Navigate to Homepage
Search
Main navigation
  

        
              Explore the Capitol Campus
                          Art
                            Buildings & Grounds
                            Capitol Hill Facts
                            Visitor Resources
                            Our Blog
                            What We Do
                          Areas of Expertise
                            Programs & Ceremonies
                            Projects
                            Publications
                            Strategic Objectives
                            About Us
                          Who We Are
                            History of the AOC
                            News & Notices
                            Organizational Structure
                            Partnerships & Recognition
                            Work With UsSearch Breadcrumb
    HomeAbout UsHistory of the Architect of the CapitolArchitects of the CapitolJ. Brett Blanton
  

Twelfth Architect of the Capitol

VAUnited States

Years Served
    2020-2023

Official portrait of 12th Architect of the Capitol J. Brett Blanton.
    
                  Nominated December 9, 2019; Confirmed by the U.S. Senate December 20, 2019; Term ended February 13, 2023.

In his role as Architect of the Capitol, Mr. Blanton was responsible for facilities maintenance and operation of the historic U.S. Capitol Building, the care and improvement of more than 570 acres of grounds and the operation and maintenance of 18.4 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. He was responsible for the care of all works of art in the Capitol under the direction of the Joint Committee on the Library and is responsible for the maintenance and restoration of murals, outdoor sculpture and other architectural elements throughout the Capitol complex. He also served as Acting Director of the U.S. Botanic Garden.

The Architect of the Capitol is a member of the Capitol Police Board and the Congressional Accessibility Services Board, as well as an ex officio member of the United States Capitol Preservation Commission. Additionally, the Architect of the Capitol is a member of the District of Columbia Zoning Commission, the President's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the National Capital Memorial Commission, the Art Advisory Committee to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the National Institute for Conservation of Cultural Property.

Education

Mr. Blanton completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the United States Naval Academy and received his Master of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering and a Certified Energy Manager.

Professional Experience

Mr. Blanton served as a U.S. Naval Officer for more than 20 years, lending his progressive leadership and engineering experience to some of the Navy’s largest and most complex planning, design and construction projects. Mr. Blanton served at both U.S. and overseas installations, Navy headquarters, the Joint Staff and in combat zones. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat "V" for heroism in Baghdad, Iraq.

After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Blanton joined ATCS, PLC as Vice President. He led all federal infrastructure services at the Architect/Engineer Firm. He also supported the development of the Community Resiliency Planning Guide; led the development of a groundbreaking plan in response to Superstorm Sandy, providing a critical decision tool for the ports that remain operational during disasters; and implemented a company-wide Human Capital Strategy, ensuring the company could recruit, train and retain the best architects and engineers.

Prior to joining the Architect of the Capitol, Mr. Blanton served as the Deputy Vice President at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. There he led a $1.5 billion Capital Planning, Design and Construction program at two of the most architecturally significant facilities in the Washington, D.C. area.
          
    
      Architects of the capitol
Discover More Agency Leaders
            
          Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

              Contact Us
                            Accountability
                            Hill Staff Resources
                            AOC Staff Resources
Utility
  

        
              Privacy Policy
                            Image Terms of Use
                            Inspector General
                            U.S. Botanic Garden
                            U.S. Capitol Visitor CenterFacebook
	Twitter
	Flickr
	YouTube
	Instagram
	Subscribe