City Architect

Employer
City of Milton
Milton, Georgia

Description
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

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.

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

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.

Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles of design, site planning, and architecture
• Knowledge of building codes, zoning regulations, and form-based codes
• Knowledge of preservation standards and design review processes
• Knowledge of streetscape, public space, and corridor design best practices
• Knowledge of sustainable design, green infrastructure, and environmental planning
• Knowledge of community engagement strategies and participatory design processes
• Knowledge of project management and municipal planning procedures
• Knowledge of graphic communication, visualization, and presentation techniques
• Ability to review and evaluate development proposals and building designs
• Strong written and verbal communication, including public presentations
• Project and workflow management for multiple concurrent initiatives
• Policy analysis, guideline development, and regulatory interpretation
• Collaboration across departments, boards, and community stakeholders
• Preparing reports, design documentation, and graphic presentations
• Attention to detail and design quality
• Creativity and innovative problem-solving in rural, urban, and architectural contexts
• Ability to balance aesthetic goals with regulatory requirements and practical constraints
• Leadership and the ability to guide teams, committees, and public processes
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build consensus
• Commitment to community engagement and responsive public service
• Adaptability to changing project needs and priorities

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.

Limitations and Disclaimer:
The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position, and those duties may change, be eliminated, or expanded in accordance with the needs of the City of Milton. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor and in compliance with federal and State laws and applicable regulations.

The City of Milton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or retaliate against job applicants or employees on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, military service, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, religion or on the basis of any other protected category. Job applicants and employees may request reasonable accommodations, in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some essential job requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
Requirements listed in this description are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/ or abilities required to perform this position successfully, and the applicant and/or employee must possess the listed abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment with the City of Milton remains on an “at-will” basis. This description does not create a property interest, an employment agreement, or alter the terms and conditions of any other policy or agreement that may be in effect now or in the future.

Salary Range
$87,116.99 – $130,675.49

Benefits
The City of Milton offers considerable benefits to our employees as part of our commitment to foster a quality work environment and positive quality of life.

These benefits are coordinated through the City’s Human Resources Department, which partners with a host of qualified, well-rated outside vendors that offer services and programs that can be used by Milton employees during and beyond the workday.

How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE

Deadline
10/31/2025