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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.
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