Moderator: Gay Forbes, APA, AICP, City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Calif.
John Chase, Assoc. AIA, City of West Hollywood, West Hollywood, Calif.
Stephanie Reich, AIA, City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, Calif.

      The role of urban designer is unique to the cities of West Hollywood and Santa Monica (and relatively new to Santa Monica). More than just bureaucrats-these urban designers staff design and landmark review boards, train planning staff in architectural and urban design, develop planning policy to promote design flexibility, and help advocate best design. Review what your local urban designer has done for you lately and discover why you should have one in your city.

Learning objectives:

• Explore a unique position in local government for architects and urban designers, identifying ways this position can serve to advocate for the profession
• Describe the urban designer role, which can be duplicated in municipalities all over the country
• Demonstrate how the urban designer can improve the process of design review and provide a valuable interface between architects and communities.