Architect chez City of Milton, GA

About the Department

The City Architect provides leadership in shaping the architectural character, rural design, and public realm of Milton. This position ensures that new development, redevelopment, and public projects align with the City’s vision and enhance its unique community identity. Serving as both a technical reviewer and design advisor, the role evaluates development applications, advises boards and commissions, and collaborates across departments to integrate architectural quality into zoning, planning, site development, and capital projects. Core responsibilities include reviewing architectural elements, recommending design improvements, and advancing best practices in site planning, placemaking, and project integration. The position also plays a central role in developing policies, engaging the community, and guiding the long-range vision for Milton’s built environment.

Reports to: Community Development and Public Works Director

Position Duties

The functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Evaluate private and public development applications, site plans, and building elevations for compliance with adopted design guidelines, zoning requirements, and form-based codes.
• Provide recommendations on building massing, materials, façades, and overall architectural quality to ensure alignment with the City’s vision and design standards.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Design Review Board, prepare materials and guide applicants through the design review process. Provide staff support to City Council and various boards and commissions.
• Develop, update, and implement design guidelines, rural and form-based code standards, and related architectural policies that shape the community identity.
• Advise and collaborate with other City departments on design-related issues and public projects, ensuring consistency with community values and adopted plans. 
• Prepare and present concept sketches, renderings, diagrams, and reports to communicate architectural and design concepts effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Lead and support design initiatives for streetscapes and public spaces, advancing placemaking and livability goals.

• This position must be able to operate a motor vehicle to travel between City facilities, developments, and project sites in order to provide technical support as required.
• Attendance at 1-2 evening meetings each month.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements: 

Bachelor’s degree in architecture, urban design, landscape architecture, or a closely related field. Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in architectural review, site planning, or related community design work. Experience working with form-based codes, design guidelines, and/or community character planning strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Proficiency in design and visualization software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, AutoCAD, BlueBeam, GIS).
• Licensed architect preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Other Qualifications

Leadership: 

Provides vision and professional guidance to ensure Milton’s built environment reflects community values and adopted plans. Serves as a trusted advisor to boards, commissions, and City Council on architectural and design-related matters. Builds consensus among staff, applicants, and stakeholders by balancing technical requirements with community priorities.

Complexity: 

Performs work that encompasses advanced technical, scientific, legal, or mathematical concepts. Interprets and applies a wide range of design guidelines, zoning requirements, and architectural standards. Manages competing priorities among developers, residents, elected officials, and staff while maintaining consistency with long-term vision. Prepares and communicates technical design concepts to audiences with varying levels of expertise.

Decision Making:

Exercises independent judgment in evaluating architectural quality and recommending design improvements that influence community character and planning outcomes. Determines appropriate design solutions that reconcile regulatory requirements, best practices, and stakeholder expectations. Guides the adoption of policies and standards that shape the City’s architectural and design framework.

Working Conditions: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. 
• Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for work in an office environment.
• Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with office equipment and recording devices.
• Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using various pieces of automated office equipment.
• Requires the ability to handle a variety of items generally found in an office environment.
• May require the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
• Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear).
• Requires the ability to safety operate a motor vehicle in accordance with City policy and state law to visit various sites.
• Physical demands may also include handling, hearing, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and/or walking.