Director, Architecture

The NYC Department of Buildings is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of buildings and properties by enforcing the NYC Construction Codes, Energy Code and Zoning Resolution. We facilitate compliant development with integrity, efficiency and professionalism. We are committed to becoming the premier municipal building organization, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers and making our City safer.

Your team:
The Code and Zoning Interpretation Division, headed by the Assistant Commissioner for Code and Zoning Interpretation, consists of two units: The Architecture unit, and the Code and Zoning Interpretation unit (CZI).

CZI Division reviews legislation and rules and provides comments on technical issues as well as operational impacts to the Development process; provides training to staff and the public on the technical requirements; and issues interpretations and guidance materials on the requirements. The Division also reviews requests for variations and appeals to denials of code and zoning determinations, as well as answers public challenges to Zoning compliance for approved construction projects.

In addition, the CZI Division provides various code and zoning technical support to the borough offices, including specialty units such as Cranes and Derricks, Elevators, Legal Affairs, and the Enforcement team. Through such technical support, the CZI Division help initiate code or zoning changes as necessary to help streamline code and zoning processes and remove barriers.

Your impact:
As the Director of Architecture, you will lead a team of licensed architects collaborating with zoning experts and engineers to review and analyze high level, complex projects for compliance with the New York City Construction Codes and the New York City Zoning Resolution.

Your role:
Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner of Code and Zoning Interpretation, the selected individual will engage in critical operations, review complex, high-profile projects, and serve as a key architectural and code expert to the Code & Zoning Interpretation Division, Technical Affairs & Code Development, Office of the Commissioner, and Borough Offices on matters pertaining to the NYC Construction Codes and the NYC Zoning Resolution.
This is a high-level, managerial position and the individual must have experience in the supervision of registered design professional and must possess technical expertise and experience in applying code and zoning requirements to building projects.

The selected candidate will be responsible for, but not limited to the following:
- Participate and, in collaboration with the Director, Code & Zoning Interpretation, and Director, Engineering, manage the new DOB NOW Determinations and Appeals process that will digitize the currently paper-based determinations and appeals process, making it easier for applicants to request appeals and determinations. This change will require the division to bring consistency to the review process both at the borough level and centrally requiring the Director to implement:
1) additional training based on the submissions.
2) issuance of new buildings bulletins documenting departmental interpretations; and
3) outreach to industry on departmental policy.
- Participate and, in collaboration with the Director, Code & Zoning Interpretation, and Director, Engineering, manage the upcoming technical and operational changes from Mayoral Priority Programs that will necessitate additional process changes and policy decisions developed by the division in order to maintain the Department plan examination and inspection processes, as well as changes to Codes, Standards, and rules. These changes will require interagency coordination, legislative support, implementation internally such as training, interpretations, and bulletins, as well as industry outreach. The recent programs include but are not limited to: Accessory Dwelling Units, Basement Apartment Program, Get Stuff Built, Get Sheds Down, Zoning for Carbon Neutrality, Zoning for Economic Opportunity, Zoning for Housing Opportunity, Adams Commission, Electrical Code, Waterfront Code & Waterfront Permitting
- Take ownership of each individual project given and bring the highest level of professionalism in completing the projects.
- Oversee the processing of many CCD-1s and ZRD-1s at the Technical Affairs level and be responsible for implementing processes enhancements to increase efficiencies, accuracies and consistencies.
- Participate in leading role in construction code revisions, as well as associated rules.
- Participate in critical role in the adoption and implementation of the existing building code.
- As part of the Code revision and Existing Building Code project, play the leading role in the commentary effort that follows.
- Represent the Department as technical expert to meet with industry stakeholders, city agencies and/or elected officials and their staff regarding code and zoning related issues.
- Perform and manage complex research regarding construction codes, referenced design standards, and related laws and rules, often under tight deadlines.
- Answer questions from the public regarding construction codes, referenced design standards, and related laws and rules.
- Draft Buildings Bulletins that provide the public with interpretations and clarifications on complex issues relating to the construction codes, referenced design standards, and related laws and rules.
- Coordinate with the Assistant Commissioner of Technical Affairs and Code Development, and Executive Director of Engineering in managing various projects.
- Support and further the Agency's commitment to improving operations and implementation of technology-based solutions.
- Work with the Borough Management to oversee the processing of objection sheets and initial approvals generated by plan examination to ensure validity, accuracy, uniformity and completeness.
- Attend monthly Borough Commissioners meeting to discuss policies and procedures to ensure their uniform implementation.
- When called upon, respond to incidents during weekends, holidays and disasters to provide coverage for Borough Offices and Emergency Team.
- Create and prepare training materials and conduct regular internal training for borough technical staff.
- Prepare presentation materials such as PowerPoint slides and informational sketches in AutoCAD and other drawing programs, for a variety of audiences including agency staff, technically proficient industry representatives, City Council members and staff and the general public.

REMOTE WORK

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program.

A valid New York State Registration as an Architect is required. In addition, candidates must have six ( 6 ) years of full-time paid experience in architectural work, at least two (2) years of which shall have been as an administrative architect.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.