The Massachusetts Designer Selection Board (DSB) is seeking resumes from candidates who are members of the public interested in public design and residing in Massachusetts for 1 opening on the DSB. (no architects or engineers for this position)

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your community: the Massachusetts Designer Selection Board (DSB) is seeking committed individuals, to serve your state in a vital capacity as a member of their volunteer board. It’s a great way to contribute your professional expertise and personal experience to improving how public projects are delivered, procured, and designed.

By joining the DSB, you will have the opportunity to contribute your skills to the selection of designers for state facilities and charter schools. If you are an individual with a strong interest in public design, your experience is valued and needed. Work in an associated or adjacent field such as planning, building sustainability, or community activism related to building construction is a plus but is not required.

Your commitment to public service is what truly matters here. By serving on the DSB, you'll be directly involved in shaping the future of our state's public buildings projects – a responsibility that is essential to the public wellbeing throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of an autonomous 11-member Designer Selection Board, you'll play a hands-on role in evaluating proposals from design professionals, ensuring that our public building projects meet the highest standards of design quality, sustainability, human care, and effective efficiency.

The DSB reviews designer applications for DCAMM (Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) managed projects and Charter School projects. The Board selects, ranks and interviews finalists for individual and house doctor projects. The board then forwards its selections for the Public Agencies for project contract with the selected ranked firm.

Your role would be one of eight members appointed by the Governor, three of whom are registered architects, three are registered engineers, and two are representatives of the public who are not architect designers, engineers, or construction contractors.  Three additional members are appointed by the following professional societies: The Boston Society of Architects (BSA), Design Professionals Government Affairs Council (The Engineering Center Education Trust) and the Associated General Contractors (AGC).

The candidate selected for recommendation to the Governor’s office will need to go through standard background security and financial checks before appointment.

The DSB meets every two weeks that a project is reviewed on Wednesday from 8:30 AM- 11:30 AM via Zoom.  If you are interested in applying to serve, please see below for details.

As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our operations and public buildings, we strongly encourage candidates who bring unique perspectives and experiences. We believe that a wide range of voices are essential to driving innovation and contemplative deliberation, and we are dedicated to supporting the success of candidates underrepresented on the current board.  

Job Description for the Massachusetts Design Selection Board:
Title: Public Member, Designer Selection Board
Reports to: DSB Chair

Purpose: To serve the Board Chairman as a voting member; to develop plans, policies, procedures and practices for the operation of the DSB programs and performance. The DSB reviews designer applications for DCAMM (Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance) managed projects and Charter School projects. The Board selects, ranks and interviews finalists for individual and house doctor projects. The board then forwards its selections for the Public Agencies for project contract with the selected ranked firm.

Term: 2 years; opportunity for re-appointment for another 2 year term by (Governor, etc.); opportunity to serve as an officer.

Expected Meeting Attendance: Regularly attend DSB meetings as scheduled (about 24/year).  Meetings are on Wednesdays, every two weeks, so, approximately twice a month from 8:30 AM-11:30 PM. 

Obligations of the Board:
• Establish and uphold policy for DSB as a Board member
• Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest.  This means that if your firm regularly submits proposals to the DSB, even as a subconsultant to a prime designer, you should work with the State Ethics Commission on proper forms of disclosure and recusal when required by the project under review.

Duties for Board members:
• Use best judgment to support DSB activities and Designer Selection.
• Promote DSB participation by encouraging firms to apply.
• Be responsive to requests for information, participation or assistance from DSB Board, DSB staff, DCAMM and/or municipal staff.
• Be an advocate and a spokesperson for DSB in coordination with DSB Executive Director.
• Participate in current policy and Board objectives

Information about Conflict of Interest: as with any similar public service, it is extremely important to maintain the integrity of the Board. Members must adhere to the conflict-of-interest requirements during meetings as defined by Chapter 7C, Section 49, paragraph (e) and should review in advance of the meeting with the State Ethics Commission at 617- 727-0060 for any instances of conflict that might arise. Other requirements may apply.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the public good, we encourage you to submit your resume to Simone.A.Early@mass.gov by January 15, 2025. Please reference “Designer Selection Board” in your subject line. Let's work together to build a better future for Massachusetts, one project at a time. Your dedication to public service will leave a lasting impact on our communities.