FEATURE

U.S. Botanic Garden at 200: Deeply 

Rooted, Branching Outward

BY THE NUMBERS

Five Spring Gardening Tips

SPOTLIGHT 

ON SAFETY

Capitol Building Self-Inspections
2 

CONT

TABLE OF

BY THE NUMBERS

16

4 DOING GOOD

Capitol Visitor Center 

Employees Find Ways To Give

BEFORE & AFTER

Hearing Room Renovation for the

Senate Committee on Commerce, 

Science and Transportation

BY THE NUMBERS

Five Spring Gardening Tips

8 FEATURE

U.S. Botanic Garden at 200: Deeply 

Rooted, Branching Outward

18

16

FEATURE

8
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 3

ENTS

BEFORE & AFTER SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY

18 24

22 EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS

Sharing Your Work, One Selfie

at a Time 

30 BEYOND THE DOME

A Visit to the American College 

of the Building Arts

24 SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY

Capitol Building Self-Inspections

34 AOC GRATITUDE

Thank You From the 

Congressional Community
4 

CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER 

EMPLOYEES FIND WAYS TO GIVE

DOING GOOD

The coronavirus inspired many of us to wonder what, if anything, we could do 

to help when it seemed the needs around us were overwhelming. Two Capitol 

Visitor Center (CVC) employees found a way and are using their skills to make 

a difference as our communities fight the virus. 

Christine Blackerby, the CVC’s exhibits curator, and 

her family are known for seeing a community need 

and finding a way to fill it. In 2016, they founded the 

Hyattsville Zombie Run, a 5K race that raises funds 

for a local school. And every October since, they have 

hosted this community effort, organizing more than 

100 volunteers and welcoming 700 participants to 

raise more than $20,000 each year. 

When the coronavirus struck, many of Blackerby’s 

neighbors in Hyattsville, Maryland, saw the need 

for at-risk people to wear fabric masks, and they 

began sewing. What wasn’t clear though, was how 

CHRISTINE BLACKERBY

WRITTEN BY LAURA TRIVERS

P H OTO S P R O V I D E D BY C H R I S T I N E B L AC K E R BY 

AND SUSAN SISK
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 5

to get the masks from those with the capacity to sew 

to those with the highest need. 

A neighbor asked Blackerby, her husband Kevin and 

several others to help figure out a way to connect the 

sewers to the people who needed masks. The result

 was the formation of a new organization — Route 1

 Mask Match.

The group collects handmade fabric masks from 

neighborhood sewers and distributes them to health 

care workers, essential workers such as grocery store 

employees, and the elderly. 

Blackerby’s husband created the Route 1 Mask Match 

logo and the advertisements to recruit more sewers. The 

group then created a website, Route1MaskMatch.org, 

with forms for requesting masks, offering sewn masks 

and donating sewing materials. The group’s Facebook 

and Instagram pages offer tips on mask making with 

materials at hand. Elastic for ear bands has been in 

short supply, so most masks are made with cloth ties. 

One volunteer posted on the Facebook page how to 

make the cloth ties more quickly using a small plastic 

tool; then he 3D-printed dozens of them to give to 

other sewers. Blackerby’s porch is the drop-off and 

pickup point for the masks. “We collect the masks and 

package them for recipients with instructions on how 

to wash and wear them. More volunteers then deliver 

the masks, or let folks who have placed requests know 

to pick them up from our porch. We have provided 

masks to several local eldercare facilities and to 

essential workers at several local businesses,” 

Blackerby explained.

“I’m not very good at sewing myself, so I’m very glad 

to have this way to help others during this crisis.” 

WHEN THE 

CORONAVIRUS 

STRUCK, MANY OF 

BLACKERBY’S 

NEIGHBORS IN 

HYATTSVILLE, 

MARYLAND, SAW 

THE NEED FOR 

AT-RISK PEOPLE TO 

WEAR FABRIC 

MASKS, AND THEY 

BEGAN SEWING.
6 DOING GOOD

As soon as Susan Sisk, CVC’s director of

e-commerce, finishes her telework each day, 

she commutes to her sewing room to begin 

her evening work — making cloth masks for 

her local hospital. “I began working with 

Holy Cross Hospital in Germantown after 

seeing a request for volunteers to make 

items for families with premature babies,” 

Sisk said. 

“The nursing staff asked for small items to 

give to new mothers with limited resources. 

They needed tiny gowns with space to cover 

medical equipment and take-home blankets that may be the only new item the 

mother has.”

Recently the hospital staff reached out to 

Sisk for masks. “My nurse contact forwarded me a note a few weeks ago asking 

for masks. I had plenty of fabric scraps and 

was happy to help her. The project has been 

interesting, especially as the quarantine 

continued and more information came out. 

The nurses are very appreciative of the 

items and especially enjoy the fun and 

bright masks.

Sisk’s mother “was amazing at sewing, 

knitting and crafts,” and the two enjoy 

sharing their common interest. Sisk’s recent 

contact with her mom, who lives in Ohio, 

has been limited to phone calls. 

