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
    HomeExplore the Capitol CampusOur Blog
Architect's Notebook: One of My Favorite Things

While Architect's Notebook is often used to write about architectural features found on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., this time it's about Stephen Ayers' favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their giving and generous spirit.
By stephen t ayers |November 16, 2018
        
                  Image
    AOC employees exemplify One Team, One Mission.

While I often use this space to write about some of my favorite architectural features found on Capitol Hill, I want to use this Architect's Notebook to write about my favorite and most important part of this organization: AOC employees! More specifically, their spirit and their giving and generous spirit, to be exact. I am often asked what the favorite part of my job is, and I always respond that it's the opportunity to work with people that have such a generous spirit.



Image
    AOC employee portraits.I always love to see and hear how they regularly give of their time, talents and treasure as they volunteer throughout the agency. I appreciate the happiness and contentment on the faces of those volunteering with the students at the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School in Washington, D.C. Our volunteers have played an integral role in educating these future mechanics, architects, engineers and construction professionals. I feel the excitement and pride our employees have in sharing their jobs with children on "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day." And, I watch how they enthusiastically support others through their events and contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign.



Image
    The most important part of Architect of the Capitol: its employees!Their giving spirit extends to their jobs as well. Their welcoming smiles create a warm and hospitable atmosphere for our visitors. Their passion is obvious, whether in teaching a young child about plants or educating visitors about the history of our great nation. Their generous spirit shows up in how they treat each other and help each other, in generating new ideas, training each other and making sure everyone works safely. They give careful attention when working in our historic and iconic spaces. They go out of their way to take care of people, whether our customers, lost employees in the hallway or our visitors.



Image
    AOC employee portraits.When people compliment them on their work, I see the happiness it brings to them. And when they are leaving for the day, I can see that they are content and pleased with their work. I am proud of each of them and the work they do every day. The Architect of the Capitol is a better organization because of them.

***Stephen T. Ayers is the 11th Architect of the Capitol.***
Comments
    
  
    
Marilyn Wiles ... (not verified)PermalinkNovember 16, 2018 - 9:14pmStephen,_x000D_ _x000D_ I am enjoying the post about the AOC. I loved working there because of the difference we made in marauding, preserving, and protecting ‚ÄúThe Peoples House.‚Äù_x000D_ _x000D_ Than you for your hard work and most importantly, tanks to all the AOC emlpoyees for doing an awesome job!!!_x000D_ _x000D_ Best regards,_x000D_ _x000D_ Marilyn Wiles
ReplyAdd new comment
    Your name
Email Address
        The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Comment
About text formats
Plain text
  
  
      
          No HTML tags allowed.
                      Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
                      Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
          
    
      Recent Stories
Related Articles
            
          From the Architect

  Architect's Notebook: Finding Comfort In Balance

It is human nature to try to find order and balance in our surroundings. One of the ways I do this in my own life is to be as organized as possible.
    From the Architect

  Architect's Notebook: A Washington Connection

Even after working with this agency for more than 20 years, I continue to discover little surprises in the buildings, grounds and art cared for by our employees.
    From the Architect

  Architect's Notebook: Signs of Respect

Many of our monumental buildings on Capitol Hill were designed and constructed using classical orders of architecture.
    From the Architect

  Architect's Notebook: What We Hold Precious

Walking through the Capitol campus, I frequently come across ornamentation in our buildings made from various metals.
    
                      More Stories 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