Architect of the Capitol

Architect of the Capitol

Logo of the Architect of the Capitol
Agency overview
Formed 1793
Jurisdiction United States Capitol Complex
Headquarters United States Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Agency executive
Website www.aoc.gov/
www.capitol.gov/

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is the federal agency responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol Complex, and also the head of that agency. The Architect of the Capitol is in the legislative branch[1] and is responsible to the United States Congress and the Supreme Court.[2]

The current Architect of the Capitol is Stephen T. Ayers. Ayers served as acting Architect of the Capitol since February 2007, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on May 12, 2010, becoming the 11th Architect of the Capitol.[3]

Overview

The Architect of the Capitol sits on the Capitol Police Board, which has jurisdiction over the United States Capitol Police, and on the United States Capitol Guide Board, which has jurisdiction over the United States Capitol Guide Service.

Until 1989, the position of Architect of the Capitol was filled by appointment from the President of the United States for an indefinite term. Legislation enacted in 1989 provides that the Architect is to be appointed for a term of ten years by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, from a list of three candidates recommended by a congressional commission. Upon confirmation by the Senate, the Architect becomes an official of the legislative branch as an officer and agent of Congress; he is eligible for reappointment after completion of his term.

Responsibility

Western front of the U.S. Capitol

The Architect of the Capitol is responsible to the United States Congress and the Supreme Court for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of 17.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 553 acres (224 ha) of land throughout Capitol Hill.[2] The Architect’s Office is also responsible for the upkeep and improvement of the Capitol Grounds, and the arrangement of inaugural ceremonies and other ceremonies held in the building or on the grounds. Legislation has been enacted over the years to place additional buildings and grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol.

The Capitol Complex includes the following facilities:[2]

Architects of the Capitol

Architect of the Capitol Term of Office Deputy Architect Assistant Architect Appointing President Notes
Stephen Hallet 1793
Washington A trained architect, Hallet was hired to modify William Thornton's design for the Capitol.
Benjamin Henry Latrobe March 6, 1803 –
July 1, 1811
Jefferson Latrobe was appointed twice. President Jefferson appointed him to take over work on the building in 1803 and construction was halted in 1811. During the War of 1812, the Capitol was burned by British troops, prompting President Madison to reappoint Latrobe as Architect of the Capitol and conduct repairs.
April 6, 1815 –
November 20, 1817
Madison
Charles Bulfinch January 8, 1818 –
June 25, 1829
Monroe
Thomas U. Walter
(Engineer-in-charge:
Montgomery C. Meigs)
June 11, 1851 –
May 26, 1865
Edward Clark Fillmore Walter and Meigs shared responsibility for the Capitol and the construction of its additions.
Edward Clark August 30, 1865 –
January 6, 1902
Elliott Woods A. Johnson
Elliott Woods February 19, 1902 –
May 22, 1923
T. Roosevelt
David Lynn August 22, 1923 –
September 30, 1954
  • Horace Rouzer (1930-1946)
  • Arthur Cook (1946-1959)
Coolidge
J. George Stewart October 1, 1954 –
May 24, 1970
  • Arthur Cook (1946-1959)
  • Mario Campioli, FAIA (1959-1980)
Eisenhower
George M. White, FAIA January 27, 1971 –
November 21, 1995
Nixon Ensign acted as Architect after White's retirement until a replacement was appointed
Alan M. Hantman, FAIA January 6, 1997 –
February 2, 2007
Stephen T. Ayers, AIA
  • (Deputy: October 2005-February 2007)
  • (Acting Architect: February 2, 2007 – May 11, 2010)
Michael G. Turnbull, FAIA

(June 1998 – present)

Clinton Hantman was the first Architect of the Capitol appointed under the legislation passed in 1989 providing for a fixed, renewable ten-year term for the Architects of the Capitol. On August 1, 2006, Hantman announced he would not seek a second term when his term expired in 2007.
Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP May 12, 2010–Present
Christine A. Merdon, PE, CCM (2011–Present) Michael G. Turnbull, FAIA (1998–Present) Obama Ayers is the second Architect of the Capitol appointed under the legislation passed in 1989 providing for a fixed, renewable ten-year term for the Architects of the Capitol. Ayers was appointed acting Architect of the Capitol from February 2007- May 2010, and unanimously confirmed as Architect of the Capitol May 12, 2010.

See also

References

External links

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