SUSAN SISK

“THE NURSING STAFF 

ASKED FOR SMALL 

ITEMS TO GIVE TO NEW 

MOTHERS WITH 

LIMITED RESOURCES. 

THEY NEEDED TINY 

GOWNS WITH SPACE TO 

COVER MEDICAL 

EQUIPMENT...” 
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 7

“Mom has been a great source for ideas, suggestions on techniques and motivation. I realize how 

much I appreciate the skills she taught my three brothers and me and the time she took with us 

growing up to share the things she loved to do. Working with the hospital has been great for both of 

us as we talk and share ideas.”

“I am proud that I have been able to show Mom how the skills she gave me have been put to good 

use to help others.”

Sisk continues to hone her mask pattern, responding to feedback from the nurses about fit and the 

need for a filter. “I recently found a pattern on YouTube with great reviews and a unique fit,” Sisk 

said. “The pattern and instructions were all in Thai, and it was challenging to overcome the language barrier.” 

A family friend in the health industry wanted to learn to make masks for work and family. “We spent 

an evening social distancing at a big table, drafting a pattern from the site,” Sisk continued. “Then 

working from our separate homes, we made samples, adjusted them for a better fit, and added 

recommendations from other websites about how to better secure the mask and limit the need to 

touch it. We had sewing class over our phones.”

Sisk is now at work sewing up a new batch for the hospital and for friends and family. She also 

shared her new pattern with friends around the country, teaching sewing via text and FaceTime.

“I AM PROUD THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHOW 

MOM HOW THE SKILLS SHE GAVE ME HAVE BEEN 

PUT TO GOOD USE TO HELP OTHERS.”

THOLOS | VOLUME 13 9

For 200 years, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) 

has been showcasing plants to visitors from around the 

globe. The USBG was originally proposed by George 

Washington to establish a place for Americans to learn 

about useful and engaging plants. Today, the USBG 

welcomes over a million visitors annually. Two hundred 

years after its creation, the Garden is alive year-round 

with exhibits and programs that focus on education, 

accessibility, conservation, collaborative partnerships, 

and world-class horticulture and sustainable gardening. 

U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN AT 200: 

DEEPLY ROOTED, BRANCHING OUTWARD

FEATURE

WRITTEN BY DEVIN DOTSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HATZENBUHLER

HISTORICAL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AOC PHOTO BRANCH

Left: This 1873 photograph shows how the USBG’s first Conservatory 

had grown from a single Victorian greenhouse to this large, five-part 

Conservatory with 14 support greenhouses
10 FEATURE

“As we celebrate 200 years of history at the U.S. Botanic Garden, I am excited to explore new ways of helping people 

make meaningful connections to plants,” said Saharah Moon Chapotin, executive director. “Whether it’s to spend a 

quiet moment in our beautiful Conservatory and gardens, to discover the tastes and textures of new food plants, or 

to learn about how plants contribute to a more sustainable planet, I want every visitor to the Garden to feel welcome here and to come away with a greater appreciation for the natural world.”

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson weren’t just 

political leaders, they were also farmers. They understood that a botanic garden could serve as both an 

educational resource and a source of national pride. 

On May 8, 1820, over 20 years after George Washington 

suggested a location for the botanic garden within 

Pierre Charles L’Enfant’s plans for the fledging capital 

city, President James Madison signed a bill granting the 

garden 5 acres of land at the base of the U.S. Capitol.

Run by the Columbian Institute for the Promotion of 

Arts and Sciences, the USBG grew ornamental and 

useful (food and medicinal) plants for 17 years. Funding 

ran out, but the idea of a national garden didn’t stay 

dormant long. In 1842, Congress revitalized the USBG

to care for hundreds of plants gathered by the U.S. 

Exploring Expedition on its four-year, round-the-world 

journey. A Victorian Conservatory opened to the public 

in 1850; the USBG has been publicly accessible since then.

DEEPLY ROOTED HISTORY

1874 illustration from D.C. visitor guide

“AS WE CELEBRATE 200 YEARS OF HISTORY AT

THE U.S. BOTANIC GARDEN, I AM EXCITED TO 

EXPLORE NEW WAYS OF HELPING PEOPLE MAKE 

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS TO PLANTS.”
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 11

The USBG continued to grow during the latter half of the 

19th century. The Victorian Conservatory was expanded 

in 1867 — adding a five-part, 300-foot long conservatory with a central dome and two wings and 14 

greenhouses, one of which was used as a botanical 

classroom. And, on Frederick Law Olmsted’s recommendation, Congress purchased the 30-foot high, cast-iron 

sculptural Fountain of Light and Water created by 

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi for America’s 1876 centennial 

exposition. The fountain, installed at the USBG in 1877 

was a popular gathering spot late in the century.

An early 20th-century decision to enact L’Enfant’s 

original vision of a National Mall west of the U.S. Capitol 

meant the USBG had to move. A new Conservatory, built 

across the street to the south, opened in 1933. The new 

30,000-square-foot facility, still in use today, was the 

largest aluminum building in the United States at the 

time of construction. Since 1934, the USBG has been 

administered through the Architect of the Capitol.

