In 1986, the Commission was established to insure that the architecture and urban design of new projects in the City of Boston have a positive impact on the public realm.  In cooperation with the Boston Planning and Development Authority but independent of it, the work of the Commission is advisory, not legally binding.  Rather it is the best advice of a group of volunteer highly respected peers whose sole interest is in preserving the design qualities of the city they love, and embracing the future in ways that will continue to make the city beautiful, liveable, sustainable, and just.