by: Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP
I have been following the discussion about the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) vacancy in Washington D.C. The hiring process is as follows: Congress’s Architect of the Capitol Commission recommends three potential individuals from which the President may or may not choose one to be appointed for the 10-year position. Controversy has sprouted because these names have not been released to the public, and because of the spreading rumor that someone who is not a registered architect may fill the position.
According to the Architect of the Capitol website, the AOC is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the U.S. Capitol Complex, which includes the Capitol, congressional offices, Library of Congress, Supreme Court, U.S. Botanic Garden, Capitol Power Plant, and other facilities. Duties include mechanical and structural maintenance, upkeep and improvement of the Capitol grounds, and arrangement of inaugural and other ceremonies. Current projects range from the replacement of worn Minton tile in the Senate corridors to the installation of security devices and the development of a Capitol Complex Master Plan. The AOC must also serve as a member of eight governing or advisory bodies including the D.C. Zoning Commission, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the Capitol Police Board.
To be expected, the AIA has been voicing its collective opinion that the position must be filled by a licensed, registered architect — see The Architect of the Capitol Should be an Architect website. The website includes links to the AIA Board of Directors’ letter to the President, a letter supporting the AIA’s position from former AOC George M. White, FAIA, ongoing coverage in the Angle, and commentary on the AIA Archiblog. There is also a petition to Congress.
I agree that for a job called “Architect,” a registered architect must fill the position. This has been established by law. However, in reviewing the many responsibilities of the AOC, I see that it would be difficult to find one person who can successfully fill the vacancy. On the AIA Archiblog, Desiree Sheehan asks, “Wouldn’t appointing a design team be a better choice?” Collaboration and specialization is a trend in the architecture profession. Here is an opportunity to redefine the AOC, giving a team of individuals with diverse experiences the chance to successfully shape the future of the nation’s capital.