The 1980s and 1990s saw further expansions to the 

USBG. After congressional spouses spearheaded an 

effort to create a rose garden on Capitol Hill in the 

1980s, a nonprofit National Fund for the U.S. Botanic 

Garden was formed. Their national design competition 

yielded a vision that grew beyond roses, leading to the 

new National Garden with its amphitheater; regional, rose 

and pollinator gardens; and the First Ladies Water Garden. 

In 1997, the year the U.S. Mint issued a commemorative 

U.S. Botanic Garden silver dollar, the Conservatory 

underwent a renovation that necessitated the relocation 

of the 3,000 plants. Large palms were transported to 

Florida and plants deemed too large to move, like the 

historic 1842 cycads in the Garden Court, had cuttings 

taken for propagation. 

GROWING IN SIZE AND POPULARITY

Top: U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory and employees, circa 1856

Middle: Visitors in the Palm Promenade, circa 1890

Bottom: Palm House portion of the USBG Conservatory, circa 1917
12 FEATURE

“One of my goals is to increase the amount of scientific 

research at the Garden,” Chapotin said. “Over the last few 

decades, the Garden has supported several national and 

international science and conservation projects, but there 

is room for more direct research and conservation work 

to be done by visiting scientists and our own employees.”

The USBG cofounded the North American Orchid 

Conservation Center along with the Smithsonian 

Institution in 2011. Today, the Garden is involved in 

research on the interconnection between orchids and 

mycorrhizal fungi and will soon grow research plants as 

part of its orchid collection. 

On December 11, 2001, after four years, the 

Conservatory, renovated with modernized systems, 

reopened to welcome visitors.

EXPANDING SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Visitors explore the Orchid house

Employees plant the new green roof at the U.S. Botanic Garden - October 2019
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 13

“We want to continue the Garden’s legacy of showcasing 

a wide variety of useful plants and to expand our work in 

keeping the planet healthy for the next generation,” said 

Susan Pell, deputy executive director. “We look forward to 

welcoming visitors from diverse communities across the 

United States and around the world as we begin the next 

200 years of plant exploration and discovery.”

The USBG offered over 2,600 broad, inclusive and educational programs in 2019, engaging more than 102,300 

participants. Events included dance performances, 

community art workshops and interactive programs on 

cultural use of plants for food, beauty products and 

medicine. The USBG’s inclusive programming includes 

expedited entry, early morning and evening visits for 

individuals with cognitive or sensory processing 

EDUCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

A 2017 trip to the Philippines restarted USBG plant 

exploration, which continues domestically and 

internationally. “The goal is to increase representation of wild-collected plants at the Garden to 

improve the conservation value of our collection,” 

said Jim Adams, horticulture manager. “The Garden’s 

major collections of orchids, American native plants, 

desert plants and economic plants will all receive a 

boost from such work.”

In 2019, the USBG installed more than 29,000 plants 

to create a 5,000-square-foot green roof atop the 

stone portion of the Conservatory. The green roof, a 

research project planted with traditional sedum and 

native plants (mostly grasses), compares stormwater 

retention by the different plantings.

Finally, the USBG fosters plant sciences by making its 

collections and facilities available to visiting scholars 

and by helping to train horticulturalists, botanists 

and educators. The USBG plans to expand its internship program and facilitate collaborative research on 

its collections.

Given its metropolitan location and national presence, the USBG has an important role in evaluating, 

demonstrating and disseminating information on 

urban sustainability. In addition to the green roof, the 

USBG plans to establish a demonstration urban farm 

and showcase rain gardens, native plants and 

pollinator-friendly horticulture.

Left: The 93-feet-tall Tropics house in the Conservatory showcases 

tropical plants from around the world

“THE GOAL IS TO INCREASE

 REPRESENTATION OF 

WILD-COLLECTED 

PLANTS AT THE GARDEN 

TO IMPROVE THE 

CONSERVATION VALUE 

OF OUR COLLECTION.”
14 FEATURE

disabilities, monthly programs that highlight plant 

connections for individuals with dementia, and tactile 

tours designed for individuals who are blind or have low 

vision. Other on-site resources include sensory bags 

with fidgets, noise-reducing headphones and weighted 

lap blankets. As part of this work, the USBG is conducting a visitor study to learn who visits the Garden and 

who does not. The results will support programs 

designed to serve broader community needs.

The USBG continues to expand its training and exhibitions. Over the past two years, the USBG has offered 

urban agriculture career training programs for veterans 

in partnership with the National Center for Appropriate 

Technology and train-the-trainer programs for professionals with the Chicago Botanic Garden. A new USBG 

2020 exhibit in the Kitchen Garden is a collaboration 

with George Washington’s Mount Vernon and Thomas 

Jefferson’s Monticello. This yearlong display celebrates 

the historic connection between the USBG and these 

Founding Fathers by showcasing plants and interpretive 

stories from the two estates.

