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Excerpt from a July 2003 AIA Seattle Architect interview with Peter Steinbrueck, AIA, Member and 2002-03 President, Seattle City Council

Please describe how your training and experience as a design professional prepares you for the position you seek.

As a practicing architect prior to joining the City Council, I have found my professional skill set to be directly transferable to the work of public office. In fact, it has proved invaluable. During this extraordinary time of city-building, with billions of dollars of investment in new public works projects underway including the Monorail, Sound Transit Light Rail, Civic Center, Performance Hall, Library, community centers, public housing redevelopments, and parks, I have been able to lend my expertise and oversight time and again toward achieving a higher standard of excellence in the built environment citywide.

Other areas of expertise I routinely apply as a legislator and policy maker include:
• Health, Safety, and Building Codes
• Land Use and Zoning Regulations
• Design Review and Permitting
• Urban Design and Planning
• Historic Preservation and Landmark Designation
• Public Works Projects—all phases from Architect Selection, Design, Cost Estimating, Programming, Contract Documents, and Construction
• Budgeting
• Concept Visualization
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

In addition, architects are trained problem-solvers. This is a specialized skill that can be effectively applied to working with diverse interests and finding solutions to many challenging areas of public policy.

In your jurisdiction, what issues lie ahead that will particularly interest/challenge/concern/affect architects and design professionals?

Of interest to architects and design professionals, there are many important quality of life issues and challenges ahead:
• Economic Revitalization through Community Planning and Reinvestment
• Transportation Solutions and Congestion Relief
• Affordable Housing and Ending Homelessness
• Environmental Policy and Sustainable Design

The vast number of public and private construction projects being planned will profoundly impact the built environment and future of our city. There is no better time for architects and design professionals for civic engagement. Indeed, there is a critical need for civic leadership, constructive criticism, visioning and direction that only architects and design professionals can provide. That is to a large extent why I am in public office and wish to continue serving.

How can your fellow design professionals, and the AIA, best assist you in your candidacy and service?

There is much at stake! I would like to strongly encourage my colleagues in the field to get civically engaged through leadership roles on boards, commissions and committees of AIA concerned with all areas of public policy affecting the built environment.