The Commission is composed of nine volunteer members appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council. They are chosen as follows: three from a list of six names submitted by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects; one from a list of two from the Louisiana Historical Society; one from a list of two from the Louisiana State Museum Board; one from a list of two from the Chamber of Commerce; and three appointed at-large. Each of the Commissioners serve a four (4) year term.

• Mr. Raymond R. Young, Sr., (At-Large)  Secretary
• Mr. Tom R. Bissell, (American Institute of Architects)
• Mr. Fred Lawson, (Louisiana Historical Society)
• Lary Hesdorffer, Director
• Ms. Betty Norris, (At-Large)
• Ms. C. Spencer Smith, Vice-Chairman (American Institute of Architects)
• Dr. E. Ralph Lupin, Chairman (Louisiana State Museum Board)
• Ms. Carol B. Wise (Chamber of Commerce)
• Ms. Patricia C. Denechaud, (At-Large)
• S. Stweart Farnet  (AIA) 

Act 139 of 1936 amended the Constitution of the State of Louisiana to authorize the New Orleans City Council to create the Commission and to define its composition, purpose, and area of jurisdiction. The authority of the Commission is further described in Articles I, II, III, IV & V in Chapter 166 of the 1995 Code of the City of New Orleans.