 A volunteer shares the story of cacao (Theobroma cacao) with young visitors
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 15

Building from an idea proposed by George Washington, 

the USBG has grown to impact the public garden, 

education and conservation communities through 

initiatives and partnerships like the Sustainable SITES 

InitiativeTM, the North American Orchid Conservation 

Center, Morning at the Garden, Project BudBurst, the 

Mid-Atlantic Regional seed bank, and multiple 

conservation assessments through Botanic Gardens 

Conservation International. The USBG continues a 

legacy two centuries strong to fulfill its original mission 

of connecting people and plants. 

DEEPLY ROOTED, BRANCHING OUTWARD

Rose Garden at the U.S. Botanic Garden
16 

FIVE SPRING 

GARDENING TIPS

BY THE NUMBERS

Spring has arrived! Our expert gardeners shared a few tips to help ensure 

success as you prepare your gardens for spring and beyond.

SURVEY THE LANDSCAPE REGULARLY: Pest populations 

respond to seasonal changes. As the weather warms, pests are 

more active and search for shelter, food, water and breeding 

sites. Frequent monitoring allows you to quickly identify and 

respond to damage-causing pests.

TEST YOUR GARDEN SOIL: Testing is recommended every 

three to five years to see what nutrients or organic materials 

soil needs or has too much of. For example, if you learn that 

your soil is high in phosphorus, avoid phosphorus-heavy 

fertilizers. Or, if you discover your soil is naturally alkaline, add 

aluminum sulfate to support evergreens and acid-loving 

shrubs like hydrangeas.

1

2
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 17

WATER DEEP AND EARLY: Since 

warmer temperatures aid evaporation, lawns should be watered in 

the early morning and long 

enough to soak 6-inches deep, 

then allowed to dry during the 

day. Deep watering is successful if 

a screwdriver blade can easily 

penetrate to a depth of 6 inches. 

3

PRUNE, PRUNE, PRUNE: 

Vegetation that survives the winter 

needs to be pruned. Older and 

diseased shoots should be pruned 

while dormant in the winter or early 

spring. You can prevent the spread 

of fungal particles by disposing of 

damaged and diseased foliage. 

4

TIME TO SPRUCE THINGS UP: 

In addition to fertilizers and organic 

materials you may add to your 

gardens, think about adding mulch 

to your flower beds and gardens. 

One to 3 inches of mulch helps 

prevent weeds and diseases. It also 

keeps the moisture in the garden 

and maintains the soil temperature. 

5

Top: Gardener Dustin Pfieffer drills holes to 

prepare for planting flowers

Middle: Gardener Theresa Hofmeister plants 

seasonal summer annuals and perennials

Bottom: Gardener Assistant Supervisor MJ 

Bardwell string trims around trees and in areas 

mowers must avoid getting too close to
The finished SR-253 hearing room, with the ceiling and plaster reliefs repainted to appear like carved stone, which is truer to the architects’ 

original intention. 
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 19

The Senate Office Buildings jurisdiction recently completed a 

project to restore the hearing room for the U.S. Senate Committee 

on Commerce, Science and Transportation (SR-253) in the Russell 

Senate Office Building.

The renovation required exceptional effort and cross-jurisdictional 

teamwork to transform the space into a state-of-the art hearing 

room while simultaneously restoring its original architectural 

intent. This effort, which furthers the Architect of the Capitol’s 

(AOC) strategic goals of creating awe-inspiring facilities and 

providing extraordinary service, has resulted in major improvements to a key room in the Senate buildings. The project is also 

serving as a pilot for an extensive hearing room renovation program planned in the Senate buildings over the next 15 years.

HEARING ROOM RENOVATION FOR 

THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, 

SCIENCE AND TRANSPORTATION

BEFORE & AFTER

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH YODER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HATZENBUHLER
20 BEFORE & AFTER

The renovation project prioritized historic preservation and revitalized the Beaux Arts interior envisioned by Carrère and 

Hastings, the renowned architectural firm who designed the building in the early 20th century. The project team completed a comprehensive historic paint analysis and researched primary archival sources to restore the room to its period 

of significance, which was determined to be when the fourth wing was added to the Russell Building.

An expanded, custom-made wood 

rostrum and dais rotated 90 

degrees to accommodate the larger 

number of committee members 

Advanced multimedia technology,

including 14-inch monitors, touchscreen control panels and 

microphones integrated directly into 

the dais for each member, and 

camera equipment concealed by 

wooden bookcases when not in use

State-of-the-art lighting, with 

advanced LED technology designed 

to reduce glare, improve recorded 

image quality, require far less 

manipulation for hearings and other 

special events, and generate less heat 

Advanced HVAC systems, with 

rerouted ductwork for optimized 

temperature control and air flow 

Improved ADA-accessibility, 

bringing the hearing room into 

compliance with the Americans with 

Disabilities Act and providing critical 

accommodations for senators, 

congressional staff and visitors with 

special needs

Custom furnishings, including a 

14-foot witness table, a faux fireplace 

hearth and a wooden door with 

split-top rail to maintain the room’s 

historic appearance while incorporating needed infrastructure upgrades 

Custom carpeting, drapery 

treatments and bronze handrails,

with the carpet design inspired by 

the diamond pattern in the historic 

marble flooring underneath and 

ornate draperies paired with blackout roller shades to better control 

incoming light

Reduced energy use and substantial cost savings from key lighting 

and HVAC system upgrades

Exceptional craftsmanship, 

teamwork and collaboration 

throughout the project 

The hearing room renovation also features several other important upgrades:

