The Seattle Design Commission (SDC) was established on July 15, 1968 (Ordinance 96897), holding their first meeting on October 15 of that year. The SDC was created in response to the large number of City funded projects resulting from the 1968 Forward Thrust bond measures that passed. The adopting ordinance established that the SDC would advise the City on the aesthetic, environmental, and design principals of City funded capital projects.

The Commission composition has changed over time. Initially, six members of the architecture, planning, and design community were represented along with a lay member. Over time, additional members were added to address the variety and complexity of projects before the commission. Currently, the commission has 10 members - two licensed architects, a fine artist, an at-large position, representatives from urban planning, environmental or urban design, landscape architecture, a professional engineer, and a member of YMCA's Get Engaged program. All appointments, including the Chair, are made by the Mayor and confirmed by Council. Commissioners serve a two-year term and are eligible for a second two-year term.

The SDC initially focused their reviews on infrastructure projects like repaving city streets, bridge modifications and street lighting projects. Over time, the SDC focus has shifted to review of capital facility design and their integration into neighborhoods. This shift reflected a variety of factors in the planning and implementation of City funded projects, including the adoption of departmental plans for capital facilities, and the passage of several voter-approved levies to build new fire stations, police stations, libraries, and parks.

The commission has also served as lead reviewer for Sound Transit light rail investments in Seattle, known as the Light Rail Review Panel (LRRP). Initially formed in 1999, the LRRP has evaluated Sound Transit light rail facilities throughout Seattle.

In its 50-year history, the Design Commission has reviewed over 1,200 projects. Since the 1990s the SDC has also had a series of recognition programs that highlight design excellence.

The work of the design commission is guided by six values:

• Inspired Design - unifying the public realm and inspires the community by embodying state-of-the-art practices.
• Contextual Integration - responding to context and enhancing its neighborhood.
• Innovative Sustainability - minimizing environmental impact and providing long-term self-sufficiency.
• Social Inclusion - seeking to elevate the quality of life for all and responds fluently to its cultural context.
• Exemplary Partnerships - leveraging public, community, and private resources, integrating design efforts across multiple disciplines and agencies to achieve greater results with the same resources.
• Effective Investments - providing high value for the investment by thoughtfully considering flexibility, longevity, and total life-cycle costs.