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    HomeAbout UsHistory of the Architect of the CapitolArchitects of the CapitolStephen T. Ayers, FAIA, LEED AP
  

Eleventh Architect of the Capitol

MDUnited States

Years Served
    2010-2018

Notable Projects
    U.S. Capitol Dome Restoration
          Grant Memorial Restoration
          Stone Preservation

Official painted portrait of 11th Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers.
    
                  Nominated February 24, 2010; Confirmed by the U.S. Senate May 12, 2010; Retired November 23, 2018.

On February 24, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Stephen T. Ayers to serve as the 11th Architect of the Capitol. On May 12, 2010, the United States Senate, by unanimous consent, confirmed Mr. Ayers, and on May 13, 2010, the President officially appointed Mr. Ayers to a 10-year term as Architect of the Capitol.

Under Mr. Ayers' leadership, the Architect of the Capitol oversaw the restoration of the U.S. Capitol Dome, restoring it to its original splendor. He also led the restoration of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, a campus-wide effort to restore and repair deteriorating stone façades and launched the renewal of the Cannon House Office Building, a century-old building that is plagued with serious deficiencies.

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

Education

Mr. Ayers completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture at the University of Maryland, received his Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Design by the Boston Architectural College in recognition of his service as a champion of historic preservation, great public design and sustainability. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Maryland School of Architecture and is a licensed architect in California. The University of Maryland School of Architecture presented him the Distinguished Alumni Award and awarded him the Sigma Delta Tau Silver Medal for Distinction in Architecture. He is a licensed architect in California.

Professional Experience

After attending Officers Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Ayers was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and assigned to Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, California. While stationed at Edwards, he served as a Staff Architect and Design Team Chief with the 6510th Civil Engineer Squadron. Mr. Ayers was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his military service and after five years of active duty, decided to pursue a career in public service in another way.

After working in the architectural and engineering community in the Washington, D.C., area, Mr. Ayers joined the Voice of America in Washington, D.C., as a General Engineer in 1991. In 1992, he transferred to Rhodes, Greece, to lead design and construction efforts at several Voice of America sites in Greece and Germany.

Returning to the United States in 1997, Mr. Ayers joined the Architect of the Capitol as an Assistant Superintendent for the Senate Office Buildings. He served in several capacities over the next decade, including Deputy Superintendent for the Senate Office Buildings, Superintendent of the Library Buildings and Grounds, Acting Deputy Architect/Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Architect/Chief Operating Officer. He filled the role of Acting Architect from February 2007 until his appointment as Architect of the Capitol in May 2010.

Affiliations

Mr. Ayers is a member and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), and an Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP).

Mr. Ayers was the recipient of the Construction Industry Institute's 2011 Carroll H. Dunn Award for Excellence. The National Academy of Construction elected Mr. Ayers as a member of its 2013 class for transforming project delivery processes at the U.S. Capitol and caring for the nation's historic treasures through inspired leadership, extraordinary vision and personal commitment. Mr. Ayers was selected as the 2018 recipient of the Thomas Jefferson Award for Public Architecture by the American Institute of Architects.
          
    
      Related Buildings
Ayers's Legacy
Each Architect of the Capitol helped shape the iconic buildings and grounds we know today.
            
          Capitol Dome

The U.S. Capitol’s dome made of cast iron was designed by Thomas U. Walter and constructed from 1856-1866 at the total cost of $1,047,291.
    Cannon House Office Building

The Cannon House Office Building (constructed beginning in 1905 and completed in 1908) is the oldest congressional office building and a significant example of the Beaux Arts style of architecture.
Architects of the capitol
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          Alan M. Hantman, FAIA
    J. Brett Blanton Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

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