Left: The initial stage of the hearing room renovation, which shows the previous color scheme and the new custom wood dais that has been 

expanded and rotated 90 degrees to accommodate a larger number of committee members. 

Right: Matt Flechner, woodcrafter leader with the Senate Woodcrafting Branch, installs a 14-inch monitor, microphone and touchscreen 

control panel for each senator into the dais, making sure the equipment doesn’t impair the sight line of committee members during hearings.
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 21

Top left: Quincy Biggs, painting worker with the Senate Painting Branch, paints the anteroom’s new wall, which was added to conceal 

upgraded lighting controls and audiovisual equipment. 

Top Right: Scott Johnson, an electrician with the Senate Electrical Branch, installs new cabling in the in-floor raceway, the trough for essential 

electrical, IT and audiovisual infrastructure running below the hearing room floor.

Middle right: Warren Campbell, a mason with the Senate Masonry Branch, sets marble tile in the renovated ADA-compliant restroom, with the 

tile selected to match the standard of the Russell Building restrooms. 

Bottom: The finished hearing room features a three-legged custom wooden witness table (center), which was specially designed without legs 

on one side to provide an extended span to accommodate several witnesses. The custom carpeting was also inspired by the diamond pattern 

in the room’s historic marble flooring.
22 HEADER

SHARING YOUR WORK, 

ONE SELFIE AT A TIME

EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHTS

COVID-19 has had an impact on nearly every aspect of 

our lives, but it has not prevented you from meeting 

our mission to serve, preserve and inspire. Thank you 

for sharing these moments that collectively allow 

Congress and the Supreme Court to continue the 

nation’s democratic process.
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 23
24 
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 25

CAPITOL BUILDING 

SELF-INSPECTIONS

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY

W R I T T E N BY E R I N N E L S O N 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEWITT ROSEBOROUGH

Given the impact COVID-19 is having on us all, safety is at the top 

of most minds these days. Things we used to take for granted like 

going to the movies, ballpark or grocery store are either nonexistent or take more planning than we’re used to.

Things are no different for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC). We 

have adapted to this new environment and continue to evaluate 

how best to keep our employees safe. While many things have 

changed in recent weeks, our commitment to safety was present 

long before our vocabulary expanded to include words like 

coronavirus, COVID-19 or social distancing. 
26 SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY

One of the important ways we’re advancing our safety 

efforts is through self-inspections, which are part of the 

agency’s Strategic Plan. They are a way for jurisdictions 

to self-identify and self-correct risks to ensure a safe 

and environmentally compliant work area. Some of 

those risks include hazards such as electrical issues. 

Self-inspections offer a chance to check the fire extinguishers, ladders, tools, egresses and other 

housekeeping items. The inspections also allow the 

safety specialists to interact with employees to answer 

questions or address concerns they might have and 

provide on-the-spot training if necessary. 

The Capitol Building jurisdiction is pioneering the 

self-inspection effort and has taken the opportunity to 

involve its leaders including Superintendent Mark Reed, 

Deputy Superintendent Jason McIntyre and Assistant 

Superintendent John Deubler. As Reed explains, his 

leadership team made the decision to perform the 

self-inspections for two main reasons, “First, we want to 

see for ourselves what types of safety violations exist. 

Second, completing the self-inspections allows us to 

experience what we are asking our employees to do. 

Too often, we assign tasks without understanding the 

true impact. This affords the opportunity to understand 

Capitol Building Assistant Superintendent John Deubler documents OSHA violations for abatement during a self-inspection
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 27

John Deubler and Safety Manager Brent Dittman discuss permit requirements

what effort and resources are required to inspect the 

building, identify safety violations and abate the issues. 

It also reinforces the importance of safety.”

Safety, Fire and Environmental Programs (SFEP) 

designed and manages the tool used to track the 

jurisdiction’s inspection findings and has been pleased 

with the impacts of the self-inspections.

“Safety is one of our core values, and inspections are an 

important way for the AOC to ensure a safe environment 

for all who work in or visit the Capitol complex and 

AOC-managed facilities. When Mr. Reed, Mr. McIntyre 

and Mr. Deubler personally perform inspections and 

assure the findings are corrected, it shows the value 

they place on creating a safe workplace. Leaders set the 

example, and I’m excited about the work they are doing 

in this area,” said SFEP Director Pat Williams. 

