STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: June 23, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor & City Council
From: Huma Ahmed, City Clerk, CMC
Subject: Architectural and Design Review (ADC) Commission Interview Panel Update
Attachments: 1. Applications (Redacted)
INTRODUCTION
This report provides an update on the Architectural and Design Review Commission (ADC) recruitment process. On Thursday, June 11, 2026, an interview panel consisting of Vice Mayor Mary N. Wells, Councilmember John A. Mirisch, ADC Chair Rebecca Pynoos, and Vice Chair Terri Smooke interviewed four (4) applicants.
DISCUSSION
The recruitment was originally conducted to fill one vacancy. However, following the June 2, 2026 Regular Municipal Election, an additional vacancy is anticipated on the Commission.
As a result, the interview panel identified and recommended two qualified candidates for appointment to the available positions:
1. 1
David C. Stone (Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028)
Prospective Commission Vacancy: Rebecca Pynoos (Term ends: June 30, 2028) However, it is recommended that Mr. Stone be appointed to a new two-year term (pending final election results), beginning in July 2026.
2. Judy Burkow (Term: January 1, 2027 - December 31, 2028) Outgoing Commissioner: Terri Smooke (Term ends: December 31, 2026) Per the City Council Policy Handbook, a minimum of three applicants are required for one vacancy and five applicants for two vacancies. Based on the Commission's timelines and 1 Pending final election results, it is presumed that Commissioner Rebecca Pynoos may be elected to the City Council effective: July 7, 2026.The next ADC meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026.
Meeting Date: June 23, 2026
the availability of qualified recommended candidates, the City Council may, at its discretion, waive this requirement.
Additionally, some panel members shared an interest in extending the term of outgoing Commissioner Terri Smooke. The discussion highlighted Commissioner Smooke’s extensive knowledge and experience in Design Review which has been a valuable resource to the Commission. The proposed extension request is for an additional six to twelve months beyond her current term expiration in December 2026.
While the vacancy for the seat currently held by Commissioner Rebecca Pynoos will require an immediate appointment, the second vacancy would allow the appointee approximately six months to observe Commission meetings before serving.
Upon further review, extending Commissioner Smooke’s term would disrupt the established Commission rotation cycle, and no compelling operational need has been identified to warrant such an extension. However, because commission term extensions are within the City Council’s discretion, the request is being forwarded for consideration.
The recommended candidates are required to attend all commission meetings leading up to their appointments. There is also an expectation that, once seated, commissioners will schedule their time accordingly and attend meetings in person at City Hall.
The two candidates will be eligible for additional four-year appointments upon completion of their initial terms. Background checks were in progress at the time of this report, and an update is expected at the City Council Meeting on June 23, 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
RECOMMENDATION
The Architectural and Design Review Commission (ADC) interview panel recommends the appointment of David C. Stone and Judy Burkow to the Commission. Staff also seeks City Council direction on whether to waive the five-applicant requirement for the appointment of two commissioners and requests feedback regarding the proposed extension of Commissioner Terri Smooke’s term.
With concurrence of the City Council and given the time-sensitive nature of these appointments, staff has placed a formal report on the Consent calendar for the June 23, 2026, City Council Meeting.
All the candidates are thanked for their thoughtful and compelling answers to the questions posed by the interview panel. The City of Beverly Hills is fortunate to have an extraordinary applicant pool and the applicants are encouraged to re-apply for upcoming vacancies.
Applicants who have not participated in Team Beverly Hills are urged to apply and complete the resident-based education program.
Huma Ahmed,
City Clerk
Approved By
Attachment 1
Submit Date: Feb 27, 2026
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Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Architectural and Design Review Commission: Submitted
Question applies to Architectural and Design Review Commission Completed applications may be emailed to [email protected] or returned to the City Clerk’s Office at 455 North Rexford Drive, Suite 290, Beverly Hills, California 902l0. If you have any questions, please contact the City Clerk at telephone number 310.285.2400. Thank you.
Serving on the Beverly Hills Architectural and Design Review Commission The Architectural and Design Review Commission is one of eight Commissions appointed by the City Council to carry out a variety of delegated functions and make recommendations to the Council. The City Manager, Department Heads, and other City staff provide staff support to the Commissions. The Community Development Department provides primary staff support to the Architectural and Design Review Commission, Cultural Heritage Commission, and Planning Commission.
