Design Reviewer Division of Building and Land Development Services

About The Agency

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.

• We maintain building and resident safety and health
• We create opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability
• We engage New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.

The Office of Development (OOD) leads the agency’s effort to create and preserve affordable housing in collaboration with other HPD offices as well as other city, state and federal agencies. The OOD is comprised of eight divisions that administer a range of programs. These divisions include New Construction Finance, Special Needs Housing, Housing Incentives, Building and Land Development Services, Home ownership Opportunities and Preservation, Preservation Finance, Portfolio Management and Conversions, and Compliance and Enforcement.

The Division of Building and Land Development Services (BLDS) provides architectural, engineering, cost valuation, environmental planning, and construction support services to the various divisions within HPD’s Office of Development. BLDS is the largest division within the Office of Development with over 120 staff composed of seven units which include: the Bureau of New Construction Design Review Services, the Bureau of Preservation Design Review Services, the Bureau of Engineering, the Bureau of Construction Services, the Environmental Planning Unit, the Policy Unit, and the Program Management Unit.

As a Design Reviewer, you will work with various HPD Assisted new construction projects that are in the design phase. You will also play a key role in identifying properties that meet standards and adhere to rules and regulations of the Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act.

The ideal candidate should have a background in Architecture, or related field, and possess a thorough understanding and strong knowledge base of New York City building and construction codes, as well as Federal, State, and City housing codes and regulations, along with experience in methods and standards for new construction and preservation of multi-family housing.

• Review and evaluate consultants’ work for new construction projects for compliance with applicable codes, rules, and regulations, including the New York City Building and Construction Codes, Zoning Resolution, Multiple Dwelling Law, HPD Design Guidelines, and handicap accessibility design standards.
• Prepare, develop and/or review drawings, maps, plans, scopes of work, and specifications, using various methods and technologies, for the construction or substantial rehabilitation of housing projects.
• Conduct building inspections to verify compliance with applicable accessibility regulations and design standards.
• Assist in providing design consultations and guidance to external development teams during the schematic design phase for projects that may have complex site and/or design issues.
• Participate in and may supervise the design, inspection, and construction of premises to assure compliance with contracts, drawings, specifications, codes, resolutions, statutes, rules or regulations and in connection with the issuance of certificates of occupancy or other requisite permits.
• Engage in research, investigations, studies or examinations related to the architectural functions and activities of the Agency.

• Thorough knowledge in all areas of architecture, design, and construction, including City, State, and Federal regulations and procedures, and methods and standards for new construction of multi-family housing.
• Excellent trade base knowledge and familiarity with New York City government and housing issues.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, negotiate with diverse technical specialists, apply independent judgment in technical matters, take initiative, and work effectively with others.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, organizational,…