district.

Board members should expect to work 12-14 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.

The Design Review Program was established in 1994 to provide an alternative to prescriptive zoning requirements and foster new development that better responds to the character of its surroundings. Boards evaluate the design of development projects based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects above a certain size threshold. Learn more at www.seattle.gov/designreview