Design Review Group

The Design Review Group (DRG) is a panel of independent experts that provides advice on significant development proposals and new planning frameworks. The group supports high-quality, sustainable and people-centred design outcomes. It does not make planning decisions.

The City intends to establish a pool of up to 10 members for a two-year term:

• Chairperson
• Deputy Chairperson
• Eight panel members (including one community representative).

Meetings are held as required, typically at 9:30am on the first Wednesday of each month. Each meeting includes between three and six members.

Applicants should have appropriate qualifications and substantial experience in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Architecture (including urban and landscape design)
• Sustainability (environmental design, systems ecology, urban water)
• Heritage (Aboriginal cultural significance, heritage architecture)
• Accessibility and universal design
• Transport planning
• Public art
• Civil, structural or services engineering.

Local residents were strongly encouraged to apply.

Current employees of the City of Melville and elected members of Council are not eligible for appointment.

Yes. Members are competitively remunerated in accordance with the Terms of Reference.

Those interested in applying were encouraged to first read:

• Local Planning Policy 1.2 – Design Review Panels 
• State Government’s Local Government Design Review Guide
• City of Melville Design Review Group Terms of Reference.

Applicants were asked to include:

• Completed nomination form (above)
• Statement addressing the selection criteria
• Curriculum Vitae outlining relevant background and experience
• Outline of availability to attend meetings
• Outline of how potential conflicts of interest will be managed
• Two referees who can attest to suitability.

Selection criteria applicants needed to address:

1. Appropriate qualifications and demonstrated expertise in the relevant professional area (refer to section 5.5 of the guide).
2. Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
3. Highly regarded among professional peers or the broader community.
4. Demonstrated expertise in design review, design critique, or the provision of strategic advice on design quality issues.
5. Knowledge or understanding of the State’s Planning Framework, relevant local government policies, development controls, and design issues in the local area.
6. Ability to analyse, evaluate, and offer objective and constructive feedback on complex design quality issues, including in relation to complex development applications and strategic planning matters.
7. Strong written and verbal communication skills to ensure that advice provided to proponents is clear and concise.
8. (Desirable) Eligibility for registration with an appropriate professional body or organisation in Western Australia and/or good standing with the relevant professional body.

Selection criteria as per cl. 5.6.2 of the State Government Design Review Guide (the Guide).Those interested in applying were encouraged to first read: