Two openings on the West Seattle's Southwest Design Review Board need to be filled by April.

The two-year positions are volunteer and made by appointment by Mayor Greg Nickels and the City Council. Members should expect to commit about 14 hours a month attending and preparing for board meetings, which are held twice a month, in the evenings.

Board members must live in the city.

On the Southwest Board, the two positions to be filled are a design professional representative and local residential representative.

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.

The city is also seeking applicants for two positions on the Downtown Design Review Board; development representative and local residential representative.

The Design Review Board and 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 board reviews mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects above a certain threshold.

Applications are due Dec. 10 and can be downloaded at www.seattle.gov/designreview or requested from tom.iurino@seattle.gov Please send an application, a cover letter and resume by email to Tom Iurino at tom.iurino@seattle.gov, 615-1457.