McIntyre agrees, “The best benefit of the self-inspection 

program is that it is an avenue for our jurisdiction to 

improve the safety of the work environment for the men 

and women maintaining the U.S. Capitol. When our 

shop employees see our front office taking a personal 

interest in their safety, my goal is that it will empower 

them to take the same approach and identify safety 

improvements to help protect their fellow workers.” 
28 SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY

Before COVID-19 upended many of our schedules, 

we tagged along on a self-inspection with the 

Capitol Building’s Safety and Occupational Health 

Manager Brent Dittman, Safety and Occupational 

Health Specialist Gerardo Figueroa and Deubler.

For Deubler, the primary goal is to protect the U.S. 

Capitol for future generations. “I am just one in a 

long line of AOC employees who have taken care of 

the building since 1793, and I want to make sure it is 

around for many years to come. Part of protecting 

the Capitol is trying to eliminate all safety hazards 

that can potentially injure our staff or other occupants or can damage the building,” he said. 

Deubler regularly attends project meetings to stay 

informed about what staff are working on, but that 

isn’t the same as seeing it firsthand. “Getting out in 

the field lets me see the high quality of the work. I 

am always impressed with the standard of care the 

AOC employees show for the Capitol Building.” 

One could argue that same standard of care has 

been around for centuries. 

THE PRIMARY GOAL

IS TO PROTECT THE 

U.S. CAPITOL FOR 

FUTURE GENERATIONS

Top: John Deubler inspects the ceiling of a mechanical space

Bottom: (left to right) Gerardo Figueroa, John Deubler and Brent 

Dittman are part of the Capitol Building team that performs monthly 

self-inspections
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 29

As we followed the team through the mechanical space scheduled for that day’s inspection, 

Figueroa described the elements in the room 

and the efforts it has taken to transform it into 

what it is today. “This is a unique, one-of-a-kind 

building. It has gone from having no electricity 

to a system of pulleys and levers to modern-day 

HVAC and electrical systems — several of which 

involved transforming small, cramped spaces. 

What we have accomplished collectively over 

the generations is impressive.” 

And thanks to the efforts of the Capitol Building 

team, the improvements continue. 

The self-inspections are scheduled about once a 

month with two of the Capitol’s superintendents, while Dittman and Figueroa perform 

inspections daily. “Whether it be shop inspections with supervisors or while we’re just 

walking down the hall, the goal is always the 

same — increasing the safety of employees,” 

said Dittman.

And for McIntyre that is the ultimate goal, 

“Safety of our employees is my highest priority. 

As a newer employee to the Capitol Building 

jurisdiction, this program allows me to put a 

fresh set of eyes on spaces our staff have been 

working in for many years. Eliminating a potential shock or fall hazard is important work 

— everyone goes home safe and we can 

continue to serve Congress and preserve the 

U.S. Capitol.” 

Inspections are a daily part of life for the Capitol 

Building’s safety and occupational health team. They’re 

responsible for the care of about 1.5 million square feet 

— including the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Visitor Center.

U.S. Capitol & CVC

12.34 Nationals Parks

=
30 

A VISIT TO THE AMERICAN 

COLLEGE OF THE BUILDING ARTS

BEYOND THE DOME

WRIT TEN BY KATE HOLDER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY HCMD

The Architect of the Capitol’s (AOC) mission cannot 

be fulfilled without its employees possessing the 

skills required to meet the AOC’s deep 

commitment to maintaining the historic buildings 

of Capitol Hill.

As such, the AOC relies on a workforce that is 

approximately 70 percent skilled tradespeople, a 

class of workers including masons, plasterers and 

woodworkers that have been in short supply in the 

labor market for the past several years. For every 

three skilled tradespeople retiring in America 

today, only one new worker is taking their place. 

SERVE

PRESERVE

INSPIRE 
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 31

The AOC team at the ACBA (left to right): Mike Miller, John McPhaul and Marvin Cortez

“We’re trying to attract our workforce of tomorrow while 

retaining our workforce of today,” said the AOC’s Deputy 

Chief Human Capital Officer John McPhaul. “That’s how 

we’ll ensure the transfer of knowledge and expertise in 

maintaining the historic buildings entrusted to our care.” 

The AOC’s Human Capital Management Division (HCMD) 

has been working intensely to create new recruitment 

efforts and identify new sources of skilled tradespeople. 

Last fall, hopes were raised for establishing a new, 

long-term source of skilled labor when AOC staff members from HCMD and the Library Buildings and Grounds 

jurisdiction spent a day touring the American College of 

the Building Arts (ACBA) in Charleston, South Carolina. 

“WE’RE TRYING TO 

ATTRACT OUR 

WORKFORCE OF 

TOMORROW WHILE 

RETAINING OUR 

WORKFORCE OF TODAY.”
32 BEYOND THE DOME

“We’re hoping to establish a partnership with the 

college that allows us to build a talent pipeline for 

AOC positions that are considered hard to fill,” said 

McPhaul, who was accompanied on the trip by 

HCMD Chief of Talent Acquisition and Classification 

Marvin Cortez and Library Buildings and Grounds 

Mason Supervisor Mike Miller. 