Judy B Burkow
Beverly Hills CA
Mobile:
Judy B Burkow
Question applies to Architectural and Design Review Commission
6. What do you see as the community design issues currently facing Beverly Hills?
I believe the biggest community design issue facing Beverly Hills is recently passed legislation restricting the City’s discretion in design review. It will be important to find ways to comply with the legislation while balancing the integrity of the City’s design and aesthetic standards. From my first day working at The Camp Beverly Hills store while I was a student at BHHS, I knew that Beverly Hills was one of the most unique and highly regarded cities in the world. It’s even more so now. For that reason, it is critical that we continue to protect our brand identity through our developments, given the current legislative landscape.
Question applies to Architectural and Design Review Commission
7. How do you view the balance between the rights of property owners and tenants (business and multi-family residential) to develop their property according to their own aesthetic, versus the community interest, in presenting a sense of place and context that can be identified as “Beverly Hills”? You may wish to use a recently approved or constructed project as an example.
My family has owned multi-family and commercial real estate in California for decades. While I support development, I understand firsthand the importance of balancing property owners' rights with the community’s interests and believe working together is essential to that. The Alice + Olivia project is a perfect example of the Commissioners balancing the rights of the store Owner’s desire to match the aesthetic and design components of the New York Flagship store and the community’s interest in not overwhelming Beverly Drive or the adjacent properties with its bold design.
Question applies to Architectural and Design Review Commission
8. How do you view the balance between the rights of single-family property owners to develop their property and choose the design of their home versus impacts to the character of the surrounding streetscape and the rights of neighboring property owners?
The best way to answer this is to share my personal experience with this type of situation.
When we tore down our home in 2012, coincidentally, our next door neighbor did the same.
We felt there were several issues with their proposed plans (e.g., the style and design did not fit the neighborhood's character; it looked more like commercial than residential property; the landscaping did not soften the house; privacy concerns, etc.). I attended and spoke at all the Commission meetings as the project went through the Design Review process. My goal was to maintain a good relationship with my new neighbor while preserving the integrity of our neighborhood, particularly our block. I’m happy to say that 14 years later, we have a wonderful relationship, and they have a beautiful home that fits within our neighborhood. I was extremely impressed with each one of the Commissioners' thoughtful and well-informed questions and suggestions in guiding our neighbor through several Design Review Revisions to ultimately build their dream home.
Question applies to Architectural and Design Review Commission
9. How would you describe the appropriate relationship among the Commissioners and between the Commission and project applicants? Commissioners should work cooperatively and respectfully to serve the City’s interest in accordance with the high standards set by our current City Council. I have spent my whole career working in collaborative environments knowing that being a team player is essential to success both personally and within any group. The Commissioners should also be impartial and base their decisions on the community’s and the applicants’ best interests, not any personal preferences. They should listen thoughtfully without bias, ask intelligent questions and offer construction suggestions as both the City and Applicant have the same goal – to best represent the City of Beverly Hills. Given that their decisions will have both short- and long-term impacts, it’s important to think ahead as well so that we are protecting our city for future generations.
Judy B Burkow
Question applies to Architectural and Design Review Commission
10. Why do you want to be a member of the Architectural and Design Review Commission? (Specifically, why have you chosen this form of community service over the many other avenues of community service available in our community?)
I love this City and am blessed to be part of its thriving, vibrant community, so I want to contribute in a meaningful way to make it even better. I became interested in joining the Architectural and Design Review Commission after attending my first meeting in 2012, when I began building our new home. I had always heard from outsiders how hard it was to build in Beverly Hills, and many of my friends had not done so because of it. I personally had an exceptional experience throughout each phase and want others to have the same wonderful experience I did. Beverly Hills is one of the most special places in the world because of its gorgeous landscaping, magnificent homes, beautiful restaurants, fabulous stores, and commercial businesses. I would love to be part of the team that helps continue that legacy.
In addition, I grew up admiring my mom, Lorraine Friedman, who raised 5 children here yet was a dedicated, multiple-term Civil Service Commissioner and President of the PTA at Hawthorne School and Beverly Hills High School from 1975 to 1983. She was also an active supporter and served on the boards of The Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, the Ophira Hadassah chapter, and The Jewish Home in various capacities. My father was, and my mother currently is, on the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors, and they have been significant contributors to Temple Emanuel, Temple Judea, and various other community causes. It would be a great honor and privilege to be selected as an Architectural and Design Review Commissioner.
Judy B Burkow