May 20, 2010

On May 12, 2010, Stephen T. Ayers, AIA, LEED AP was sworn in before Congress as the 11th Architect of the Capitol (AOC). Ayers, who graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Maryland in 1985, has served as Acting Architect of the Capitol since 2007, and was nominated by President Obama to officially take the AOC post this year. He leads an office of 2,600 people.

Ayers is responsible for the facilities maintenance and operation of the historic Capitol Building, the care and improvement of more than 450 acres of Capitol grounds, and the operation and maintenance of 16.5 million square feet of buildings including: the House and Senate Congressional Office Buildings, the Capitol Visitor Center, the Library of Congress Buildings, the U.S. Supreme Court Building, the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building, and other facilities.

The Architect of the Capitol also is a member of the District of Columbia Zoning Commission, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, National Capital Memorial Commission, Art Advisory Committee to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the National Institute for Conservation of Cultural Property.

Under Ayers’ leadership, the AOC has, through a variety of initiatives, reduced carbon emissions, improved energy efficiency, and implemented sustainable design practices throughout the Capitol complex. He is also committed to supporting small businesses in order to help facilitate competition and to support local communities, and has implemented several programs to actively award contracts to companies that reflect the diversity of our country.

More information:
Architect of the Capitol

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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