ACBA offers a unique liberal arts education that also 

trains artisans in the traditional building arts. The 

college was established in 1999, 10 years after 

Category 4 Hurricane Hugo devastated the coastal 

Carolina region and damaged more than 80 percent 

of Charleston’s historic structures. The lack of skilled 

workers there delayed rebuilding efforts for years. 

In 2004, ACBA began offering a Bachelor of Applied 

Science degree in building arts, making it the only 

four-year school in the country dedicated to traditional trades. The academic program offers craft 

specialization in seven disciplines: architectural 

carpentry, architectural stone, classical architecture, 

forged architectural ironwork, masonry, plasterwork 

and timber framing. The college also offers a twoyear Associate of Applied Science degree.

During their visit to the school, McPhaul, Cortez and 

Miller were hosted by ACBA’s chief academic officer 

and chief financial officer; they also met briefly with 

ACBA President Lt. General Colby M. Broadwater III. 

After touring offices and student workshops, the 

AOC delegation presented an overview of AOC 

career opportunities during two one-hour sessions 

that were each attended by around 50 students.

As the AOC’s subject matter expert, Miller observed 

students at work in the college’s shops and talked to 

them about what they were learning as well as what 

one could expect from an AOC job. “I think their 

Top: An ACBA woodcrafting workshop

Bottom: Mike Miller (left) talks with ACBA Chief Academic Officer 

Wade Razzi
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 33

students would be great assets for us,” said Miller. 

“They’re mature, they’re learning the right skills and 

they also know computer applications, which you have 

to have in the trades today.”

Miller, who’s worked at the AOC for over 30 years, 

helped impress upon ACBA students the advantages of 

working at the AOC as opposed to short-term construction jobs. “I told them, here you have year-round work, 

you’re treated like a real person, safety always comes 

first, and the benefits can’t be beat,” Miller said. “I think 

I opened some eyes, especially about the benefits and 

the chance to move up.”

The AOC offers “career ladder” promotional opportunities in most jobs including skilled trades, where workers 

can advance from a helper position to journey level all 

the way up to a supervisory position. “It’s a critical part 

of our worker retention efforts,” McPhaul said.

Prospects for a fruitful partnership with ACBA appear 

promising. “We are hoping to establish some new 

internship positions within our existing summer intern 

program that helps fulfill ACBA student requirements to 

do ‘externships’ as part of their studies,” McPhaul said. 

The AOC program would create three new intern 

positions: masonry aide, woodcrafter aide and plasterer 

work aide. 

As a start, three ACBA students have been scheduled to 

participate in the AOC’s 2020 Summer Intern Program. As 

this goes to print, however, it’s uncertain as to when this 

year’s program will begin given COVID-19 safety concerns.

 “We’re also looking at training exchange opportunities,” Cortez said, “where we would send our artisans 

down to ACBA to learn some of the techniques taught 

by the college and then bring that knowledge back to 

the AOC to help train our people.”

It would be a natural fit. The two organizations strive to 

foster a workforce dedicated to craftsmanship and 

historic preservation in service of the architectural 

heritage of our country and beyond. 

Serve, preserve and inspire — it’s the ethos behind the 

AOC’s drive to recruit and nurture a skilled workforce 

now and in the future.

“THEY’RE MATURE, THEY’RE LEARNING THE RIGHT 

SKILLS AND THEY ALSO KNOW COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, 

WHICH YOU HAVE TO HAVE IN THE TRADES TODAY.”
34 

The Architect of the Capitol has received many letters, emails 

and calls expressing gratitude from the congressional community for your work throughout this pandemic. Without you, the 

work of Congress and the Supreme Court could not continue. 

You have made it possible for the buildings to remain open and 

for the work of Congress to carry on. We want you to know that 

your efforts have not gone unnoticed. We are grateful for your 

dedication to the AOC and our nation. Here’s a recap of the 

thank yous we have received. 

THANK YOU FROM THE 

CONGRESSIONAL COMMUNITY

AOC GRATITUDE
THOLOS | VOLUME 13 35
Dear Mr. Blanton,

I would like to take this opportunity to commend the teams that make 

up the workforce of the Architect of the Capitol. The challenging days 

the country finds itself in have been an exceptional challenge for 

everyone that has both the honor and responsibility of working for this 

institution. The Architect’s office in particular has a unique mission and 

continues to execute that with excellence every day.

While we may not know every task each person performs, on behalf of 

a grateful Senate please accept my thanks and admiration for the work 

you continue to do each day to keep our Capitol and its buildings 

operating at a high level.

Sincerely,

Mitch McConnell

Senate Majority Leader

LETTERS
Dear Colleagues of the Architect of the Capitol,

I want to express my immense gratitude for your hard work and dedication under the most 

challenging of circumstances. As most Americans remain quarantined in the safety of their 

own homes, many of you leave your families each day to come to the Capitol campus. I know 

that doing so is not easy, but the essential work you perform allows Congress to provide much 

needed assistance to the American people. Put simply, the dedication and skill shown by both 

the staff present on campus and those working off-site are an inspiration. 

I am particularly grateful for the herculean effort it took to prepare the Capitol and House 

Chamber for the March 27th vote on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security 

(CARES) Act. Although we still have much more work to do, the programs authorized by that 

law are providing much needed relief to American workers, families, businesses and healthcare systems. This relief would not be available to the American people without your work. 

I look forward to eventually being able to return to business as usual. Until then, please stay 

safe and healthy, and know that Members of Congress from across the country are deeply 

appreciative of all that you do. Thank you. 

Sincerely, 

Zoe Lofgren 

Chairperson 

Committee on House Administration

THOLOS | VOLUME 13 37
EXCERPTS FROM A THANK YOU VIDEO CREATED BY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE 

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE 

“I just want to thank everybody on the Hill, whether it’s the Architect of the Capitol people, 

whether it’s the House Administration, House physician, Capitol Police, for everything you’re 

doing to keep us safe and also to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Know that we appreciate you, 

we thank you and we pray for you every day. So God bless. Thank you and we look forward to 

seeing you when we get back.”

Congressman Denver Riggleman

“I wanted to say thanks to all the folks that enable us to do our jobs in a safe, healthy and secure 

way. I’m talking about the Capitol Police, the Sergeant at Arms, the Architect of the Capitol, 

Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, the Attending Physician and everybody at the Office of 

Employee Assistance. Y’all are awesome, and I just want to say thanks for protecting us from 

COVID-19 and allowing us here in Congress to keep working on behalf of the American people.”

Congressman Will Hurd

“I want to thank everyone on Capitol Hill from our police to our cleaning staff to the Architect of 

the Capitol for doing such a great job of maintaining the Capitol, keeping it safe, keeping it 

clean, making sure it’s a safe working environment. We can’t thank you enough, so a big 

shout-out to everyone.”

Congressman Bob Latta

Mullin thanked “all of our vital employees that are still at the nation’s capital making sure 

that members still have access and we have the vital resources we need, from the Capitol 

Police that are constantly keeping us safe, the Sergeant at Arms that’s out there giving us 

information daily, our attending physicians that are taking care of all the members and the 

staff that’s on the Hill. From our staff that is manning our offices and getting those resources 

to us to the Capitol Architect and the whole maintenance crew that’s making sure that we’re 

not spreading the coronavirus among ourselves and taking it home to our families. I just 

want to say thank you. Thank you for the work that you’re doing. May God bless you and 

may God bless the United States of America.”

Congressman Markwayne Mullin

38 THANK YOU
“I’m proud to have helped secure 

$25 million for @uscapitol to ensure 

Congress can conduct the people’s 

business and ensure a strong 

national response to the coronavirus pandemic. Yesterday, I heard 

from AOC Brett Blanton about his 

office’s response efforts.”

Congressman Mike Quigley

“I was pleased to hear from @uscapitol Brett Blanton today about 

how Congressional-appropriated funds are helping the AOC keep 

the Capitol safe and clean and ensure payment for furloughed 

employees during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Congresswoman Lois Frankel 

“Thank you to employees within @uscapitol and the House for helping 

us vote today on necessary assistance for the American people while 

keeping us and staff safe!”

House Admin Committee GOP

“Hey everyone that’s still on campus in Washington, D.C. I know you’re working hard. I know this is a trying 

time. We’re in an unprecedented moment in our nation’s history fighting this virus, and I know that virus has 

come to Capitol Hill. Every one of you have worked very hard to give us the best response possible. I really want 

to thank everyone, including Chief Administrative Officer Phil Kiko and his entire team who are working hard to 

make sure that our House operations remain viable while almost every office teleworks. I want to thank the 

United States Capitol Police for securing the Capitol and the complex in dealing with the many issues that their 

officers and personnel face every day. Brett Blanton, the Architect of the Capitol brand new on the job – you 

couldn’t have asked for a crazier time to join the team. Great job. Great work. Please give my thanks to all the 

AOC employees.”

Congressman Rodney Davis

TWEETS
Communications and Congressional Relations

U.S. Capitol, Room SB-16

Washington, DC 20515

Tholos Spring 2020

The Architect of the Capitol strives 

to meet its mission 24 hours a day, 

365 days a year to serve Congress 

and the Supreme Court, preserve

America’s Capitol, and inspire

memorable experiences for all who 

visit the buildings and grounds.

Tholos is distributed by the Architect 

of the Capitol primarily for AOC 

employees. Questions regarding 

content and publication should be 

directed to AOC Communications 

and Congressional Relations at 

communications@aoc.gov, 

202.228.1793, or U.S. Capitol, Room 

SB-16, Washington, DC 20515.

JOIN AOC ONLINE:

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www.aoc.gov

FRONT & BACK 

COVER PHOTOS BY:

Thomas Hatzenbuhler